History
Delve into the fascinating history of India – and find a country full of captivating stories. Blogger Siddhartha Joshi shares his best historical tips below to help you get inspired for a trip of a lifetime.
Read more belowBlogger Siddhartha Joshi shares his best historical tips
Delve into the fascinating history of India – and find a country full of captivating stories. Blogger Siddhartha Joshi shares his best historical tips below to help you get inspired for a trip of a lifetime.
“With enough intrigue, drama and fascination to fill a hundred best-selling novels, the true history of India is even more interesting than you might have guessed.”
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Mahabalipuram
The story of Mahabalipuram as we know it today begins in the 7th century during the reign of the mighty Pallavas, who ruled from Kanchi near Chennai. Mahabalipuram was already a well-known port and was written about in the Greek empire. The present-day name itself is derived from Mamallapuram, of the city of Mamalla.
Today Mahabaliuram is one of the most important places to learn about the evolution of Hindu temple architecture. Located close to Chennai, the place is easily accessible and can be explored on foot. Some of the most well-known temples to explore here include the iconic Pancha Ratha and the impressive rock carving – Arjuna’s Penance/Descent of the Ganges – which features a moving scene from Mahabharata.
Lucknow
Lucknow is a city deeply steeped in history and a stroll through the old quarters reveal secrets that surprise even local residents. Also known as the city of Nawabs, Lucknow was built by noblemen who were originally meant to manage the region under the Mughals, but eventually became kings themselves.
One of the best ways to explore the city and its illustrious history is on foot or by joining the experts on a guided walking tour: start at sunrise at the Bara Imambara and then move onto the heritage street and explore marvellous old buildings, ponds and mosques. Don’t miss out on a walk through the old town and bazaars, which haven’t changed much in the last hundred years.
Delhi
Delhi has traditionally been a major city in India. From the early Hindu kings to the Sultans and Mughal Emperors then finally the British, the city has grown and flourished under each dynasty. Each of these eras introduced something new to the city, yet the original flavour of the city - a city with a big heart - has remained unchanged.
Rich in history, it can take days or even weeks before one gets to grips with how much Delhi has to offer. My favourite way of exploring tends to be early morning walks in the old city, especially the Chandni Chowk area. A walk through the lanes will take you to Jama Masjid which stands tall among the rather flat houses in the area. Apart from the mosques and forts, Delhi is also well known for some beautiful tombs. I would recommend a visit to Humayun’s Tomb and Safdarjung’s Tomb to start. If you’ve still got time, head over to Mehrauli Archaeological park and pay a visit to the iconic Qutub Minar.
Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer Fort is one of the world's largest fully preserved forts. Built in 1156 AD by Rawal Jaisal, the fort derives its name from two words - Jaisal and Meru. Jaisal came from the king himself and Meru is the name of an unassailable mythical mountain of the Gods in the Himalayas. Before the British came, Jaisalmer was part of the Silk Route and an important stop for travelers and merchants passing through.
Jaisalmer Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with all the other hill forts of Rajasthan. It’s also known as the Golden Fort because of its yellow colour that glows like gold in the morning and evening. Some other spots to explore in Jaisalmer include historical forts across the desert, Patwon ki haveli and Gadisar Lake.
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Looking for even more inspiration? Browse through photos and tips submitted by Instagram users to help you plan a journey around India like no other.
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Click on the other articles below to explore more tips from Sid.