Top Three Sights to See in India
May 23, 2015
The breathtaking images of India can leave you fascinated with the culture. Get lost in its history and explore everything that this South Asian country has to offer. India is the world's seventh largest country offering high mountains to tropical greenery to desert sands and stunning temples. So pack your bags, hop on a plane and make your way to this captivating country. Here are top three sights to see in India.
Taj Mahal
Located in Agra, India the Taj Mahal is said to be the result of the sun and moon shedding their tears, by its creator, Emperor Shah Jahan. Built as a memorial for his third wife, who died giving birth in 1631, the heartbroken and devastated emperor ordered the construction of this beautiful building the following year. In 1983, the Taj Mahal was designated as a World Heritage site and still looks as immaculate today as when it was first built - even after going through a restoration
project in the early 20th century.
The exquisite details of inlaid semiprecious stones on this building leave many tourists in awe. They are especially amazed at the semitranslucent white marble structure standing on a raised marble platform at the northern end of the ornamental gardens. Topped off by four small domes surrounding the famous bulbous central dome, the Taj Mahal is constructed in perfect symmetry with vaulted arches embellished with pietra dura scrollwork and quotations from the Quran. When the fountains are not flowing, the impressive Taj Mahal can be seen stunningly reflected in the
water.
Amber Fort
Located in Amber, which is 11 kilometres from Jaipur, Rajasthan state, India, this fort is one of the most popular tourist attractions sitting high on a hill. Built by Raja Man Singh I in the 16th century and known for its artistic style combining both Hindu and Rajput elements, many tourists race to this attraction. Man Singh was one of the first war chiefs or 'trusted generals' of the Emperor Akbar and was included in the royal court.
This fortresspalace of white and red sandstone overlooks Maota Lake with its series of gates, along with beautiful cobblestone paths. Nearby, a small temple to Man Singh's patron goddess was built, but the most beautiful part of Amber Fort is the Sheesh Mahal. This Mirror Palace is a hall that is covered with exquisite paintings and flowers made with pure glass from walls to ceiling. It was said that if someone burns two candles, then the reflection off the glass converts
these two small lights into thousands of stars.
Elephanta Island
Cave temples carved into the basalt rock of the island, Elephanta Island is known for the most impressive temple carving in all of India which makes it a Unesco World Heritage Site. The main Shivadedicated temple contains a 6meter tall statue of Sadhashive, which portrays a threefaced Shiva. The serene sight of an enormous central bust of Shiva with its eyes closed in eternal contemplation is known to leave tourists with a calm sense of serenity. Be prepared to cross the
waters to gain access to the temples on Elephanta Island, created between AD 450 and 750.
The Portuguese dubbed the island Elephanta from the large stone elephant near the shore that collapsed in 1814 and moved by the British to Mumbai's Jijamata Udyan.
There are plenty of places to indulge your senses when it comes to the endless variety of cultures, landscapes, monuments, and temples that India has to offer. Mentioned above are just the top three sights you have to see in India, but there are countless of other places that you have to explore as well. Prepare yourself for an endless collection of attractions guaranteed to leave you completely breathless. Have you booked your flight yet?