India is a vibrant country that best captures the contrast between the traditional and the modern world. Being the seventh largest country in the world in terms of geographical area, India boasts a rich heritage – the result of the various cultures and religions that have left their mark here over the centuries.

Pilgrims arriving in India have the opportunity to visit sacred places with a rich spiritual charge, while nature lovers can enjoy beaches with a special local charm, lush parks, and wild sanctuaries. From the magnificent Taj Mahal in Agra to the holy places of Harmandir Sahib (formerly the Golden Temple) in Amritsar and the Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad, visitors to this exotic country will venture into a journey full of spiritual, cultural, and, not lastly, historical.



1. Taj Mahal, Agra

Being the most famous building in India, the Taj Mahal is also the most famous testimony of love. Named after Mumtaz Mahal, the favorite wife of the emperor Shah Jahan, the construction of this mausoleum began after her death, in 1631, as a sign of respect and love for the one who had been with the emperor. Incorporating many elements of Islamic architecture, the Taj Mahal is constructed of white marble and is decorated with delicate floral designs inlaid with precious stones.

The Taj Mahal is also testimony to the idea that there really are magical places on Earth, being the most famous architectural work in the entire history of India. Borrowing elements from Hindu, Indian and Persian architecture, the mausoleum was built with the help of elephants that transported the materials from the most distant places and through the exhausting work of approximately 20,000 people.

Our advice is to visit this wonderful place either at dawn or in the evening, when the wonderful landscape is completed and highlighted by the sunlight that transforms the entire atmosphere into a fairytale. For example, in the morning the walls of the mausoleum have a pale pink color, but once the sun sets and night falls, it turns white.

With an anchor well steeped in history and traditions, the Tah Mahal is built perfectly symmetrically, except for the tomb of Shah Jahan and his wife, which differ - according to the beliefs of those times, the size of the tombs had to differ for men and women.

If possible, try to capture the reflection of the image of the Taj Mahal in the Yamuna river because it will be a good photo to post on social networks.

 

2. The Holy City – Varanasi

Varanasi is one of the most vibrant and interesting places in all of India. For centuries, education, culture, philosophy and religion have flourished in this place, and the moment you visit the religious center, you will realize that this is the one that feeds the spirit of the city and keeps it alive.

Thus, an important pilgrimage center for Hindus, the Holy City of Varanasi was associated with the river Ganges , an important religious symbol. Dating back to the 8th century, Varanasi is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. Here, travelers have the chance to explore the old neighborhood near the Ganges, where there is also the Kashi Vishwanath Temple , built in 1780.

Every evening, groups of priests and believers gather for the evening ceremony, Aarti,  which lasts around 20-30 minutes. During this time, the priests perform various traditional rituals involving rose petals, incense and bells, all in the light of lit lamps around which people hum songs that praise Mother Ganga.

3. Harmandir Sahib: Templul de Aur din Amritsar

Founded in 1577 by Ram Das, Amritsar is an important center of Sikh history and culture . The main attraction is the Harmandir Sahib , often called the Golden Temple for its extravagant decorations made of this precious material.

The temple was built in the Hindu or Islamic manner, the lower marble section having floral crowning ornaments, while the large golden dome represents a lotus flower, a symbol of Sikh purity. In addition to its splendid design, tourists are equally impressed by the spiritual atmosphere of the temple, this effect being enhanced by the prayers broadcast continuously throughout the complex.

 

4. The Golden City of Jaisalmer

The name of the city is due to the yellow sandstone used in the construction of most of the buildings. The Golden City of Jaisalmer is an oasis of ancient architecture rising from the sand dunes of the Thar desert . Although it was once a strategic outpost, today the city is full of splendid villas, magnificent gates and also the site of the massive Jaisalmer fortress, also known as the Golden Fort. In addition to the palaces, temples and old houses, the citadel also boasts 99 bastions that lead to the main courtyard of the Maharaja's Palace . The palace includes areas beautifully decorated with Italian and Chinese tiles, carved stone doors, and several Jain temples, each of which is decorated with fine marble images, manuscripts and ceilings painted in the most vivid colors possible.

 

5. Red Fort, New Delhi

Built by Shah Jahan in 1648 as the seat of Mughal power, the Red Fort in New Delhi , named after the red color of the sandstone it is made of, covers a vast area of ​​approximately 2 square kilometers. Among the most important points of attraction are the two large gates:  the Lahore gate  which represents the main entrance of the fort and the Delhi gate , once used by the emperor for ceremonies. An interesting part of this trip will undoubtedly be exploring Chatta Chowk, a bazaar founded in the 17th century that sells jewelry, silk clothing, souvenirs and food products. In addition to these attractions that you will discover, you can also opt for a trip with a guide who will give you a fascinating look at the life and past times in Shah.