MAHABODHI TEMPLE, BODH GAYA, BIHAR, TOP HERITAGE DESTINATION IN INDIA

Mahabodhi Temple

A prince named Siddhartha Gautam (Lord Budhha) came here to attain Nirvana in the sixth Century B.C.; Mahabodhi Temple is the holiest destination of Buddhists. Not only Buddhists, but millions of Hindus from around the globe visit this temple to pay their homage to Lord Budhha. This temple of historical and cultural importance is honoring the Gaya district of Bihar since 260 B.C.

The sacred Bodhi tree dwelling in the complex of the temple is believed to be a spot where Buddha used to meditate for transcending the cycle of reincarnation. Thus, it is looked as the holiest spot in the complex. Buddha’s place of meditation, next to the Bodhi Tree, is acquired by Buddha statue on polished sandstone, which was installed by Emperor Asoka in the third Century B.C.

This heritage site of India has several places where Lord Buddha meditated after attaining complete bliss. According a temple website, there is site in the premises where he stood meditating for a week without moving his eyes.

Mahabodhi Temple is a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site.

General Information
Entry fee: No charges
Timings: 5 a.m. until 9 p.m.
Camera: 20 INR, and 300 INR for video cameras.
The meditation park is open from sunrise until sunset. The entry fee is 20 INR for visitors and 25 INR for the ones who meditates.

KHAJURAHO GROUP OF MONUMENTS, MADHYA PRADESH, TOP HERITAGE DESTINATION IN INDIA

Khajuraho

Kamasutra cravings embracing the Khajuraho’s three groups of temples are among the amazing temple art in the world. Situated in the state of Madhya Pradesh in India and about 1000AD year old; the temples of Khajuraho were constructed during the Chandella Dynasty. In these temples, you will also get to appreciate the marvels of Jain and Brahman monuments. It is the sheer beauty and architecture of these monuments, which made them UNESCO world heritage site.

Out of 85, only 22 managed to survive. In most of the monuments, sandstone of various colors is the main element of construction. All the monuments have entrance, hall, vestibule and a sanctum, and fresh air and proper light can enter from huge windows of the temples.

There are western region, eastern region and southern region of the Khajuraho. In the western part, you will find Kandariya Mahadeo, Chaunsat Yogini, Lakshamana Temple, Vishwanath Temple, Chitragupta Temple and Matangeshwara Temple. On the eastern part of Khajuraho, marvelous temples that can be spotted are Adinatha Temple, Brahma temple, Vamana temple, Ghantai Temple, Parsavanatha Temple and Javari temple. In the southern part, explore the Duladeo Temple, and Chaturbhuj Temple.

The Khajuraho Dance Festival is organized every year in the first week of February (1st to 7th). Through this festival, the visitors can relish an opportunity to get introduced with various classical Indian dances.

General Information
Visiting Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Entry Fee: 10 INR for Indians, US $ 5 for foreigners and children up to 15 years can enter without any fee

MAHABALIPURAM, TAMIL NADU, TOP HERITAGE DESTINATION IN INDIA

Mahabalipuram

Renowned worldwide for rock carvings and monolithic sculptures; UNESCO World Heritage site at Mahabalipuram was a port of Pallava Empire in 7th century. These monuments will let you have a glimpse of sculptures and carvings showcasing then artisans’ creativity and craftsmanship.

The sculptures were carved from local granite, and the sculptures are categorized into four categories:

– Rock-cut caves
– Monolithic temples or rathas, hewn out of a large boulder
– Bas-reliefs in the open air (Considered as unique artistic achievements)
– Structural temples

Out many temples, a lavish shore temple is bordered by Nandi bulls, facing the sea, offers fascinating site to the visitors. This temple was established again stone by stone after it was ruined in a cyclone.

The appeal of Mahabalipuram is packed not only in its monumental architecture but the charm of the place can be felt through its glittering sand beach, wonderful handicrafts and stone-carved items that are exhibited for sale near the shore.

Various sculptures of Mahabalipuram have inspired those in Cambodia, Annam and Java.

General Information
Visiting Hours: Open from 6 A.M. to 6 P.M.
Entrance Fee: INR 10 forcitizens of India and visitors of SAARC (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Maldives and Afghanistan) and BIMSTEC Countries (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Myanmar), US $ 5 for foreigners and children up to 15 years can enter without any fee.