Palaces
As early as the fourteenth century, stories glorifying the exotic palaces of Indian rulers began to circulate in the West, stories which closer acquaintance only confirmed. Even today, they are magical places – small towns rather than single buildings, in which the Hindu and Muslim rulers of the subcontinent dispensed their laws and enjoyed their wealth.

Palaces of India Replicating the legendary past of the Rajas and Maharajas, who once lived here, these palaces are the finest example of sheer opulence and comfort. Built in some of the most beautiful cities of the country, these palaces are a tourists delight

These temples of grandeur, highlight a brilliant range of architectural style and artistry, and reflect an elegance of style that could have only been mastered over years. Cities, towns and villages all had their forts and protective ramparts. It was customary to build the palace within the fort, outside which lay the city, enclosed within a fortified wall.

The Rajputs were prolific builders who left behind a legacy of some of the most imposing and magnificent forts and palaces in the world. A bid for survival in the harsh Thar Desert and a history replete with valor, romance and tragedy: the forts and palaces of Rajasthan are a microcosm of the images from the past.

Almost every state of India have palaces built by either Muslim or Hindu rulers but the most popular and maximum are in Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Karnatka

 Heritage
Rich architectural legacy of India dating to ancient past never ceases to lure the traveler. Out of countless prestigious heritage sites of India, sixteen cultural and five natural have already been declared as World Heritage Sites, by the General Conference of UNESCO. These sites are known to have an exceptional interest and universal value, the protection of which is the concern of all mankind. The most famous sites are

AJANTA and ELLORA - Magnificent rock-cut Buddhist cave temples. Ajanta wall paintings pulsing with life, recount the life of the Buddha, his previous lives, as also the court life of king and commoner, while the Ellora is temple of three religions : Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.

AGRA FORT – was built by emperor Akbar in 1565 – 73 AD. as his citadel. Inside are the several palaces and the largest of pure marble mosques, the moti masjid.

TAJ MAHAL – the marble wonder was built between 1631 and 48, by Emperor Shah Jehan for his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal.

FATEHPUR SIKRI – The red stone mansions of Sikri exhibit a robust stability combined with originality, it was built by emperor Akbar as his capital but could rule from here for mere 12 years only.

MAMALLAPURAM - Shore temple – in south India was founded by the Palava kings in 7th & 8th century, carved out of rock along the coromandel coast. These monuments are specially known for their rath mandaps and giant open-air relief.

KONARK Sun temple – built in 1250 AD., during the reign of the eastern Ganga king Narsima Dave – I. The design is the celestial chariot of the Sun God pulled by seven carved ornamented horses.

KHAJURAHO – are renowned for their fine blend of sculpture and architecture. They were built between 950 – 1050 A.D. under the patronage of the Chandela kings

HAMPI – The glories of medieval Hindu kingdom. Temples of this city are noted for their large dimensions, florid ornamentation, bold and delicate carvings and traditional depictions which include subjects from the Ramayan and Mahabharata

PATTADAKAL- In Karnataka, illstrates the Chalukyan art which, in the 7th & 8th century AD, under the Chalukya dynasty, achieved a harmonies blend of architectural forms from the north and south of India.

ELLEPHANTA –the glorious abode of lord Shiva. The caves were excavated in the 7th & 8th centuries. The center piece is a massive 18 feet, three headed bust of lord Shiva, representing his manifestations as creator, preserver and destroyer.

SANCHI – known for it’s master pieces of Buddhist art – Buddhist stupas, Monasteries, Temples and Pillars dating from the 3rd century BC. To the 12th century AD. Some other sites in line are BRIHADISVARA temple in Tanjore, QUTAB Complex and HUMAYUN’S TOMB in Delhi.