THE PRIDE OF INDIA part-IV
With its stunning architecture, historical monuments, and spiritual sites, India is a popular destination for tourists and history enthusiasts. In this article, we’ll explore some of the top destinations in India with historical significance that will leave you amazed.
MAHABALIPURAM
Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, is a town known for its rich history, culture, and fantastic architectural wonders. Mahabalipuram is home to several UNESCO World Heritage structures, including the Pancha Rathas, Shore Temple, and the Varaha Cave Temple. These structures are over 1,000 years old and exhibit the excellent architecture of the Pallava dynasty.
The town is located on the coast, which offers visitors the chance to relax on the sandy beaches and frolic in the Bay of Bengal waves. Indulging in adventurous water sports like jet skiing, banana boat rides, and surfing is also an exciting activity to try. Mahabalipuram is known for its handicrafts, especially stone carving. Visitors can watch the skilful artisans carve intricate designs from stone and even purchase their creations as souvenirs.
The town’s cuisine is worth trying. The delicious local dishes cooked with traditional spices and flavours will leave your taste buds wanting more.
MEENAKSHI AMMAN TEMPLE
Meenakshi Amman Temple is one of the most iconic temples of India, located in the heart of Madurai, Tamil Nadu. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar, who are considered to be the embodiment of divine power, beauty, and wisdom.
The serene and spiritual ambience of the temple is deeply calming and refreshing. The intricate details on the temple walls will leave you in awe. It’s a great place to capture photographs and selfies. The temple is huge and stretches over sixty thousand square meters, with several enormous mandapams (pillared halls), a large tank, and several smaller shrines. Exploring the entire temple complex will take you at least two to three hours.
The temple is home to several festivals throughout the year, the most famous being the Meenakshi Thirukalyanam which takes place in April or May. During this festival, the whole city comes alive with a carnival- like atmosphere, and the temple becomes the center stage of the festivities. This festival attracts millions of devotees from all over India and the world.