The document lists and describes 7 of India's most historically and culturally significant places to visit. It discusses Varanasi as India's oldest living city known for its spiritualism and the Ganges River; the Taj Mahal in Agra as a monument of love and architectural marvel; the Mahabodhi Temple in Gaya where Buddha attained enlightenment; the Victoria Memorial in Kolkata as a monument to British rule; the Golden Temple in Amritsar as a spiritual site for Sikhism; the erotic Khajuraho Temples depicting Hindu and Jain traditions; and the ruins of the Vijayanagar Empire's capital Hampi along the Tungabhadra River. Visiting these places gives

1. Discover India - 7 Mesmerizing Historical Places in India
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India is a country admired for its rich history, cultural heritage, and the cradle of various civilizations since time
immemorial. India truly depicts the mix of various cultures, religions, spiritualism, and peaceful co-existence with it’s
accepting and flexible positive culture ingrained in the populace.Well, Discover India is referred as to
discover Inner Peace and happiness and also would bring positive change in the psyche and ethos and pathos.
Here, we have a list of seven historical places in India that capture the diversity and depth of the rich cultural
heritage not seen in any other part of the world.
Discover India – Take a Glimpse of India’s Diverse Culture and Varied Heritage
1) Varanasi
Termed as the ‘oldest living city’,
Varanasi is the abode of spiritualism and encapsulates the life of Indians weaved around the holiest river Ganges
and Lord Shiva. Varanasi has a lot to offer to a visitor in terms of experience such as the magnificent Ganga Aarti,
the boating in the river Ganges, the Banaras silk looms, the Kashi Viswanath temple, the knowledge and research in
astrological sciences, the burning ghats, the ashrams and esoteric life of the sadhus (monks) of various sects of
India.

2. The present name Varanasi has its origin in the two tributaries of the Ganges – Varuna and Asi, which flank its
northern and southern borders. The tract of land lying between them was named ‘Varanasi,’ the holiest of all
pilgrimages. An experience and learning of a lifetime is a certainty in Varanasi and a traveler will love to keep coming
back to experience the mystic spirituality of this oldest living city – Varanasi.
2) The Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal located in Agra is too well known for the most precise architectural construction of a ‘monument of
love’ built by Emperor Shah Jahan during the Mughal Era.
Built over a period of 21 years and completed in the year 1653, visiting the Taj is the ultimate visual experience of a
lifetime.
Experiencing the Taj is a mighty happy experience which can never be described in words. This monument attracts
visitors like a magnet for its architectural splendor for the past many centuries – seen to be believed historical places
in India. Nearby another historical monument of the Mughal area, Fathepur Sikri, can also be included in the
internally along with a visit to the Taj.

3. 3) The Mahabodhi Temple
A visit to Discover India is incomplete without seeing the Mahabodhi Temple in Gaya located in the State of Bihar. It
is the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under the Mahabodhi tree, Budha Stupa, and the
Bodhimanda Vihara (monastery). The birth of the religion of Buddhism took place in this state.
A must visit a place, not just for historical value, but the spiritual change a visitors experiences on visiting this place.
One of the oldest universities and learning centre the Nalanda University is located near the Mahabodhi Temple.

4. 4) The Victoria Memorial
A monument in memory of Queen Victoria, located in Kolkata in the State of West Bengal is the signature monument
of the British rule in India. The museum housed within the monument throws light on the various facets of the British
Raj through manuscripts, paintings, and sculptures. The sprawling greenery surrounding makes this monument a
landmark and must -see place nestled in the heart of Kolkata city.
Get a Maavalan’s special tour offer to attend Durga festival of Calcutta

5. 5) The Golden Temple
The Golden Temple located in Amritsar, State of Punjab is a historical and spiritual monument of Sikhism in India.
A visitor will be overwhelmed visiting the Golden temple by its breathtaking architecture and the golden dome, the
water surrounding the temple, the hospitality and togetherness of the people of Punjab.
Everyone irrespective of the caste and creed can seek spiritual solace in this holy place. If you are planning to
discover India, must visit the Golden temple.

6. 6) The Khajuraho Temples
Located in the State of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho temples are the monuments of the Chandela kingdom when
Hinduism and Jainism coexisted peacefully. The name Khajuraho is derived from the word Khajur – palm dates.
The underlying theme of the architecture of the temples of Khajuraho is sublime sensuality. Nowhere in the world,
such a theme temple exists, once again depicting the varied Heritage of India.
Check for more itineraries which depict the culture and heritage of India
The 84 temples of Khajuraho were built not just by one king but a series of Chandella rulers and is indeed one of the
most amazing historical monument of India. Khajuraho is beyond erotica and the theme of the temples of “sublime
sensuality” makes a visitor view and think of sex as a divine union.
These temples were re-discovered by the British historian T.S. Burt amidst the green cover of the forests near
Chhatrapur in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.

7. See: India Heritage sites – UNESCO
7) The Hampi
The ruins of the mighty Vijayanagar empire of the Hindus in South India and its capital Hampi located on the banks
of the Tungabhadra River, near the city of Hospet in the State of Karnataka. Hampi is a tourist’s dream to see on a
full moon night.
The ruins
stretch over 27 kilometers with more than 450 monuments and one can just imagine the might of the Vijayanagar
empire with this irresistible historical place. The 56 pillars producing musical sounds, the Vishnu temple (Vittala
temple) and many other temples located within the precincts of Hampi are an unimaginable treat that encompasses
the grandeur and vision of the Vijayanagar empire of South.

8. Final Words about the Places to Visit in India in Discover India Tour Plan
These are India’s most prestigious and historic places that you must visit. They show you the vast heritage of India.
Moreover, you can also check various Video testimonials by international travellers who have shared their
experience after visiting India.
Check this Special Itinerary to Discover India and it’s Rich Cultural Heritage