India is a nation renowned for its cultural diversity, which has led to a wide variety of locally distinctive architecture and design. Vernacular architecture of different kinds can be witnessed across the buildings in India, boggling the minds of tourists and professionals alike. Known for its centuries-old structures that still stand strong, India has made it a point to continue down the path with equally transfixing new-age designs. From temples to mosques, churches, railway stations, forts, tombs, and much more, Indian architecture never fails to marvel. Here are 15 must-visit sites to leave one intrigued and basking in its glory much after their visit.
Taj Mahal, Agra, Uttar Pradesh | Buildings In India
Think India, think the Taj Mahal. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a commemoration for his wife and Empress, Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj has come to represent a large part of Indian architecture. Built between the years 1631-1653 on the banks of the river Yamuna, this symmetric wonder made of ivory-white marble has been deemed one of the seven wonders of the world and a protected UNESCO world heritage site. One can see this breathtaking monument dramatize itself by reflecting the many hues of the day, creating a picturesque scene all around.
Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Aurangabad, Maharashtra
Carved from a single monolithic structure between the 4th and 9th century BCE, the Ajanta and Ellora caves date back to the Rashtrakutha dynasty. Chiseled from stone, the 34 caves are an iconic location uniting the Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain faiths. Spread across 8242 ha, this UNESCO site is bound to leave one astonished with the degree of intricacy and carving techniques that have been employed. It is believed that over 3 million cubic ft of stone was removed in order to manifest what one sees today.
Sun Temple, Konark, Odisha | Buildings In India
Built to resemble the chariot of the Hindu god of the sun, the Sun Temple, also known as the Surya Deula, was said to have been built by King Narasimha I during the 13th century. The chariot temple, as common in the Kalinga style of architecture, is erected on a plinth to emphasize its importance and can be seen coupled with seven structures of galloping horses guiding the chariot carved out of stone. Additionally, it is popularly believed that the seven horses represent the seven colours of light or VIBGYOR.
Capitol Complex, Chandigarh, Punjab
Designed by the French architect Le Corbusier, the Capitol acts as a government building complex for the states of Haryana and Punjab. Having ensured a UNESCO Heritage status, it has become one of the most popular attractions in India. The eight stories structure provides a direct view of the Himalayan mountain ranges by utilizing an open floor plan held up by intermediary reinforced cement columns, making it a stunning site. It is a must-visit for those looking to explore modern-day contemporary architecture.
Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai, Tamil Nadu | Buildings In India
The Minakshi-Sundareshwara Temple, an abode of Lord Shiva, is well-known for its magnificent architecture worldwide. Dating back to the 1st century BCE, this historic temple was built by Kulasekara Pandya of the Pandyan Dynasty. When viewed from above, the gigantic structure, which spans over 14 acres, perfectly replicates the Mandalas’ shape. With four main gopurams (entrance towers) bathed in detail and ten smaller gopurams, the Meenakshi Amman Temple is the pinnacle of Dravidian architecture. Furthermore, the temple houses a Hall of Thousand Pillars and is vibrant with colour throughout.
Golconda Fort, Hyderabad, Telangana
Located in the western part of Hyderabad, India, the Golconda Fort was constructed between the 14th and 17th centuries during the reign of the Qutub Shahi Dynasty. Having served as the dynasty’s foundation for many years, the fort, which stands on a mountaintop 140 meters above ground level, was impenetrable. The structure still preserves much of its former splendour, including cannons, drawbridges, and magnificent halls, while the inner citadel is home to mosques, palace ruins, and breathtaking vistas.
Ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire, Hampi, Karnataka
Owing to its marvelous heritage, temples, and forts, the Hampi ruins are now a UNESCO Heritage site. Built during the Vijayanagar Empire around 1500 AD, the site was once the heart of the empire. Surrounded throughout by massive boulders, one can only revel in the possibility of what it might have been. As large parts of the site remain a mystery to date, the temples and stories attached to the ruins help in getting a better understanding of its once glorious past.
Lotus Temple, Delhi | Buildings In India
The Lotus Temple, a house of worship for the Bahá’í Faith, is built to resemble a half-open lotus. Designed by the architect Fariborz Sahba and cladded throughout with marble, the temple is one of elegance and splendour. With walkways, pools, and bridges encircling the entirety of its compound along with inbuilt natural ventilation systems, the interior is eternally cool and illuminated with light diffused through the many petals of its structure. The Lotus Temple is also well known for its nine-sided construction following a consistent pattern, much like all Bahá’í mashriqs do.
Jawahar Kala Kendra, Jaipur, Rajasthan
With a built-up area of 9.5 acres and planned by the renowned architect Charles Correa, the design of the Jawahar Kala Kendra directly references the concept of the Navagraha, also known as the nine-house mandala. The space acts as a reinterpretation of the old city and helps unite and preserve Rajasthani arts and crafts through its cultural architecture. Each section of the Kendra resembles its respective planet in colour, disposition, astrological significance, and functionality. Built using red sandstone and marble, the Jawahar Kala Kendra is an ideal representation of what new-age Indian architecture has to offer.
Rani Ki Vav, Gujarat | Buildings In India
Rani Ki Vav, a stepwell in the Maru-Gurjara style, was constructed during the 11th century AD on the banks of the Saraswati River in India. It exhibits the depth and sophistication of Indian subterranean water architecture while highlighting its functionality at the same time. The stepwell, designed to resemble an inverted temple, emphasizes the sanctity of the water and combines religion, mythology, and craft through its finely carved sculptural panels. The tank is entirely encompassed with breathtaking artistry and is 23 meters deep, with seven tiers of stairs leading down to the pool below.
Brihadeeswara Temple, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
The Brihadeeswara Temple, popularly known as the Periya Kovil, is one of India’s great living Chola temples built in the Dravidian style of architecture. The temple is now a UNESCO world heritage site, constructed in 1010 AD by Raja Raja Chola of the Chola dynasty. The temple’s greatest mystery lies in its shadow, surrounded by fortified walls and decorated with statues of immense detail. Due to its cascading stone formation, the structure creates an illusion that the shadow of Brihadeeswara temple never touches the ground. Built with no binding agents, the massive structure is coloured with natural hues and poses an outstanding celebration of Indian architecture.
Golden Temple, Amritsar, Punjab
Considered the most important pilgrimage site in Sikhism, the Golden Temple is the prime Gurdwara or house of worship. The Harmandir Sahib is the centerpiece of a series of buildings that form the heart of Sikhism and is placed at a lower level to symbolize modesty and humbleness. Established in 1604 by the fifth Sikh guru, Arjan, the temple was rebuilt using marble and copper overlaid with gold foil between 1801-1839 after being destroyed by Afgan invaders. Located in the middle of a pool with a causeway connected to the land on its west, the Golden Temple radiates serenity and poise.
Inaugurated in the year 2014 and designed by architects Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the airport makes use of parametric design across its floor plan. The multi-story “X”-shaped structure, known for having one of the largest roofs in the world without any expansion joints, accommodates more than 40 million passengers annually. Inspired by traditional Indian pavilions, the terminal subtly integrates within its area humongous glass-fiber reinforced gypsum columns, regional patterns, and textures, creating a fusion of vernacular elements and modern contemporary design. Covering 70,000 sq meters, the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport evokes a feeling of fluidity and allows for a dynamic and flexible interior.
Jantar Mantar, Jaipur, Rajasthan
The Jantar Mantar is a collection of buildings with distinctive forms, all constructed between 1724 and 1730 by Maharaja Sawaii Jai Singh II to accommodate specific astronomical measurements. The structure, which features 19 observatory instruments in a variety of geometric configurations, exudes a sense of timelessness and is thought to have been well ahead of its time. The tools use Ptolemaic positional astronomy and aid in the observation of celestial objects with the naked eye. It is one of the many wonders of India and a must-see for all.
Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh | Buildings In India
Built by Akbar the Great during the late 16th century, Fatehpur Sikri was once the capital of the Mughal Empire. The city houses within its periphery the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India, along with multiple other temples and monuments. Built in the Indo-Islamic style of architecture, the place is surrounded on three sides by a 6 km-long wall that is reinforced with towers and a total of nine gates. Being a UNESCO heritage site, the structure is made of red sandstone and offers many wonders for visitors to discover and reflect on.
References
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