India has numerous monuments, places of worship, and other historical sites which makes it difficult to catalogue, or even visit, within a span of few days. Here are a few places which often find a way into the traveller's itinerary.
Sikandara, Agra
Four kilometres from Agra is the mausoleum of Akbar. This structure has a perfect blending of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist, Jain motifs. The blending is much like Deen-e-Ilahi, a new religion started by Akbar. It was completed by his son Jehangir.
Dhamekh Stupa, Sarnath
It was the place where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Ancient Sarangnath or Sarnath, also known as Mrigadava (deer park), is only 8 kms away from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. Sarnath can be accessed via Varanasi since it is only 8 km away. Varanasi is well connected by Air, Rail and Road. Accommodation is available to suit all pockets.
Junagarh Fort, Bikaner
This fort was built in the 15th century by one of the most able and trusted generals of Akbar, Raja Rai Singh. A high wall and deep moats surround the fort. The 37 bastions guard the fort and only two gates provide the access inside the fort. The Suraj pol or the Sun gate is the main entrance to the fort. The Junagarh Fort has defied all the attacks except for the brief stint by Kamaran who captured the fort but was unable to retain his victory more than 24 hours.
Fort of Bidar, Karnataka
The main gateway to this magnificent fort was originally built by the Bahamani Sultan Ahmad Shah Wali in 1429. Further improvements to the citadel were carried out by the Barid Shahi Sultans.
Vaishal Fort, Vaishali
This one kilometre long fort is said to have housed the parliament of those times. This fort is named after King Vishal. The fort was a part of the oldest democracy in the world. The construction of this fort is excellent and is a must on a sight seeing tour.
Nalanda University, Nalanda
The ruins of Nalanda university is spread over an area of 14 hectares. This university was totally built in red clay bricks. The Nalanda University attracted scholars from all over the world.
The Gardens, Calcutta
This maidan is located in the heart of the city and is an ideal place for a morning stroll or even for a break from the ever increasing rush of the city. It acts as the lungs of the city. The Chowringee road, the Victoria memorial and the Eden Garden surround the maidan while the Raj Bhavan overlooks it.
Golconda, Hyderabad
This fort was built by the Kakatiya kings. This massive fort is 11 km in perimeter and its walls are 15 to 18 ft high. The whole fort is built in granite and is flanked by 70 ramparts and 8 huge gates.
Stupa, Sanchi
The stupas date as early as the 3rd century and are built in brick made of stone. Though most of the stupas are in ruins now, three remain intact and are of great archaeological value.
Vijay Stambh, Chittaurgarh
The Victory Tower, 37 meters high, is an imposing structure of nine stories. With sculptures of a secular nature on the exterior, it was built by Maharaja Kumbha in commemoration of his victory over the Muslim rulers of Malwa and Gujarat in 1440.
Old Fort, Delhi
This is the old fort or the Purana Qila of Delhi. The construction of old fort was taken up by Humayun in 1538. He named it Dinpanah. There are three Gates to this fort but only one entrance known as the Bara Darwaza which is in use now.
Gwalior Fort, Gwalior
It is built on a hill of sandstone and towers 100 m from the plain. The outer wall of the fort is almost 2 miles in length and the width varies from one km to 200 metres. The walls of the fort give way to the steep slopes.
Fort St. George, Chennai
Fort St. George was amongst the first few bastions built by the East India Company somewhere around 1635, to protect its interests in India from rival companies. The fort has a museum which displays many items from the British Raj.
Bara Imambara, Lucknow
It was built as a part of a famine relief programme in 1784 by Nabab Asaf-ud-Daulla. The structure took six years to be completed. In the courtyard of Bara Imambara is the Sahi Masjid which stands tall on a platform. Non Muslims are not allowed here.
Lakshman Jhula, Rishikesh
This suspended iron bridge was build in 1939 and has been a major attraction among the tourists to Rishikesh. It is said that Lakshman crossed the Ganges on jute ropes between the place where this bridge is built.
Queen Padmini's Palace, Chittaurgarh
The fort perched on a 180 m. high hill, covering 700 acres, was constructed by the Maurya rulers in the 7th century. In the fort, this Palace was built for Queen Padmini whose beauty was responsible for the battle between Allauddin Khilji and Rana Ratan Singh.
Thanjavur Palace,Thanjavur
Though many sections of the palace are in ruins, restoration work has been taken up. The palace houses a library, a museum and an art gallery. The Royal museum displays many items from the kings who ruled the
