Kanheri Caves

Kanheri Caves are a simple ones which doesn’t have those ornamental carvings. The caves have dated 1st Century to 9th AD. Each cave has a stone plinth used as a bed. There was a congregation hall which has a Buddha Stupa in the centre of it - the Buddhist Shrine.

Towards the hill there is the Ancient water system with canals and cisterns which channelized the rain water into a tank. Inside the caves you will see an elaborate carvings of Buddha and Buddha reliefs on the caves. There are many statues of Buddha on the outer walls and magnificent statues of Goddess Tara and Goddess Brute on the top. The art work on the walls actually give you an insight into the lives and practices of Buddhist monks. Most of them are the viharas or the study centers where students used to carry out their studies. One hundred writings have been found in this caves. These writings are in Devnagiri, Brahmi and Palllava scripts.

Photo courtesy: binoygupta

Elephanta Caves

There is this dark cave on a small island, houses one of the most alluding example of rock - cut architecture known as Elephanta Caves. It was dedicated to Lord Shiva. You can find the cave temple , about 75mts above the jetty level, follows the pattern of the Dumar Lena Cave in Ellora.

It has six pillars at its entrance, four of which are free standing and two are fixed. The entrance leads to the hall decorated with sculptured panels depicting legends from ShivPurana (Epic of the Lord Shiva - Lord of Destruction).

At the four corners of the main mandapa are the famous wall panels showing Shiva in many moods. You will notice across the hall is the representation of, Kalyanasundaram, the marraige of Shiva and Parvati. You will be amaze with the centerpiece there which is the triple - headed figure of Shiva as Maheshwara or Lord of the Universe.

Photo courtesy: travel-notes

The Ellora Caves

Ellora has 34 caves with intricate interiors and ornamental facades. The 12 Buddhist Caves depict Lord Buddha in various poses. The 17 Hindu Caves embody carvings of the Hindu Gods- Siva, Vishnu, Durga, Parvati and animals. The 5 Jain caves include figures of the Jain saints. The most fascinating structure is the magnificient Kailash Temple hewn out of a single rock and is three storeys high. The grand sculpture of Ravana attempting to lift Mount Kailasa, the abode of Lord Shiva, with his full might is a landmark in Indian art.

The Ellora caves, 34 in number, are the finest specimens of cave temple architecture. These structures reflect the three faiths of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, and were carved during the 350 AD to 700 AD period. The 12 caves to the south are Buddhist, the 17 in the centre dedicated to Hinduism, and the 5 caves to the north are Jain. . The interiors of the cave are exquisitely adorned.

Photo courtesy: static.flickr

The Ajanta Cave

The Ajanta caves are dedicated solely to Buddhism. The caves including unfinished are thirty in number of which five (9, 10, 19, 26 and 29) are "Chaitya-Grihas" and the rest are "Sangharamas" or Viharas (monasteries). Cave 26 by far is most magnificent and has some ornate sculptures. The Ajanta Caves are well known for their fresco paintings. The 30 Chaityas and Viharas have paintings, which illustrate the life and incarnations of Buddha. The interiors are enhanced by a variety of paintings on the ceiling that include geometric patterns, floral and ornamental motifs, a variety of animals, birds and plants.

These 3rd-century caves are fine achievements by Buddhist monks and are considered the finest masterpiece of Buddhist art and architecture.The caves are cut from the volcanic lava of the Deccan and are set in beautiful blooming surroundings. These historical manmade caves comprise of beautiful paintings on the walls and ceilings that depict the life of the Buddha. At Ajanta, the paintings on the walls, illustrate the events in the life of Gautama Buddha.

Kumarakom

Kumarakom is one of the favorite destination of many. They love the place. This is one of the favorite destinations of former Prime Minister of India. The placid waters of lake Vembanad makes the backwater cruise a better place. Around the backwaters there is the endless acres of palm fringe lands along the clumps of coir retting in water, fishing boats and boats laden with pots and pans, making a part of roundabout of the waterfront houses. The houseboats of Kumarakom are a sort of small homes which keep on moving on the backwaters from one place to another.

Photo courtesy: come2india

Dholavira in Kutch City

The Dholavira is being remembered for its wonderful planning and vastness of area and deposit. It says that it is one of the two largest arrangements in India and the fourth or fifth largest in the subcontinent. Dholavira enjoys the exclusive characteristic of elastic a dedication of ten large sized signs of the Harappan script that is indeed the oldest sign-board of the world.

Dholavira presents a ˜Harappan city" similarity excellence, trial about 600 m on the east-west. Inside the general strengthening, there are three separate complexes: An Acropolis, a middle town and a lower town. In addition, the acropolis and the middle town had been further furnished with their own accessory defence-work, gateways, built-up areas, street-system, wells and large open spaces. The city has inside the general building up accounts for 48 hectares. Besides, there are extensive structure-bearing areas while outside yet warmly important to the fortified settlement.

Photo courtesy: global heritage fund

Thiruvananthpuram

While you are on your travel to Thiruvanathpuram you will have a different experience while passing some of the most antique palaces and houses. The backwater cruise of Thiruvanathpuram will take you through the lake shores of the city. You will be see some of the most beautiful sceneries of a South Indian City.

While sitting on the living room of the Kettuvolmn/ Houseboat, you will notice the backwater as a far ending place with no end to see. On the sides of that you will see the shores of the river, children running after each other, women and men going for work. You might also get to see some of the ancient temples from a distance.

The attractions will be of the Palaces and Temples of Travancure. You will enjoy the ride on the backwaters, enjoy the south Indian delicacies like dosa, uttapam, sambhar which is especially prepared in the Houseboat Kitchen.

Photo courtesy: heritageindiaholidays