India is a rich historical country. Every corner is filled with remarkable stories of the years gone by, celebrated still by the gorgeous monuments left behind by the makers. India is loaded with plenty of places and structures, creating the perfect destination for history buffs to travel.
Where North India offers palaces, fortresses, and tombs representing culture, South India is also no less glorious. We bring you major destinations that every history enthusiast must include in their wish list.
Hampi
Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stretching over a few kilometres, and is an open-air museum. The structure is not only relevant to history but also greatly admired because of the science behind it, which leaves its visitors awestruck.
The same region also houses a chariot temple, which can enthrall you with its beauty. The underground passages and temples of the royal field call for a sense of intrigue; there is the Vittala temple, where each pillar, when tapped, makes a sound like a musical instrument.
Belur-Halebid
The city is beautiful and can charm you with its gorgeous temples in South India, remnants from the 12th-century world of the Hoysalas.
The place is for everyone, where one can enjoy experiencing not only the age-old history but also art and creative artistry. Adorned with intricate carvings, the temples mesmerize visitors.
The detailing on the structure is a sheer masterpiece, clearly depicting the advanced levels of craftsmanship that were present at that time.
Hyderabad
Hyderabad, the capital of the Nizams, is the country’s IT capital. It has a profound historical background and has fantastic monuments and magnificent architecture representing the lives of royalty.
From the well-known Salarjung Museum, known for its famous cuckoo clock, veiled Rebecca, and vintage car collection, to the offbeat Chowmahalla Palace, the place is a great destination for history lovers.
A Purani Haveli houses the jewels and the Nizam’s three-floored wardrobe. Moreover, traveling to Hyderabad is incomplete without exploring Golconda Fort in South India, which is popular for its beautiful surroundings and planned architecture.
Mahabalipuram
Located on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, Mahabalipuram is another UNESCO site. The city is a delight for true history lovers. One can enjoy the sunrise over the Golden Shore Temple or head to the stunning Panchratha temples to get a closer feel.
The place is blessed with several uniquely constructed cave temples in South India. It also has one of the largest bas-reliefs—an imprinted story of Arjuna’s penance. Do not forget to visit the exclusively different yet stunning rock on the slope of the city.
Mysore
The city of Mysore provides history admirers with many amazing options to explore. From palaces to temples, the city is an excellent destination. Places to visit on a historical journey include the glorious Mysore Palace, the ancient temple of Chamundi, and the beautiful Somnathpura Temple of the Hoysalas.
It is recommended to visit the place during Dassehra around September-October when the Mysore Palace comes to life at night in a grand celebration. This is a clear representation of Mysore’s glorious past. Not to forget the heritage sites associated with the famed ‘Tiger of Mysore’, Tipu Sultan.
Bijapur
Bijapur, now called Vijaypur, is home to remnants from the Adil Shah Dynasty. The city is recognized because of its number of historical monuments, including Gol Gumbaz, the second-highest dome in the world, and Ibrahim Rauza, also famously called the Taj Mahal of the South India.
The city offers every traveler ample options for living and experiencing the old traditional days
Badami
Constructed during the Chalukya dynasty, the small town of Badami houses several stunning cave temples and the Bhootanatha Temple in South India.
The place also has rock-cut cave temples adorned with elaborate carvings of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Classified as a UNESCO heritage site, when in Bdami, one should not miss the famous carved temples of Pattadakal. Take some time out for the other cave temples at Aihole for a perfect historical journey.
Thanjavur
As a famous tourist destination in Tamil Nadu, South India. Thanjavur is the place where the dance form Bharatnatyam originated. The city played a significant role during the reign of the Cholas, and there are plenty of things to explore and experience.
For history, the city offers many ancient sites, from the magnificent Brihadeeswara Temple of the 11th century to the Thanjavur Palace and the old Saraswathi Mahal Library, which houses some of the rarest Sanskrit manuscripts, which were earlier written on palm leaves.
To grab excellent souvenirs, the town is also popular for Tanjore paintings. The lions are constructed to grab fantastic souvenirs from the place; one can buy famous Tanjore paintings.
Madurai, South India
Madurai is one of the oldest cities recorded in the world, and it is given special mention in Chalukya’s Arthashastra. The place has several ancient structures that represent its factual historical background.
Because of its ancient history and architecture, Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, South India was nominated as one of the New Wonders of the World.
While planning to travel to Madurai, do not forget to explore Thirumalai Nayak Palace, which has tall pillars and combines Rajput and Dravidian ethnicity.
Warangal, South India
For history admirers, Warangal houses several ancient temples in South India, the ruins of a palace, and a fort, which make this place an experience to cherish forever. There are several tourist attractions famous for their art and historical significance.
Bhadrakali Temple and the 1000 Pillars Temple are true representations of the amazing artistry of the Kakatiya Dynasty.
When in Warangal, do not miss the stone gateways, which are currently being used as the emblem for the new state of Telangana.
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