Travelers to the beautiful country often go to it’s most visited sites, like the Taj Mahal or the Golden Temple, one of the most important pilgrimage sites of Sikhism. But what about some of the lesser known sites?
Some places are full of India’s lesser known but still rich history. Consider these two cities for your next travel excursion and even fly between the two.
Chennai, located in along India’s east coast, has an incredibly rich history and culture. It’s home to over a dozen architectural wonders like Pancha Rathas.
Pancha Rathas
Pancha Rathas is a 7th century monument complex, currently listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The complex consists of five monuments resembling a ratha. Ratha being the word for chariot. Each monument is carved out of a single granite boulder of granite which slopes in north-south direction with a slight incline. Construction of the site was never completed, but it is believed it was intended to function as a temple.
The Shore Temple
The Shore Temple was built out of granite in the 8th century. This temple complex consists of three temples and overlooks the Bay of Bengal. At the time of its construction, this area where it stands used to function as a busy port, acting as a landmark for shipping vessels to find their way. The intricately carved stone depicts hundreds of images including deities and animals.
Kapaleeshwarar Temple
The 16th-century Kapaleeshwarar Temple is dedicated to the worship of Shiva, one of the principal deities of Hinduism. There are several different shrines within the temple where worshipers can come to pray. Services are held six times throughout the day. Inscriptions dating back to the 12th century can be found inside. The temple has a 120-foot tall tower and is adorned with hundreds of colorful figures.
Pune, India is located on the nation’s west side. It’s home to some of India’s more modern wonders, like Shaniwar Wada.
Shaniwar Wada
Shaniwar Wada is a massive fort in the city of Pune. Constructed in 1732, it was once a central hub of Indian politics. At its peak occupancy, it housed over a thousand people. The gates of the structure were built at a height to accommodate an elephant with a seating canopy. To defend against enemy elephants ramming the gates, the doors are fitted with twelve-inch long spikes, arranged at the height of the animal’s forehead.
Sinhagad
The Fortress of Sinhagad, which translates to Lion’s Fort, is rumored to be roughly 2,000 years old. Perched on an isolated cliff, it has been the site of many battles in India’s long history. It’s currently a must-see destination for tourists traveling through Pune.
Aga Khan Palace
The Aga Khan Palace was built in 1892. Sitting on 19 acres, this palace is one of the largest landmarks in India. It once served as a prison, where for two years Mahatma Gandhi and his wife were held. In 1969 the palace was donated to the people of India and today it’s home to the ashes of Gandhi and the memorial society dedicated to his honor.
Have you been to any of these places? If you are planning to visit these wonderful places check for Pune Chennai flights to ease your journey. Let us know in the comments below.
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