Are you trying to find the best places for Indian traditional heritage? India has several cultural sites that provide a breathtaking view of the country’s actual legacy. Take a tour of the locations that bear witness to India’s breathtaking architecture and rich cultural legacy if you have the same interest.
Punjab: Punjab’s “Golden City,” Amritsar
Lucknow: The Nawabs’ City
Delhi: An Assortment of Diverse Cultures
Rajasthan: The Rajput Country
The Land of the White Desert: The Rann of Kutch
Khajuraho: Home of the Kamasutra Temples
Kolkata: Kolkata is a joyful city.
Mysore: Mysore is India’s palace city.
Hyderabad: The Nizami City
Kerala: The Land of God’s Own
Hampi: The Former Vijaynagar Kingdom
Pattadakal: A Collection of Structures
Goa: The Beach and Church Land
Bhimbetka: The Old Stone Caves
Chola Temples: The Chola Empire’s Architectural Legacy
1. Punjab’s “Golden City,” Amritsar
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Amritsar, the center of Sikh culture in India, was founded by Guru Ram Das in 1574 as a holy town. The lake (sarovar) of sacred water, known as Amrit, was created by the excavation of a tank by the fourth Sikh Guru, Guru Ram Das. Apart from the numerous temples, gurudwaras, and museums, the area also has katras, or small alleyways, which are essentially independent residential buildings that provide extra safety during conflicts.
What’s Special: The most visited locations in Amritsar are the Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, and Wagah Border.
For A Wander Through the City’s Culture: Amritsar is one of the greatest locations to discover Indian culture and legacy because of its numerous temples, gurudwaras, museums, and other attractions. Akal Takht, Mata Lal Devi Temple, and Durgiana Temple are Amritsar’s most well-known religious sites. A tour of the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum offers a fascinating look into the history of the Sikh empire.
Amritsar’s Cuisine: Apart from the vibrant Punjabi culture that is reflected in the opulence of the city’s tourist attractions, Amritsar’s unique cuisine is a must-try. The most popular dining spots in Amritsar are:
Bharawan Da Dhaba: It is well-known for Chhole Bhature, Lassi, and Amritsari Kulcha.
Tandoori chicken and amritsari fish are the restaurant’s two most well-known dishes.
Golden Temple Complex: The Guru Ka Langar is a must-see.
How to get there
Using air travel: The Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (ATQ) is located 11 kilometers from the city center. Amritsar has daily flights to major Indian cities and a few international ones, including Toronto, Dubai, London, Singapore, and Tashkent.
By train: There are excellent rail connections between Amritsar and other Indian cities.
By road: Delhi, Shimla, Jammu, and other Punjabi cities all have buses that may take you there.
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One of the best locations to discover Indian culture and tradition is Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh. Because of the blending of Muslim and Hindu civilizations, the city is proud of its unique culture. In addition, a plethora of theatrical and literary arts developed here. The Indian historical city is well-known for its artistry and painting techniques.
What’s Special: The most visited tourist destinations in Lucknow include Bara Imambara, Chhota Imambara, Rumi Darwaza, Dilkusha Kothi, and the British Residency Complex.
For A Walk Through the City’s Culture: The Mughals, the Delhi Sultanate, the Nawabs of Awadh, and even the British have all impacted the city’s exquisite architecture. Apart from the above-mentioned attractions, other sites to visit in Lucknow include Begum Hazrat Mahal Park, Shahi Baoli, Sikander Bagh, Satkhanda, Husainabad Clock Tower, and Butler Palace. Additionally, visitors can stroll through history at the Picture Gallery and the State Museum.
Food in Lucknow: The regional Awadhi food is incredibly mouthwatering. Among the well-liked Awadhi cuisine’s delicacies are:
Indian breads: Sheermal, Varki, and Ulte tawe ka parantha
Dishes that aren’t vegetarian: Rogan Josh, Nihari Gosht, Galawati Kabab, Boti Kabab, and Tunday Kabab
The following vegetarian meals are available: Navratan Korma, Kulfi Falooda, Lucknowi Paan, Tokri Chaat, and Malai Ki Gilori.
How to get there
By air: Lucknow is served by numerous domestic airlines that operate daily flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Jaipur, Chandigarh, Bangalore, Patna, and other significant cities. The distance between the city center and the airport is 14 kilometers.
By rail: A robust railway network connects Lucknow Railway Station in Charbagh with other important Indian towns. Other train stations in the city are Aishbagh Junction, Gomti Nagar, and Alamnagar.
By road: From Delhi, Varanasi, Allahabad, Kanpur, Agra, Jhansi, and other surrounding cities, buses are offered.
Additional Locations in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand Where You Can
Experience Indian Culture and Heritage
Dawn photography of Agra
Agra, located in Uttar Pradesh, is a city with historical significance in India. It was established by Sikander Lodhi in the 16th century and subsequently taken over by the Mughals. Prior to this, Rajput kings also ruled the area. Every one of these had an impact on the culture of the city, and this can be observed in Agra’s architecture, crafts, dance, music, and even cuisine. Agra’s tourist attractions, such as the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Jama Masjid, Fatehpur Sikri, Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, Sikandra Fort, Moti Masjid, and Mehtab Bagh, are testaments to the city’s rich cultural legacy.
Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh): The city of Ram Bhoomi has traditionally been a thriving center of several religions. Islam, Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism have all had significant impacts on the city’s culture. From the Hindu Chakravarti Maharaj Dashrath Mahal and Nageshwarnath Temple to the Muslim Babri Masjid that was demolished, Ayodhya’s tourist attractions showcase a blend of various religions and cultures.
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: When one thinks of the Hindu city of Varanasi, images of temples, riverfront ghats, vibrant markets, and saffron-clad priests spring to mind. A significant portion of the city’s culture is formed by the Ganga aartis in the evening and the 5-day classical music and dance spectacle during the Ganga Mahotsav. In addition, this historic Indian city is well-known for its ghats, which are decked with hundreds of diyas during the Diwali season.
Rishikesh: Uttarakhand’s Rishikesh is a highly revered site for Hindus, ranking among India’s holiest sites. The history of the city is distinctly influenced by Hinduism. The city’s culture is greatly influenced by yoga and meditation in addition to the aartis performed by Hindu priests.
3. Delhi: An Assortment of Diverse Cultures
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India’s capital and most cosmopolitan city, Delhi, has been greatly impacted by a number of dynasties and religions. These areas were dominated by Rajputs, Sultans, Khiljis, Mughals, and even the British, who all left behind monuments, paintings, artifacts, literary works, customs, festivals, and other remnants of their own identities. It may be the main cause of the passion and celebrity that the majority of India’s well-known festivals receive here.
What’s Special: The most popular tourist destinations in Delhi include Qutab Minar, Red Fort, Old Fort, and India Gate.
For a Walk-Through Delhi’s Culture: If you want to get a sense of Delhi’s rich cultural legacy, go on a sightseeing tour of the city’s historical sites. However, it isn’t the case. Delhi is home to some of the greatest examples of Indian cultural heritage, including museums, art galleries, cultural institutes, theaters, and a wide variety of dining establishments.
How to get there
By air: Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport has excellent connections to both domestic and foreign locations.
By rail: Frequent trains connect Delhi with the nation’s other main cities. Some of the main railheads in Delhi are the New Delhi Railway Station, Sarai Rohilla, Anand Vihar, Nizamuddin Railway Station, and Old Delhi Railway Station.
By road: Delhi has road connections to a number of North Indian cities. Local, luxury, and air-conditioned Volvo buses go from Delhi to other towns in Northern India.
More neighbouring locations: Two more adjacent cultural towns in India are Kurukshetra and Panipat. Both of them have religious and historical significance and are an essential part of India’s rich legacy.
4. Rajasthan: The Rajput Country
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When it comes to history and legacy, the Rajputana splendor of Rajasthan’s many tourist destinations surpasses the finest. The approximately 5,000-year-old civilization is a prime example of how tradition and history may be perfectly merged with the modern way of life. This state alone is home to a number of India’s most renowned cultural cities.
One of the best areas in India to explore culture and tradition is Rajasthan, with its vibrantly colored clothing, folk music and dances, indigenous cuisine, and colorful festivals.
What’s Special: A few of Rajasthan’s palaces and forts are Amer Fort, Mehrangarh Fort, Jaisalmer Fort, Chittorgarh Fort, Jal Mahal, and Udaipur’s Lake Palace.
For A Walk Through the State’s Culture: Visitors can visit Rajasthan’s many historical sites or go to one of the cultural festivals or fairs that are hosted in the state’s many towns and cities, each of which offers a unique perspective on the state’s rich cultural legacy.
5. The White Desert’s Land: The Rann of Kutch
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Both domestic and foreign travelers are familiar with Kutch because of its well-known Rann Utsav. One of the main attractions of India’s cultural tourism is the carnival, which lasts for roughly 100 days. The area’s inclusion on the list of sites with Indian cultural heritage, however, is due to more than just that.
What’s Special: The highlight of the Rann of Kutch is the annual Kutch Utsav, which takes place from November to February.
For A Walk Through the Culture of The City: Visitors can visit the Siyot Caves, the Rann of Kutch, the Aina Mahal or Madan Singhji Museum, the Kutch Museum, the Dholavira excavation site, and other locations in Kutch. The area is also home to the highly significant Bhadreshwar Jain Temple.
How to get there
The tent city of Dhordo in Kutch is 86 km away from Bhuj, which features a railhead and an airport. However, the Kutch Express from Mumbai travels 135 kilometers from Dhordo to Gandhi Dham. Gujarat’s main cities are all well served by state-run transportation buses.
6. Khajuraho: The Home of Kamasutra Temples
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The temples of Khajuraho are home to innumerable sculptures of cult icons, demi-gods, and Apsaras that represent love, elegance, beauty, delicacy, sensuality, and eroticism. The city is a must-visit destination for tourists in Madhya Pradesh because of the flawless blending of Jainism and Hinduism in its culture and history.
What’s Unique: The city has been listed as one of India’s seven wonders because of the temples of Kandariya Mahadev, Parsvanath, Visvanath, Devi Jagadamba, Vamana, Duladeo, Chitragupta, and Bijamandala.
A Walk Through the City’s Culture: Visitors must see the Ajaigarh Fort & Archeological Museum and take in the Sound & Light Show, which tells the story of the Chandela dynasty.
How to get there
By air: The majority of Indian cities, including New Delhi, Mumbai, Varanasi, Allahabad, and Bhopal, are easily accessible from the domestic airport at Khajuraho.
Rail: There aren’t many connections between Khajuraho train station and other locations, such as New Delhi. However, Mahoba Junction, which is 75 km away, has excellent access to a number of important Indian cities.
By road: A reliable bus system connects Khajuraho to nearby cities like Jhansi.
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The area that was inherited by the early British East India Company agents from the Nawabs of Bengal is frequently referred to as India’s Cultural Capital. The majority of India’s well-known writers originated in this heritage city, which is also regarded as the cradle of urban Indian culture and literary ideas. If you wish to discover the origins of contemporary Indian subculture, this location ought to be high on your list of must-sees.
What’s Special: The most popular tourist destinations in Kolkata are the Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, the Indian Museum, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Take a Walk Through the City’s Culture: Some additional must-see locations in Kolkata that are testaments to the city’s rich cultural legacy are the Writers’ Building, Marble Palace, National Library, Fort William, and Shaheed Minar. Other places of worship in Kolkata include Birla Mandir, Belur Mutt, and Dakshineshwar Kali Temple. The city is also the location of India’s oldest art gallery, the Academy of Fine Arts, which houses one of the best collections of paintings in the nation.
Food in Kolkata: For some reason, Kolkata residents are always bragging about their native cuisine. The following foods are must-try in Kolkata:
The best Bengali foods are hinger kochuri, Kolkata biryani, macher jhol, chicken kabiraji, aloo posto, mochha, and chholar daal. Mughlai parantha is another speciality.
Sweets: Some of Kolkata’s most well-liked treats are sondesh, roshogolla, and pitha.
Kolkata’s top street food specialties include phuchka, churmur, ghugni chaat, jhalmuri, keemar doi bora, chhanar jilipi, and telebhaja.
How to get there
By air: There are excellent connections to a number of Indian and foreign cities from the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, which is located at Dumdum, 17 kilometers from the city center.
By rail: Kolkata is connected to other Indian cities like Delhi and Mumbai by a vast railway network.
By road: Regular bus services are provided by West Bengal Surface Transport Corporation (WBSTC), Calcutta State Transport Corporation (CSTC), and Calcutta Tramways Company (CTC) both inside the city and to other West Bengal cities. The Esplanade is Kolkata’s primary bus terminal.
8. Mysore: India’s Palace City
There are numerous reasons why Mysore has been dubbed the cultural center of Karnataka. It’s one of India’s most important cultural sites because of its magnificently constructed palaces and fantastic museums. The several art galleries in this area feature traditional paintings that were influenced by the Mughal empire’s Ganjifa art and the Vijayanagar kingdom’s Mysore paintings. Highlights of the city’s rich cultural legacy include dasara celebrations, Udupi cuisine, and Mysore silk sarees.
What’s Special: The most visited tourist destinations in Mysore include Chamundi Hilltop Temple, Lalitha Mahal, and Amba Vilas Palace (Mysore Palace).
To Take A Walk Through The City’s Culture: Visitors can view the city’s rich cultural heritage by visiting St. Philomena’s Church, Mahabaleshwar Temple, Jaganmohan Palace (which has an in-house art collection), Rajendra Vilas, and Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion. Some of the museums in Mysore that are a must-see are the Regional Museum of Natural History, the Folklore Museum, and the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (Museum of Anthropology).
How to get there
By air: Bangalore Airport, 170 kilometers from Mysore, is the landing point for both domestic and international flights from cities all over the world.
By rail: The closest railhead is Mysore Junction, which is about 2 km from the city center.
By road: Bangalore and Mysore are connected by frequent buses.
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Hyderabad was founded in 1591 by the Indo-Persian Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutab Shah. It was ruled by Mughals, Nizams, and Sultans before the British Raj turned Hyderabad into a princely state. The Chalukyas and Kakatiyas were the former ancient kingdoms ruling over the area. All of these civilizations have a strong influence on the city’s architecture. The city is one of the best destinations to discover Indian culture and heritage because of its abundance of literary arts, handicrafts, paintings, dances, theaters, and cuisine.
What’s Special: The most visited tourist destinations in Hyderabad include Salar Jung Museum, Char Minar, Hussain Sagar, and Golconda Fort.
For A Cultural Walk Around the City: Keesaragutta Temple, Makkah Masjid, Birla Mandir, and Chilkur Balaji Temple are a few of Hyderabad’s religious sites. The rich past of the city is showcased through paintings and other artifacts displayed in the Nizam Museum, Telangana State Archaeology Museum, and Shilparamam Art and Craft Village. Other sights in Hyderabad that visitors can stroll through are King Kothi Palace, Bagh-e-Aam, Maqbara Shams al-Umara, Qutab Shahi tombs, Chowmahalla Palace, and Taramati Baradari.
Hyderabad’s cuisine is a culinary paradise for anyone looking to enjoy the tastiest non-vegetarian Indian dishes. However, that does not imply that vegetarian options are lacking.
Hyderabadi cuisine offers a variety of vegetarian meals, including Hyderabadi khichdi, sheer khurma, Qabooli pulao, khatti dal, and mirchi ka salan.
Non-vegetarian meals: The most well-liked non-vegetarian dishes in Hyderabad are gosht pasinde, maghaz masala, Hyderabadi marag, dum pukht, and biryani.
You may enjoy Hyderabadi street food items such as lukhmis and keema samosas.
How to get there
By air: Shamshabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, which is 20 km from the city, has excellent flight connections to a number of Indian cities as well as places across the globe.
By rail: The city is connected to major Indian cities including Bangalore, Chennai, New Delhi, Mumbai, and Pune by the railway stations at Hyderabad, Secunderabad, and Kachiguda.
By road: Aurangabad, Bangalore, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Tirupati, and Panaji are just a few of the nearby towns that are easily accessible from the bus terminal in the city.
11. Hampi: The Former Vijaynagar Kingdom
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Hampi, a stunning World Heritage Site, is situated in the northern region of Karnataka. This location is well-known for housing the remnants of the erstwhile Vijaynagar kingdom. The Hampi ruins are regarded as an extensive collection of cultural sites that showcase the Dravidian architectural and artistic style. The most well-known location in this city is the Virupaksha temple, which is highly revered by Hindus. In addition, the “Group of Monuments at Hampi” is the collective name for a large number of additional monuments.
What’s Unique: Lotus Mahal complex, Vitthala temple complex, Pattabhirama temple complex, Hemakuta group of temples, Narsimha, Ganesh, and Krishna temple complex
Hampi is known for its Thali dinners in addition to its South Indian specialties, such as idli and dosa. In addition to these, one can sample other foods, including vegetable curry, fried rice, and cauliflower manchurian. The Hampi Bazaar is the ideal location to sample street food in Hampi.
How to get there
By Air: Belgaum Airport, located 270 kilometers away, is the closest airport that connects to Hampi. In addition, the airport in Bangalore, which is 300 kilometers from Hampi, is also nearby. There may be direct flights to major cities such as Mumbai and Delhi.
By Rail: Hampi is not directly connected to any railway station. The closest trainhead is Hospet, which is roughly 13 kilometers away from Hampi. From there, getting to Hampi can be accomplished via bus or cab.
By Road: Hampi has excellent road access to Bangalore and other Karnataka cities. The KSRTC buses depart from Hospet frequently.
12. Pattadakal: A Collection of Structures
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Pattadakal is only one of the many world heritage sites that Karnataka is fortunate to have. This popular tourist destination is well-known for its Chalukya architectural style. This location is a captivating sight, combining Dravidian and Nagara architectural elements with inspiration from the Aihole. In addition to serving as the Chalukya kings’Pattadakal was also the Chalukyas’ capital. In addition, there are numerous temples built by the Chalukyan Emperors.
What’s Unique: The eight Lord Shiva temples in addition to the Shaivite and Jain shrines. Sangameshwara Temple, Mallikarju Temple, Jagannath Temple, Jain Temple, Virupaksha Temple, and Chandrashekhara Temple are a few of the well-known temples.
How to get there
By Air: The closest airport is Belgaum, which is located 18 kilometers away from Pattadakal. Mumbai and Chennai are two of the cities that have direct connections. Bangalore is the closest international airport to Pattadakal.
By Train: Badami, which is 22 kilometers away from Pattadakal, is the closest railhead from Pattadakal. To get to the city from here, use a bus or a taxi.
By Road: Buses from cities like Bangalore, Hubli, Belgaum, and Bijapur frequently stop in Pattadakal, which has excellent road connectivity.
13. Goa: The Beach and Church Land
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Goa is a state known for its historic forts and cathedrals that date back many years to the Portuguese colonial era. In the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, settling in Goa. In addition, they established their authority by introducing Christianity to India. As a result, Goa now has a large number of churches and convents. The cathedrals and convents are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India because of their stunning architecture.
What’s Special: The Basilica of Bom Jesus, the Catholic Church of St. Francis of Assisi, and Se Cathedral are a few of the well-known churches to visit here.
Goan cuisine: Some of the state’s well-known dishes include rice and fish curry, Samarachi Kodi, Goan pork vindaloo, sorpotel, and chicken cafreal.
How to get there
By Air: Dabolim Airport, which is 29 kilometers away from Goa, is the closest airport. Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, and many other major Indian cities have regular flights connecting.
By Train: Madgaon and Thivim are Goa’s principal railway hubs. Other minor railroad stations, such as Vasco Da Gama, Karmali, Sanverdam Church, Pernem, Karmali, and Canacona, are located adjacent.
By Road: The state’s many locations as well as neighboring cities and towns are connected by a large number of privately owned and state-operated buses.
14. Bhimbetka: The Age-Old Stone Caves
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The natural rock shelters that depict the stone period, as well as the rock art at Bhimbetka, are well-known features of the area. In 2003, UNESCO designated this location as a historic site. The rock shelters in Bhimbetka provided the earliest indications of human habitation on the Indian subcontinent. This location is on the Deccan Plateau, at the foot of the Vindhya Mountains. This location, which is thought to date from the Mesolithic era, has hints of the South Asian Stone Age. The year 1957 saw the discovery of these rocks.
What Makes Them Unique: Mesolithic murals and carvings have been preserved in the caverns. The hunter-gatherer lifestyle and way of life are depicted in these paintings.
How to get there
By Air Travel: Bhimbetka is not served by direct flights, and the closest airport is Bhopal, which has excellent connections to Mumbai, Delhi, Indore, and other important cities.
By Rail: Bhimbetka is not directly connected to any railways. Bhopal Junction is the closest train station, from where a bus or taxi can be taken.
By road: Bhopal and Bhimbetka are 46 miles apart, and buses and taxis are available to get there.
15. Chola Temples: The Chola Empire’s Architectural Legacy
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The Chola dynasty ruled the Chola Temples, which are located in southern India and are renowned for representing the Chola dynasty’s exquisite architecture. These temples are a true representation of ceremonies and rituals that are observed by large crowds and are rich in culture and history. These three temples are renowned for showcasing the finest aspects of these majestic old temples’ rich history through their ancient Tamilian culture.
What’s Unique: Thanjavur, Brihadisvara Temple, Gangaikondacholisvaram, Airavatesvara Temple, Brihadisvara Temple, and Darasuram are the principal temples of the Chola Empire, which includes the Chola Temples.
How to get there
By Air: The closest airport, Tiruchirapalli Airport, has flights to major cities.
By Train: Trichy Junction, which is situated 58 kilometers from Thanjavur, is the nearest train station.
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