Historical Places in India

Historical Places in India

1. Basgo Monastery, Ladakh

    Basgo monastery, based on Buddhist tradition and culture in the union territory of Ladakh, is perched on the top of a hill. The monastery was a fortress and the seat of authority of the Namgval kingdom. It was the cultural-political center of the domain. This place is rich in culture and heritage and yet one of the unexplored gems of Ladakh. It boasts stunning sunset views as the citadel baths in the rusty hue of the setting sun.

2. Bhimbetka, Bhopal

    This unique archaeological site manifests some of the earliest reminders of human life found on the subcontinent of India. The Bhimbetka rock shelters, in the Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh, houses over 750 ancient rock shelters and ancient cave paintings. Some of them dating back to 30,000 years while others as recent as the medieval period. The arts hither encapsulate a treasure trove of knowledge of how ancestors lived in an ancient era and show their transformation to hunters and gatherers.

    It also showcases the day-to-day activities of humans like hunting and trapping of animals like tigers, bison, wild boars, elephants and jackals, animal rides, dancing, honey collection, childbirth, religious rites, ceremonies, and other such occasions. The rock formations are the result of acute chemical and physical weathering by natural elements over the years.

3. Cellular Jail, Andaman & Nicobar Islands

    Constructed between 1896 and 1908, this gigantic jail was home to hundreds of freedom fighters during India's struggle for independence and stands as a dark reminder of the British rule in the Indian subcontinent. The dreaded colonial prison situated in the archipelago, isolated from the mainland, was used by the British mainly to exile Indian political prisoners.

    Popularly known as Kala Pani, this jail witnessed the most brutal punishments imposed on prisoners. The prison is now open to public viewing as a National Memorial, and its museum presents a sneak peek into the years of India's struggle for freedom.

4. Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, Gujarat

    The Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004, is positioned in the Panchmahal district in Gujarat. This pre-Mughal city is a treasure of architecture, culture, and history that has an interesting mix of Hindu and Muslim styles. It is the only site that has preserved Islamic designs before the era of Mughals.

    Cradled in an impressive landscape, the park preserves monuments which include pre-historic (chalcolithic) sites, a hill fortress, and remains of the 16th-century regional capital city built by Mahmud Begada. The Kalika Mata Temple on top of Pavagadh Hill is supposed to be an important shrine.

5. Charminar, Hyderabad

    Hyderabad's principal landmark and city symbol, this ancient four-column structure was built by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah in 1591 to commemorate the end of the plague. The massive 56-meter high structure consists of four arches facing the cardinal points, with minarets on top of each column. It is said that there is a secret tunnel from the monument to the Golconda Fort but it hasn't been discovered to date.

    The Charminar stands at the heart of Hyderabad's main bazaar - Laad Bazaar which is a labyrinth of lanes crowded with shops, stalls, markets, and shoppers.