Our heritage is a huge part of our identity, and both are irreplaceable sources of inspiration. The heritage sites are an integral part of any country; it boasts glorious history, architectural beauty, the significance of traditional and cultural belief, and moreover our inheritance that is ages old.
Well, exploring the architectural and historical greatness of your country is another level of highness, and we bet you must have visited most of them. But if you’re really into forts, monuments and heritage sites, then there are some hidden gems that you can’t afford to miss out on.
So on this World Heritage Day, let’s talk about booking a self-drive and planning a Road Trip to some of the not so popular, but totally worth it, heritage sites in India and feel lost in the cultural vibrancy and beauty of these exotic places.
*Yes, They’re Instagrammable Too*
- Indus Valley Civilization Excavation, Gujrat
We must have read about Indus Valley Civilization in our history lessons back in school. But have you heard about the excavation site in Lothal in Gujrat for the ancient Indus Valley? The place is just a two-hour drive away from Ahmedabad, which has a small museum that preserves excavated object of ancient times like work tools, skeletal remains, jewelry, and more. It was discovered in 1954, and it’s a beautiful place that gives you a glimpse of ancient times.
- Bhimbetka Ancient (Art Galleries), Madhya Pradesh
Bhimbetka Ancient Art Galleries or Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka is the UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of the country. The place is just a one-and-a-half-hour drive away from Bhopal. The massive caves surrounded by sandstone cliffs at the Vindhya Range foothills are evidence of the Stone Age and indicate early human life. You can also see stick figures carved on the caves holding spears and bows and arrows, showcasing them chasing a herd of creatures with horns.
- Tughlaqabad, New Delhi
The capital plays a vital role in the history of India as being the royal seat of many dynasties that rules the country. Delhi is home to many heritage sites and also home to many unexplored historical places like Tughlaqabad. Everyone knows the Tughlaqabad, but do you know that this place has an uncanny resemblance to the Mohenjo-Daro-Harappa ruins. The site is picturesque and embodied with artificial lakes, magnificent fortresses, and citadels.
- Asigarh Fort, Hansi Haryana
Approximately a two-hour drive from Delhi, Asigarh Fort in Hansi Haryana is one of the unexplored historical treasures you don’t want to miss. The fort is also known as Prithviraj Chauhan Ka Qila and is protected under ASI (Archaeological Survey of India). It is spread over thirty acres, and it was the site where ancient coins of the BC era were discovered with around forty-five bronze images of Jain Tirthankars.
- Basgo, Leh Ladak
The region is easily accessible through a smooth drive. Basgo is a shred of evidence that India is a land of history and beautiful archaeological finding that boasts its culture, religions prevailing, and social background. Basgo Fort is situated overlooking the Indus River, and adjacent to the fort are three temples dedicated to three different forms of Buddha and Goddess Maitreyi. If you’re looking for harmony and ecstasy with some adventure, then this is your place.
- Pattadakal, Karnataka
The place is an ideal weekend getaway from Bangalore; Pattadakal is the UNESCO World Heritage Site situated on the banks of River Malaprabha. Pattadakal is home to several ancient temples dated to the 8th century BC. These sculptures showcase the amalgamation of two different architectural styles of the time of Chaulakya Rulers. Pattadakal in Karnataka is an unexplored treasure of history and should be visited by you soon.
- Bada Bagh, Jaisalmer Rajasthan
Situated amidst the majestic desert and dunes of Jaisalmer Rajasthan, Bada Bag translates to Big Garden as it encircled by beautiful lush green gardens. Bada Bagh is a complex that lies in cenotaphs that are empty tombs built in the memory of royals. Locals call it Chhatris, but to us, it seems no less than Indian pyramids. The golden landscape reflects the power, royalty, history, and culture of the country.
- Undavalli Caves, Andhra Pradesh
The heritage of India showcased hundred years of an old civilization that emerges to offer us a door to the past. Among such sites are Undavalli Caves that are part of our rich heritage and is the best example of Indian rock-cut architecture. Undavalli is carved from a single rock and is best known as the four-story cave structure with sculptures on the wall representing Lord Vishnu (Hindu God) and various deities.
- Jageshwar, Uttarakhand
Well, the beauty of Uttarakhand is not hidden from the world, which makes it so popular among tourists. Apart from being a beautiful hill station state, Uttarakhand is also known as the Temple City. The region has some gorgeous hidden historical gems like Jageshwarm, just a few km away from Almora. The place is home to 124 temples of Lord Shiva, which is as old as the 9th century. It also consists of 4th century Medieval Hindu architectural sculptures amidst the setting of the Himalayan forest and scenic views.
- Lonar Crater Lake, Maharashtra
Not some monument or fort or site, Lonar Crater Lake is the small meteor Lake surrounded by many magnificent ancient temples and monuments that date back to the 6th century. The place is one of the untarnished gems in India and a common spot for local movie shoots. The unbeaten beauty of this place is incomparable and makes a perfect setting for a relaxing picnic with the family.
- Unakoti, Tripura
Unakoti in Tripura is a historical place embodied with murals, rock craving, and natural waterfalls. The thing that truly makes it a heritage site is the Shaiba Pilgrimage dating back to the 7th and 9th centuries and the mythology stories. It is the place where Lord Shiva rested on his way to Kashi, and the other story is related to Lord Buddha, where he turned Gods and Goddesses into stones when they could not wake up in time. That is the reason you can see a lot of stones images and carvings during your visit to Unakoti.
- Rabdentse, Sikkim
Rabdentse lies in the ruins that offer a magnificent view of Mount Kanchenjunga or Khanchendzonga Range. It was the second capital of the former Kingdom of Sikkim, and today it is a part of the Buddhist pilgrimage circuit. Rabdentse houses stone thrones, broken but beautiful wall stubs, and palace ruins. It is just 100 km away from Gangtok; it is reached here in no time by booking a car rental service.
These are just a few unexplored historical treasures of the country, and there are many places we even don’t know that exists. It is said, Delhi itself has hundreds of baolis and sculptures that we are unaware of; imagine what other states have in store to offer.
Don’t miss these places and book your self-drive and hit the road to these not so popular heritages sites in India.
To book a car on rent or self-drive, visit: https://bit.ly/3YFzwHc
