100 Beautiful Places in India (Part-9)

http://www.thrillophilia.com/blog/part-2-beautiful-india

100 Beautiful Places in India

(Part-9)

81. Jama Masjid

Source: stylowi.blip.pl

Jama Masjid in Ahmedabad, Gujarat dates back to the 15th century, which in itself is magnificent. The mosque was built during Ahmed Shah’s reign and was one of the largest ones built during that period in the country. The mosque has the tombs of Ahmed Shah, his wives, his son and grandson. Walking through the deserted corridors of the mosque take you to the old times, during the rule of the kings and the queens. The structure is well preserved and definitely qualifies as one of the most beautiful places in India.

82. Lakshmi Vilas Palace

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jmboyer

Four times the size of Buckingham Palace is the Laxmi Vilas Palace in Vadodra, Gujarat. The palace is an epitome of grandeur and luxury, and still serves as the residence of the royal family. The interiors of the building are inspired from European architecture, and the highlight of it is the opulent Darbar Hall, which plays host to musical concerts every now and then. There are a lot of artifacts in the palace belonging to the ancient times, which include armory, bronze sculptures and more. The palace also once had its own zoo. However, all that remains of the zoo today is a pond with crocodiles. You can also see a train engine at the entrance of the palace. The engine is part of the train which was ordered by the Maharaja to take his children from school to the main palace building and back. Talk of opulence!

 83. Lotus Temple

Source: colorcoat-online.com

Another architecture masterpiece of India is the Lotus Temple, also known as the Bahai House of Worship. The temple gets its name from its shape which resembles that of a lotus flower. Since it is a Bahai temple, don’t expect beautiful idols or priests singing hymns in the premises. In fact, what you see is a large hall where you can sit and chant your prayers, irrespective of your religion. True to a place of worship, the atmosphere of the temple is calm and relaxed, ideal for meditation and spending a few moments with yourself.

 84. Akshardham Temple

Source: http://www.ktrmurali.wordpress.com

It is the newest of all architecture marvels of India in the list, but that takes nothing away from its glory. The temple was opened to public in 2005, and even since, it has served a major source of tourist attraction in the capital city of India. The temple is dedicated to traditional Hindu culture, spirituality and architecture. Apart from the spiritual aspect of it, you can enjoy a film here on pilgrimage by Swaminarayan, take a boat ride through 10,000 years of history of India, and watch a musical fountain show too.

85. India Gate

Source: fotopedia.com

An iconic monument of Delhi is the India Gate, constructed in order to pay homage to the Indian soldiers who lost their lives during World War I. The monument was designed by Sir Edward Lutyens and is in the middle of the city. While you may not find anything special about the architecture of it, it still makes for a wonderful sight. It is also one of the few places in Delhi where you can take a stroll at 1 in the night and the police won’t take you away for questioning.

86. Qutub Minar

Source: http://www.yinduabc.com

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is Delhi’s tallest minaret, with a height of about 240 feet. The monument was built in order to surpass the beauty of Minaret of Jam in Afghanistan, way back in 1052 CE. The monument has several ruins and relics dating back to centuries ago, which together constitute the Qutub Complex. In the olden days, you could climb the stairs and reach the top of the minaret for an awesome view of the surrounding areas. Unfortunately, that has been disallowed to protect the monument. However, despite that, it continues to be an icon of Delhi’s landscape.

87. Red Fort

The Red Fort was built by Shahjahan in the 17th century in what is now Old Delhi, or the Walled City. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and another architecture icon of India’s capital. Originally, River Yamuna flew by the fort and replenished the moats which surround the walls of the fort. However, land was reclaimed from the river for construction purposes in modern India. It may not look like a architectural marvel today, but the fact that it has remained strong and stood the test of times for over 3 centuries is testimony to the brilliance of the architecture.

88. Mawkdok Dympep Valley

Meghalaya is a largely unexplored territory of India, but there are some beautiful places in this part of the country which simply take your breath away. One of these is Mawkdok Dympep Valley, located between Shillong and Cherrapunji. It is a V shaped valley with lush greenery and tranquil surroundings. During the cold months, a shallow mist covers the valley, making it look even more beautiful. The best way to take in the panoramic views of the valley is to climb atop the designated viewing point here. Keep your camera ready, for you just can’t miss to capture the beauty of the valley in your lens.

89. Living Root Bridges

These aren’t something exotic or something breathtakingly gorgeous. Yet, they are beautiful in their own unique way. Living root bridges are bridges made from the root of the trees. Cherrapunji has a high number of rubber trees, which has secondary roots. These secondary roots are very thick and strong. Locals of the place have managed to alter the direction of these secondary roots and make bridges out of them in order to cross rivers of the region. Walk on the living root bridges or even camp under them, it is an eclectic experience.

90. Tawang Monastery

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ezee123/

The largest monastery of India is the Tawan Monastery, located in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. The monastery was built in the 17th century and is home to around 450 monks. The name of the monastery translates to “Horse Chosen.” According to folklore, after Merang Lama could not decide on a suitable site for the monastery, he decided to seek diving intervention. Merang Lama’s horse then rode all the way to a hilltop, which is the current location of the monastery. Situated at a height of about 3300 meters above sea level, the monastery houses 400 year old scriptures and several other artifacts of importance to the Buddhist religion.

81. Jama Masjid

Source: stylowi.blip.pl

Jama Masjid in Ahmedabad, Gujarat dates back to the 15th century, which in itself is magnificent. The mosque was built during Ahmed Shah’s reign and was one of the largest ones built during that period in the country. The mosque has the tombs of Ahmed Shah, his wives, his son and grandson. Walking through the deserted corridors of the mosque take you to the old times, during the rule of the kings and the queens. The structure is well preserved and definitely qualifies as one of the most beautiful places in India.

82. Lakshmi Vilas Palace

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jmboyer

Four times the size of Buckingham Palace is the Laxmi Vilas Palace in Vadodra, Gujarat. The palace is an epitome of grandeur and luxury, and still serves as the residence of the royal family. The interiors of the building are inspired from European architecture, and the highlight of it is the opulent Darbar Hall, which plays host to musical concerts every now and then. There are a lot of artifacts in the palace belonging to the ancient times, which include armory, bronze sculptures and more. The palace also once had its own zoo. However, all that remains of the zoo today is a pond with crocodiles. You can also see a train engine at the entrance of the palace. The engine is part of the train which was ordered by the Maharaja to take his children from school to the main palace building and back. Talk of opulence!

 83. Lotus Temple

Source: colorcoat-online.com

Another architecture masterpiece of India is the Lotus Temple, also known as the Bahai House of Worship. The temple gets its name from its shape which resembles that of a lotus flower. Since it is a Bahai temple, don’t expect beautiful idols or priests singing hymns in the premises. In fact, what you see is a large hall where you can sit and chant your prayers, irrespective of your religion. True to a place of worship, the atmosphere of the temple is calm and relaxed, ideal for meditation and spending a few moments with yourself.

 84. Akshardham Temple

Source: http://www.ktrmurali.wordpress.com

It is the newest of all architecture marvels of India in the list, but that takes nothing away from its glory. The temple was opened to public in 2005, and even since, it has served a major source of tourist attraction in the capital city of India. The temple is dedicated to traditional Hindu culture, spirituality and architecture. Apart from the spiritual aspect of it, you can enjoy a film here on pilgrimage by Swaminarayan, take a boat ride through 10,000 years of history of India, and watch a musical fountain show too.

85. India Gate

Source: fotopedia.com

An iconic monument of Delhi is the India Gate, constructed in order to pay homage to the Indian soldiers who lost their lives during World War I. The monument was designed by Sir Edward Lutyens and is in the middle of the city. While you may not find anything special about the architecture of it, it still makes for a wonderful sight. It is also one of the few places in Delhi where you can take a stroll at 1 in the night and the police won’t take you away for questioning.

86. Qutub Minar

Source: http://www.yinduabc.com

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is Delhi’s tallest minaret, with a height of about 240 feet. The monument was built in order to surpass the beauty of Minaret of Jam in Afghanistan, way back in 1052 CE. The monument has several ruins and relics dating back to centuries ago, which together constitute the Qutub Complex. In the olden days, you could climb the stairs and reach the top of the minaret for an awesome view of the surrounding areas. Unfortunately, that has been disallowed to protect the monument. However, despite that, it continues to be an icon of Delhi’s landscape.

87. Red Fort

The Red Fort was built by Shahjahan in the 17th century in what is now Old Delhi, or the Walled City. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and another architecture icon of India’s capital. Originally, River Yamuna flew by the fort and replenished the moats which surround the walls of the fort. However, land was reclaimed from the river for construction purposes in modern India. It may not look like a architectural marvel today, but the fact that it has remained strong and stood the test of times for over 3 centuries is testimony to the brilliance of the architecture.

88. Mawkdok Dympep Valley

Meghalaya is a largely unexplored territory of India, but there are some beautiful places in this part of the country which simply take your breath away. One of these is Mawkdok Dympep Valley, located between Shillong and Cherrapunji. It is a V shaped valley with lush greenery and tranquil surroundings. During the cold months, a shallow mist covers the valley, making it look even more beautiful. The best way to take in the panoramic views of the valley is to climb atop the designated viewing point here. Keep your camera ready, for you just can’t miss to capture the beauty of the valley in your lens.

89. Living Root Bridges

These aren’t something exotic or something breathtakingly gorgeous. Yet, they are beautiful in their own unique way. Living root bridges are bridges made from the root of the trees. Cherrapunji has a high number of rubber trees, which has secondary roots. These secondary roots are very thick and strong. Locals of the place have managed to alter the direction of these secondary roots and make bridges out of them in order to cross rivers of the region. Walk on the living root bridges or even camp under them, it is an eclectic experience.

90. Tawang Monastery

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ezee123/

The largest monastery of India is the Tawan Monastery, located in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. The monastery was built in the 17th century and is home to around 450 monks. The name of the monastery translates to “Horse Chosen.” According to folklore, after Merang Lama could not decide on a suitable site for the monastery, he decided to seek diving intervention. Merang Lama’s horse then rode all the way to a hilltop, which is the current location of the monastery. Situated at a height of about 3300 meters above sea level, the monastery houses 400 year old scriptures and several other artifacts of importance to the Buddhist religion.