World Heritage Site

Basilica of Bom Jesus

Location

The Basilica of Bom Jesus, often called as Basilica of Good Jesus, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated in old Goa. Having baroque architecture, the church is India’s first minor basilica entitled to the name of infant Jesus.

A prominent religious landmark, the monument was constructed by extremist Portuguese rulers on the original site of a temple of Lord Shiva. Starting in 1594, the construction of the church was completed in May 1605. The church houses the body of St. Francis Xavier, who founded the Society of Jesus with his friend St. Ignatius Loyola.

Red Fort or Lal Quila

Location

The mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, after ruling from Agra for elleven years, decided to shift to Delhi and laid the foundation stone of the Red Fort in 1618. It is called so because of the red stone with which it is built, the Red Fort is one of the most magnificent palaces in the world. India's history is also closely linked with this fort. It was from here that the British deposed the last Mughal ruler, Bahadur Shah Zafar, marking the end of the three century long Mughal rule. It was also from its ramparts that the first Prime Minister of India, pandit Jawharlal Nehru, announced to the nation that India was free form colonial rule.

The only open entrance is Lahore Gate, on the west side.

Accessibility

Nearest Metro Station: Chandni Chowk

Qutub Complex

Location

This complex in Mehrauli, south Delhi, houses structures dating from the Slave Dynasty (1206-1290) and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The gardens are kept in excellent shape, making this a popular relaxation and picnic spot. Open daily from sunrise to sunset. Light-and-sound show held most nights after sunset.

Accessibility
  • Nearest Railway Station is Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station
  • Nearest Metro Station is Qutb Minar.
Famous For
Highest brick tower in the world

Humayun's Tomb

Location

Humayun's Tomb in south Delhi, near Hazrat Nizamuddin station, is one of Delhi's three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Open daily from sunrise to sunset.

The tomb is located in large, immaculately maintained gardens in the Persian Char Bagh (four corners) style that were thoroughly renovated in 2003 with the Aga Khan's help and are consequently probably the best in Delhi. As you enter the complex, the first major structure on your right is the bulbous, octagonal tomb of Iza Khan, a court noble who built it in his own lifetime, some 20 years before Humayun's tomb. As you pass through the first gate, you will glimpse the dome of the tomb and enter a floral path leading to the second (West) gate, which now acts as the entrance to the giant central garden.

Accessibility

Nearest Railway Station: Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station

Nearest Metro Station: JLN Stadium Metro Station

Bhimbetka Rock Shelters

Location

The Bhimbetaka Rock Shelters are a credible source of information about the pre-historic life of Indian civilization. These paintings boasts of the societal life of the people lived in that era. These rock shelters are included in the prestigious world heritage site lists of the UNESCO.

Formerly found its mention as the Buddhist centers, this rock shelters are recognized as the dwellings of the pre-historic man during the year 1957. The entire area is covered by substantial vegetation, has copious natural resources, natural shelters, with perennial water supplies.

Fatehpur Sikri Fort

Location

Fatehpur Sikri was commissioned by Emperor Akbar to act as his imperial capital along with the Red Fort of Agra. Fatehpur Sikri Fort was commissioned in the year 1570 and was completed in 5 years. While the Agra fort acted as a military base and garrison, Fatehpur Sikri fort was used for the residence purpose. Therefore it is but natural that the Sikri Fort has cluster of buildings that were used for different purposes as in case of Delhi and Agra's Red Forts.

Jantar Mantar

Location

Jantar Mantar: An observatory constructed in mid way between the years 1728 and 1734, Jantar Mantar is placed adjacent to the city palace. Literally this term means instruments and formula. Maharaja Jai Singh II was the progressive spirit behind this observatory, which has the accolade of being the largest stone observatory in the world. Historians are of the opinion that, Maharaja Jai Singh took long seven years to complete the construction of this observatory.

Keoladeo National Park

Location

Formerly known as the Bharatpur National Park this Park plays host to the most amazing and unbelievable variety of feathered ambassadors across the globe (including Siberian crane) The Keoladeo itself is only 30 odd sq km. However the well-traversed treks can be covered on a hired rickshaws. The Rickshaw pullers are an amazing bunch of characters and are renowned for their knowledge on birds. It is also recommended to avail the boat trip in early morning or late evening along with a pair of binoculars.

Elephanta Caves

Location

Elephanta Caves: Elephanta caves are located at Gharapuri Island, a confabulation of three small villages nearby Mumbai. These caves, a UNESCO world heritage site, are frequently visited by domestic and foreign travelers. The caves assumed to be dating back to the period 9th to 13th century AD, are famous for the ancient sculptures and the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The prime deity in the temple is Ardhanarishwara, a blend of half man and half woman representing Shiva and Parvathy. The temple, made out of rock cuts, is designed based on the Hindu astrological knowledge base, clearly taking into account geometrical mandala and energy levels.

Taj Mahal

Location

One of the Seven wonders in the world, a must see place in India, Taj Mahal is situated majestically in Agra. It is acclaimed as one of the three World Heritage Sites in Agra and is the living specimen of romantic love life of Shah Jahan and his favorite beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. Located at the bank of majestic River Yamuna, the Taj Mahal is a masterpiece of architectural design and excellence in finishing. Ustad Isa, the renowned Persian Architect, led the construction.