Top 10 Cultural Places of India

India is the land of diverse cultures. It boasts a heritage resulting from centuries of fusion. The cultural places of India attract thousands of tourists every year. The following list attempts to talk about 10 cultural places in India that could give one a taste of its unique multi-cultural identity.

Delhi

The capital of India can only be described as a melting pot. While one of the country’s most developed cities, it houses some of its most famous historical monuments. It offers varied attractions like the Red Fort, the sublime Humayun’s Tomb, and the iconic India Gate. Delhi has a vibrant culture that ranges from unique markets, lush public gardens and mouth-watering street food that many Indians consider to be the best in the country. The Lotus Temple, Jama Masjid, and the Hauz Khas Village are some other landmarks that one should not miss when visiting Delhi.

Varanasi

Often known as the spiritual capital of India, Varanasi is a paradise for anyone who wants to get a taste of Hindu traditions and practices. Exploring its ancient alleyways is the best way to witness unique sacred rituals. The Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat is truly one of a kind and a spiritual experience one should not miss. The magnificent Kashi Vishwanath Temple is also a sight to behold.

Varanasi, with its cramped lanes lined with colourful jewellery stands and silk weaver shops, is one of those cultural places that reveal a completely different side of India.

Puducherry

Puducherry, formerly known as Pondicherry, is a standout cultural spot in India due to the unique blend of its French legacy and Tamil culture. The union territory has serene beaches that are perfect for anyone on a quiet vacation. One can also get a taste of French heritage by exploring the French Quarter, which is filled with aesthetic villas and chic boutiques. The Sacred Heart Basilica, Sri Aurobindo’s Ashram, and Auroville are other places one may consider visiting when in Puducherry.

Lucknow

Lucknow, dubbed as the City of Nawabs boasts of architectural marvels and the delectable Awadhi cuisine. The Rumi Darwaza, Bhul Bhulaiya, Bara Imambara, and Chota Imambara are all exquisitely crafted buildings that show India’s Islamic influences. The local shops and restaurants in the city are famous for serving delicious kebabs and biryani, whose taste cannot be replicated. Other attractions include the Hussainabad Clock Tower and the British Residency.

Kolkata

Kolkata is often known as the cultural capital of India for its perpetual encouragement of the arts. The beautiful Victoria Memorial, spread over acres of land, is a stunning building that is accompanied by a Light and Sound show and occasional exhibitions that are very insightful. The Princep Ghat and its boat-rides offer a great view of the Ganges. An underrated spot in the city is Chinatown, which is the home of the last few Chinese Indian nationals left in the country; it was the birthplace of the popular ‘Desi Chinese’ cuisine.

Kerala Backwaters

The Kerala Backwaters have the most unique ecosystem found in the country— the saltwater of the Arabian Sea meets the freshwater of rivers to create the most diverse flora and fauna. The area is most popular for its beautiful houseboat accommodations that provide one of the most distinctive cultural experiences in India. Tourists can enjoy the local cuisine prepared on a boat while witnessing the lives of fishermen and farmers. Kochi can be visited to experience performances of Kathakali, a vibrant dance form with intricate costumes that are representative of the state of Kerala.

Amritsar

The city is home to the Golden Temple which is the holiest place of worship for the Sikh community. One of the most unique cultural places in India, the Golden Temple is a captivating building that houses the world’s largest community kitchen (langar). It serves simple vegetarian food and a special ‘prasad’ (sweet dish said to be blessed by the Gurus) that is famous nationwide for its wholesome taste. Amritsar is also famous for the Jallianwala Bagh, a site of immense importance for India’s freedom struggle. The memorial is often visited by tourists. The Wagah Border ceremony, a patriotic spectacle by the border forces of India and Pakistan, can also be enjoyed in Amritsar.

Rajasthan

Rajasthan is one of the most culturally rich states of India with its numerous forts and palaces that outline the history of revered kings and queens. The cities of Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jodhpur can be visited to soak in the carefully crafted palaces with ornate doors and windows. The roads leading up to these palaces often contain shops that sell traditional jewellery, paintings and fabric which are one of a kind. Dance and musical performances unique to the region can also be enjoyed in various places. The pink Hawa Mahal in Jaipur is a beautiful structure not to be missed when in the city. Jaisalmer might be of particular interest to Bengali film enthusiasts as ‘Sonar Kella’ (Golden Fort), directed by the veteran Satyajit Ray, was shot at the Jaisalmer Fort.

Thanjavur

Located in the state of Tamil Nadu, Thanjavur is one of the most special cultural places in India. The Brihadeeswara Temple is a stunning example of Chola architecture and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Thanjavur Maratha Palace is home to the ancient Saraswati Mahal, one of the oldest surviving libraries in Asia, which contains rare manuscripts and books. Tanjore paintings famous for their use of gold leaves, are found in local shops. The local cuisine also offers the famed ‘banana leaf’ meal.

Ajanta and Ellora Caves

Very few cultural places in India can compete with Ajanta- Ellora. Located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, the latter is one of the largest Hindu temple cave complexes. The Ajanta caves are Buddhist cave monuments. The paintings, rock sculptures, and historic monasteries are internationally renowned. Ellora has panels depicting the two Indian epics, which truly make it a sight to behold.

India’s cultural heritage can be rivaled by few other countries in the world. Exploring these ten destinations would give anyone a taste of the diversity that is representative of India. These cultural places of India prove that it is a land of myriad traditions and experiences.