World Heritage in India: The Most Beautiful Sites to See

If traveling to India can cause some apprehension, the magnificent landscapes, encounters, and cultural richness of this vast country make it an essential destination. The richness of the world heritage in India will likely make you want to return. Indeed, several trips will be needed to discover the grandeur of architecture, the magic of the landscapes, and the extraordinary Indian culture...
Traveling in India is also taking a step into the unknown, facing a unique cultural shock, which requires a lot of preparation. Off the beaten path or organized tours, there are numerous possibilities from north to south.
Going on a trip to India is not spontaneous: whether with family or on a honeymoon, preparing your tailor-made trip will ensure you fully enjoy the treasures of this country, most of which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Today, we present some of India's most beautiful sites.

The Taj Mahal, 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 were needed to erect this monument meant to represent all the sadness the emperor felt at his wife's death.

Amritsar, world heritage in India

Here you will find the Golden Temple or the in the old city of Amritsar, Punjab. It is the nerve center of Sikhism, an interfaith meeting place that hosts 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 Thunder”) is a city and also where tea plantations spread at 2400 m on the slopes of the Himalayas. An ideal stopover city for trekkers, it is also one of the must-visit places in Western India. This Himalayan escapade is essential when organizing your tailor-made trip to North India.

Ellora and its 34 monasteries

Here is a site classified as UNESCO World Heritage. The Ellora site consists 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 set of unique monolithic constructions. Going to Ellora is like taking a leap into the past thanks to monumental sculptures and the austere charm of temples.

Varanasi (or Benares)

It is one of the oldest cities in the world and is among the holiest places in Hinduism – considered as being India's spiritual capital. It is a spectacular city. Every year, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims come to bathe in the Ganges. It is also where Hindus come to take their last breath to break the cycle of reincarnations and reach nirvana – moksha. Colorful and chaotic, it is a city that leaves no one indifferent. Mythical and mystical!

Tamil Nadu (formerly Madras)

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

Srinagar in Kashmir

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

Puri, on the Gulf of Bengal

A seaside resort, Puri is located in Odisha state on the Gulf of Bengal coast. It is one of India's seven holy cities, where Hindus can express their fervor. During 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 Gundicha Temple. The beaches, although crowded, remain pleasant.

Kolkata, Calcutta

It is one of India's most fascinating cities. Misery is omnipresent – more than 2 million people are homeless. Highly polluted, traffic is insane and population density per Km2 reaches 25,000 inhabitants! It is India's third-largest city after Mumbai and Delhi. Built on a Ganges delta, Calcutta's cultural heritage is most interesting, although buildings are in very poor condition. As a former city of British Raj, there are countless monuments and sites to visit.

Roop_Dey-shutterstock.com## Khajuraho

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

Hampi, calm and serenity

400 majestic temples scattered over 30 km2... It’s a splendid site where tropical plants blend with reliefs and other granite statues. When getting off the bus that takes us there, rickshaws usually besiege you to offer their services. It's quite a calm city by a river that contrasts with omnipresent hustle both in North and South India. Since it's protected and listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site, there are no large resorts: you’ll have to stay in guest houses of different standings for a few rupees.

Goa and yoga

It’s not a city but indeed a state we invite you to discover; Portuguese until 1961, it lies by the Arabian Sea coast. The landscapes are superb: palm trees, lush tropical vegetation... The light and climate are typical of southern India. Inland, we can admire beautiful houses decorated with azulejos (traditional Portuguese blue or white ceramics) which have particular charm amidst well-preserved 17th-century churches and Hindu temples. Former stronghold for hippies from '60s era Goa state is highly appreciated by ecotourism enthusiasts and alternative tourism followers alike; Arambol for instance is much loved by yoga fans meditation practitioners along with other contemporary hippies! It's indispensable during your southern India trip.