We travel for fun, enjoyment, adventure, peace and for what not. Uncovering new avenues, gaining new experience and knowledge is what drives us towards new and uncovered destinations. Who does not like travelling?…. Probably none.
On watching TV, we often come across unvisited places, ancient monuments, and people of different language, customs and clothes. People visit different kinds of places. Some of cultural, historical and factual importance while others related to nature, adventures, etc.
We have watched numerous movies. Have not we?
A documentary of a haunted house often suggests us to bite our nails and understand the ancient Rajasthan fort designs or the architectural design of Belur Channakeshava temple, Karnataka often makes us wonder how magnificently the people during ancient times have built the temple. In addition, we have also heard of the Iron Pillar at Mehrauli that has not got rust yet which makes us wonder about the expertise in chemistry of architects during that time.
It is a pity that we Indians don`t even know or visit places that are of historical, cultural and factual importance while know about Paris, New York, etc.
Now, coming to the places that worth a glance. Common tourist places are what we all know, and therefore, we will explore something different apart from that. Here our fun ride and knowledge drive begins.
Belur Channakeshava Temple,Karnataka
Top View of the Temple
Some facts about the temple:
- Took around 103 years and was completed by people over 3 generations.
- Built during the reign of Hoylasa King Vishnuvardhana during the 12th century.
- Magnificent architectural designs both inside and outside of the temple.
- Intricately carved designs of gods and goddesses.
- Both Nagara style architecture and south Indian karnataka style of architecture are used.
- Around 600 elephants carved along the outer row. Marvellous,isn’t it?
- Built with soapstone that are soft , and hence, it allows the artist to carve more easily. The material then gets hardened over time.
- The pillar in the top view of the temple is also called the gravity pillar. The amazing fact here is that the pillar is on its own foundation.
- At regular intervals of the rows, you can find dancing nymphs carved onto the wall.
- The nymphs are said to have been modeled after the beautiful queen shantala who was wife of king Vishnuvardhana.
After watching the sculptures and carving of the temple, we have become mesmerized. Haven`t we?…. Obviously, we have been.
The next place in the list is Rajasthan.
Osian`s Temples
Facts about this town:
- Known for its housing Hindu and Jain Temples, this town was quite famous during Gujara Pratihara dynasty.
- The town came into prominence as a silk trade route in the 12th and 13th century.
- However, you will only be able to see the ruins of the temples and shrines at present as it was ruined around the time of delhi sultanate.
- One of the major attractions in the town is Sachiya Mata Temple.
The next place worth visiting is Tamil Nadu
Why we should visit Tamil Nadu
It has an ancient culture which is of historical value.
Brihadeshwara Temple
Some facts
- It is located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu and recognized as a world heritage site.
- Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is also called the Rajrajeswara temple and is a part of ‘Great Living Chola Temple’
- In 2019, it turned 100 years and is termed as a big temple.
- With a massive colonnaded prakara (corridor) and one of the largest Shiva lingas in India, this temple`s glory is known for centuries now.
Unique Facts
A fascinating fact about its architecture is that the Vimana (tower above the sanctum sanctorum) of the temple does not cast a shadow at noon!
The Great Wall of India
You may have heard about the Great wall of China. Haven`t you? It might surprise you that there is another similar way called the Great Wall Of India which is a resemblance to the Great wall of China.
Unique Facts
- It is the second longest wall on the planet that surrounds the ancient fort of Kumbhalgarh, one of the best kept secrets in India.
- It contains over 300 of ancient temple, the wall was constructed half a millennium ago.
- The wall is a long track of about 36 kilometers, and it is situated in Rajasthan in the west of India.
- The work begin during the period of local Maharana, Rana Kumbha in 1443.
- It is like a mystery to those outside of India.
Jatayu Sculpture
Now moving on to Jatayu Sculpture. Do you know about Ramayana? If not, then ask some of your Indian friends.
Jatayu was an eagle who sacrificed his life for the sake of saving the life of sita, Ram`s wife from the demon king, Ravana.
Jatayu Nature Park
Some Facts
- Called Jatayu Nature park or Jatayu rock, it is of mythological importance in India.
- Many tourists come and see this place.
When talking about the south, Kerala also reigns the list.
Silent Valley National Park
Some facts
- Largest population of lion-tailed macaques.
- Located in Nilgiri Hills which is surrounded by a buffer zone of 148 sq. km
- This national park has some rare species of flora and fauna.
Now moving on to the Konark Temple in Odisha
Bhubaneswar is its capital, which is known for the land of Temples.
Some Facts
- It is also known as the Sun Temple.
- It is designed in the form of a beautifully decorated chariot.
- Constructed by the mighty king, Narsimhadeva I of Eastern Ganga Dynasty.
- The wheels at Sun Temple, Konark serve as accurate sun dials.
- Constructed from Khondalite rocks, it is an ancient magnificent structure.
Another ancient structure is of Ajanta and Ellora Caves.(Maharashtra)
Some Facts
- They are listed as world Heritage site under UNESCO.
- The structure and sculpture of these stones are carved out of stone using hammer and chisel only.
- They are high, around 70 metres from the ground level unlike other caves in India.
- 5 chaityas are there in Ajanta caves that are basically prayer halls.
In my opinion, it is our duty to cherish and feel proud of our country`s historical and cultural heritages. They make our country appear of great value since ancient times. Further, they help in strengthening our relations with different countries.
In a nutshell, India is the land of tourism, historical and cultural value and full of mysterious facts. Every place in India holds utmost importance. Even the Indian soil has its value.
Finally,
“Travelling is a bliss, So that new uncovered places you don`t miss.”
By: Jagannath Pradhan
Write and Win: Participate in Creative writing Contest and win fabulous prizes.
