Architectural Marvels: 7 Marvellous Icons To See In India

The brilliance of India is personified through seven magnificent edifices found around the country

India holds a constant spot at the top of my bucket list. This romantic and vibrant country is filled with awe-inspiring architecture, brought about by eons of rich culture and fantastic minds. With over three million square kilometres of terrain—from Goa to Chennai—India boasts a proud history of architectural creativity. Below are some of the top spots you have to see once you venture upon the fantastic subcontinent.

1. Taj Mahal

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Perhaps one of the most iconic edifices in India, the Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to honour his late wife. It was constructed between 1631 and 1648 and stands today as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

2. Hawa Mahal

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The Pink City of Jaipur is home to the iconic Hawa Mahal, which is built of pink sandstone. Translated to English, the Hawa Mahal means "Palace of Winds" and is named so due to the 953 jharokas (small windows) that are installed upon the edifice.

3. Lotus Temple

Lotus Temple, New Delhi, India, illuminated at twilight

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It's easy to see why the Lotus Temple is named as such. The New Delhi building boasts three layers of "petals" made of concrete arranged to form nine sides of the temple. It is used as a place of worship for Baha'i followers.

4. Harmandir Sahib

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The Harmandir Sahib, known in English as the Golden Temple, is a worship place for Sikhs. Originally built in 1604, the temple has since been destroyed several times by Afghan invaders. Fortunately, it was restored in the 1800's and rebuilt in marble and copper overlaid with gold foil.

5. Meenakshi Amman Temple

Madurai, Meenakshi Temple, Tamil Nadu, India

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The Meenakshi Amman temple is a Dravidian edifice with significant religious meaning for Hindus. It is believed that Lord Shiva married Parvati at the site where the temple is currently located. It is also where the Tirukalyanam Festival is held every April.

6. Nalanda Ruins

Ruins of Nalanda University ancient center of Buddhist higher learning, Nalanda, Bihar, India.

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Though the Nalanda Ruins may not be as grand as the other monuments, it deserves a rightful spot as one of the most awe-inspiring monuments in India. For one, the Nalanda University was, at its time during the 5th century, the only international university in the world.

It is said that Buddhist students from Greece, China, Persia, and more would gather here to learn about religious teachings. The reason this compound lies in ruins is due to multiple attacks carried out by Huns, Gaudas, and Turks. It is also said that the once-grand library burned for three months straight.

7. Statue of Gomateshwara

image is taken at shravanbelgola karnataka india on Dec 02 2019. bhagawan bahubali tallest nude statue symbolizing Peace, Non violence, sacrifice worldly affairs, and simple living.

Above Photo: Getty Images

The Statue of Gomateshwara honours a Jain saint of the same name. It stands at 60 feet tall and is in fact, the tallest monolithic statue in the world. It is so tall that it can be seen from kilometres away! Considering the fact that it was built between 978 and 993 CE, we have to say: this is one impressive structure.

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india travel

Tatler Asia

Architectural Marvels: 7 Marvellous Icons To See In India

1. Taj Mahal

2. Hawa Mahal

3. Lotus Temple

4. Harmandir Sahib

5. Meenakshi Amman Temple

6. Nalanda Ruins

7. Statue of Gomateshwara