It’s no secret that India is full of stunning sights. From the 7th Modern Wonder of the world, the Taj Mahal, to remote mountain passes of the Himalayas and the lush green landscapes of Kerala, all have been captured on film many times in all their glory. But there’s always a new angle to explore, and with an army of Instagram snappers out there we thought we’d collect together some of our favourite views of India‘s amazing attractions.
(… we’ll use any excuse to indulge in a lot of wanderlust-inducing pictures…)
Taj Mahal, Agra
Dawn and dusk are said to be the best times to photograph the Taj Mahal, when the marble reflects back the soft pink light. But we say the matchless mausoleum near Agra is simply stunning at any time of day.
The Red Fort, Delhi
Delhi‘s grand Red Fort was the residence of the Mughal emperor until 1857. Nowadays it is a popular tourist attraction and contains several museums.
Lotus Temple, Delhi
This stunning structure is a Bahá’í House of Worship. The 27-marble coated lotus petals are surrounded by pools and gardens, and anyone, of any faith, is allowed to visit the temple.
Mysore Palace, Mysore
This stately palace in Mysore in southern India is unbelievably grand both inside and out. It’s a great example of the fusion of Indian and Gothic styles known as Indo-Saracenic. Don’t miss seeing it at night when the palace is illuminated by thousands of bulbs.
The Ganges
This vast river is important not only to the thousands of people who live on its banks. It’s sacred to Hindus, and many will make a pilgrimage to bathe in its waters.
Gate of India, Mumbai
This grand arch dominates its waterfront surrounds in Mumbai. It was built as a symbol of the British Empire, commemorating the visit of King George V. And symbolically the last British troops left through the arch when India gained its independence in 1948.
Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
This collection of Hindu and Jain monuments are known for their incredible temples decorated with intricate erotic (and non-erotic) carvings. The western temples are said to contain some of the finest examples.
Masroor Rock Cut Temple, Himachal Pradesh
These impressive temples have been cut out of single blocks of stone, and boast an incredibly peaceful setting, reflecting into the lake just outside.
Kerala Backwaters
The southern Indian state of Kerala contains a vast network of canals, lakes and inlets, which is home to islands of towns and cities. If you want a relaxing trip in India board a kettuvallam (a traditional grain-carrying barge) and glide through this tropical green waterworld.
Jal Mahal, Jaipur
Jal Mahal is a palace set in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake, which is located in the city of Jaipur. Viewed from the lake shores, it appears to float on the lake – though in fact some of its floors are set below the water level.
Meenakshi Temple, Madurai
This temple in the southern city of Madurai is instantly recognisable for its brightly coloured gopurams (gateway towers) which are covered in many, many stone figures of gods and demons.
St. Lawrence Shrine & Minor Basilica, Karnataka
Although you might expect to come across mostly Hindu temples and religious sites, India is a mix of many religions, as this colourful Catholic church demonstrates.
Thanjavur Maratha Palace, Tamil Nadu
This royal palace falling into disrepair is a highlight of the city of Thanjavur. While wandering around the maze-like complex you might see the extensive library (now a museum) and the grand pavilion, decorated with brightly coloured murals.
Rumi Darwaza, Lucknow
This imposing gateway was once the entrance to the city of Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh. These days the city expands far beyond, leaving the 60-foot high monument surrounded by bustling streets.
Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi
This magnificent red sandstone structure in Delhi is the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun, completed in 1572. It’s the first example of a garden tomb – the main building is placed in the centre of a 30-acre Persian-style garden. And design features used here greatly influenced the development of Mughal architecture.
Shivoham Shiva Temple, Bangalore
One of the more recent additions to religious sites, this large representation of Lord Shiva was built in Bangalore in 1995. The seated deity is 65-feet high, and surrounded by a temple to Ganesha and healing stones.
City Palace, Jaipur
This centuries old palace complex in the city of Jaipur is still a royal residence, though members of the public can also access parts of it these days to visit the City Palace Museum.
If you’re feeling inspired by the Instagram images, then it’s time to head off and snap some of your own!
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