World Heritage in India: the most beautiful sites to see

If traveling in India can arouse some apprehensions, the grandiose landscapes, encounters, and cultural richness of this immense country make it an unmissable destination. The wealth of world heritage in India will probably make you want to return. Indeed, it will take several trips to discover the grandeur of the architecture, the magic of the landscapes, and the extraordinary Indian culture… Traveling in India also means taking a step into the unknown, facing a unique cultural shock, and this requires a lot of preparation. Off the beaten path or on organized tours, there are many possibilities from north to south. Going on a trip to India cannot be improvised: whether with family or on a honeymoon, preparing your tailor-made trip will ensure you fully enjoy the jewels of this country, most of which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Today, we present to you some of the most beautiful sites in India.

The Taj Mahal, an architectural masterpiece

Mausoleum of Mumtaz Mahal, a princess, and a masterpiece of Mughal architecture that has paradoxically become the emblem of India. Paradoxical, because it is a monument dedicated to mourning. It was built between 1631 and 1653: 22 years of construction were necessary to erect this monument meant to represent all the sadness the emperor felt at the death of his wife.

Amritsar, world heritage in India

There you will find the Golden Temple in the old city of Amritsar, in Punjab. It is the nerve center of Sikhism, an interfaith meeting place that welcomes Hindus, Muslims, and especially Sikhs from all over the world. It is one of the most spectacular places in India.

Darjeeling, on the slopes of the Himalayas

"Dorjee-Ling" ("the place of Lightning") is a city, but also the place where, at 2400 m on the slopes of the Himalayas, tea plantations stretch out. An ideal stopover city for trekkers, it is also one of the must-see places to visit in Western India. This Himalayan getaway is a must if you are organizing your tailor-made trip to North India.

Ellora and its 34 monasteries

Here is a site listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Ellora site is made up of 34 monasteries over 2 km, along a basalt cliff about a hundred meters high. The Kailasa temple is the most famous monument of this unique set of monolithic constructions. Going to Ellora is like taking a leap into the past thanks to the monumental sculptures and the stripped-down charm of the temples.

Varanasi (or Benares)

It is one of the oldest cities in the world and is one of the holiest places in Hinduism – it is considered the spiritual capital of India. It is a spectacular city. Every year, a few hundred thousand pilgrims come to bathe in the Ganges. It is also the place where Hindus come to breathe their last in order to break the cycle of reincarnations and reach nirvana – moksha. Colorful and chaotic, it is a city that cannot leave anyone indifferent. Mythical and mystical!

Tamil Nadu (formerly Madras)

The richness of its religious architecture is the main strength of this state. The official language is Tamil, and it is one of the oldest in the world. It is an essential stop in South India. This region is the cradle of Dravidian culture. The colorful temples are unique in their kind and contrast with the 18th and 19th-century churches of Pondicherry. Finally, the landscapes are very varied and allow you to go from beaches to desert plains.

Srinagar in Kashmir

Built around water at 1700 m altitude, Srinagar is the summer capital of Kashmir. In Sanskrit, Srinagar means "holy" or "abundant wealth". Famous for its boats, its Mughal gardens (like the Shalimar garden in nearby Pakistan) and its large 17th-century mosque (the Jama Masjid), the city is resplendent.

Puri, on the Bay of Bengal

A seaside resort, Puri is located in the state of Odisha on the coast of the Bay of Bengal. It is one of the seven holy cities of India, where Hindus can express their fervor. During the month of July, the city celebrates the Râthayâtra festival. Three chariots each house one of the city's deities: Balabhadra, Sudhadra, and Jagannâtha. They cross the city and are brought to the Gundicha temple. The beaches, though very busy, remain pleasant.

Kolkata, Calcutta

It is one of the most fascinating cities in India. Misery is omnipresent – more than 2 million people are homeless. Very polluted, the traffic is insane and the population density per km2 rises to 25,000 inhabitants! It is the third largest city in India after Mumbai and Delhi. It is built on a delta of the Ganges. It is the cultural heritage of Calcutta that is the most interesting, although the buildings are in very poor condition. Former city of the British Raj, there are countless monuments and sites to visit.

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Khajuraho

In the countryside, the archaeological site of Khajuraho is famous for its erotic sculptures. The temples of Khajuraho were built between the 9th and 12th centuries. Its perfect state of preservation makes it one of the most visited places in the country. It is a unique site for the beauty, purity, and coherence of the works of art. A guide will be very useful to understand these works.

Hampi, calm and serenity

400 majestic temples scattered over 30 km2… It is a splendid site where tropical plants mingle with the reliefs and other granite statues. When you get off the bus that takes you there, usually the rickshaws besiege you to offer their services. It is a rather calm city, on the edge of a river, which contrasts with the omnipresent hustle and bustle in both North and South India. The site is protected and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so there are no large resorts: you will have to stay in guesthouses of different standards, for a few rupees.

Goa and yoga

It is not a city, but a state that we invite you to discover; Portuguese until 1961, it is on the edge of the Arabian Sea. The landscapes are superb: coconut trees, tropical and lush vegetation… the light and climate are typical of South India. Inland, we can admire beautiful houses decorated with azulejos (traditional Portuguese blue or white ceramics) which have a very special charm, among the preserved 17th-century churches and Hindu temples. Former stronghold of the hippies of the 60s, the state of Goa is very popular with ecotourism and alternative tourism enthusiasts. Arambol, for example, is a place much appreciated by fans of yoga, meditation, and other contemporary hippies! It is a must for a stay in South India.