Seven Must Do Attractions of India
Knowing what you want to see at your travel destination and having a thought-out plan is the key to any successful trip. But it is absolutely essential for an overwhelming country like India. Even if your itinerary changes its always good to have a general idea of what you want to see and where you want to go. Adventure Woman has Seven “Must Do” recommendations for India. There are hundreds of other phenomenal sights and attractions in this vast and exotic land, but this diverse list will whet your appetite to start packing.
- Taj Mahal: also known as "the Taj" is considered the finest example of Mughal architecture in the world. In 1983, the Taj Mahal became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The glittering marble domed mausoleum is India’s most famous structure. In 1631, emperor, Shah Jahan, was grief-stricken when his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, died during the birth of their fourteenth child. Construction began the following year in 1632. The Taj is a monument to his love for her and an inspiration for love everywhere.
- Agra Fort: The Fort is about 2.5 km northwest of the Taj Mahal. The reddish color structure is a walled city, and the most significant fort in India. The country was governed from here and it dates back to at least 1080AD. History was made behind these vast walls. The treasury was housed here and it was visited by foreign politicians, important ambassadors, and traveling dignitaries who helped create history.
- Markets and Bazaars: The colors, the smells, the hustle and bustle and bartering of the India Markets is unsurpassed. A person needs to experience an Indian Bazaar or Market at least once during a visit. Markets sell everything you can possibly imagine: from books to snakes and from monkeys to teapots. It is the heart of Indian domestic commerce.
- Khajuraho Temples: is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is thought to be one of the "seven wonders" of India. Only 25 of the original 80 temples still stand today and the rubble covers approximately 8 sq miles. The temples have gained popularity over the years due to their explicit sexual depiction of life during the medieval times (about 10% of the images have sexual themes). Regardless of the provocative images, this is a not to be missed site.
- Ajanta & Ellorna Caves: In 1983, the Ajanta Caves were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The caves are located in Maharashtra, India. There are 28 - 30 made-made cave monuments created during the first century BCE and subsequently in the 5th century AD. These caves contain beautiful artistic masterpieces of Buddhist art and pictorial art.
- Bannergate National Park (Tiger Sanctuary): The 25,000 acre zoological park is located south of Bangalore in Karnataka, India. It is one of the biggest tourist attractions of Bangalore. The Bannerghatta Reserve has numerous tigers including rare white tigers, and lions. They have other animals, as well. Additionally they boost India’s first Butterfly Park and a small zoo. What’s India if you can’t see a Tiger?
- Rafting the Gauges River: Ganges River, Known as the, “the mother goddess of India,” offers world-class whitewater rafting. It is considered the most sacred river of the Hindus. The Ganges River rushes by lush hillsides and dense forests, offering both a scenic and thrilling adventure. There are over a dozen major rapids to keep your adrenaline pumping, but options for the advanced rafter to the faint-hearted novice exist.
If you go, let us know! Send you photos and comments on India to Submit@AdventureWoman.com. Thank you! See you there.
Photo by Ruby Rideout. For more information on Ruby see her Adventure Interview and her blog: http://rubyrideout.blogspot.com