9 Oldest Heritage Sites in India You Must Visit
By Priyanka Roshan | April 30, 2025
India is a time capsule of ancient wonders—where history, mythology, and architecture collide. Ready to step back in time? These 9 heritage sites await your adventure.
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1. Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra
Step into these 2nd century BCE caves and you’ll enter a silent world where every wall tells a Buddhist tale. Hand-painted murals and intricate sculptures still glow with spiritual brilliance.
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2. Ellora Caves, Maharashtra
Carved across centuries (6th to 10th CE), Ellora is a magnificent blend of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain temples. Don’t miss the Kailasa Temple—it was carved top-down from a single rock!
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3. Sanchi Stupa, Madhya Pradesh
One of India’s oldest surviving Buddhist monuments, this 3rd-century BCE stupa whispers tales of Emperor Ashoka’s spiritual journey. Walk the circular path and feel time slow down.
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4. Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
This coastal town is a stone playground of gods, demons, and celestial chariots. The Shore Temple and Pancha Rathas, crafted in the 7th century, are proof the Pallavas were master sculptors.
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5. Konark Sun Temple, Odisha
Imagine a sun god riding a stone chariot pulled by carved horses—welcome to 13th-century Konark! Its stunning wheel carvings even function as sundials. History with a side of science.
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6. Nalanda University, Bihar
Centuries before Oxford or Harvard, there was Nalanda. Founded in the 5th century CE, this Buddhist university drew scholars from across Asia. Today, its ruins still radiate ancient wisdom.
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7. Khajuraho Temples, Madhya Pradesh
Built around 950–1050 CE, these temples are more than just erotic art. They capture the full spectrum of life—devotion, dance, love, and laughter—all carved in breathtaking detail.
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8. Hampi, Karnataka
A surreal boulder-strewn landscape hides the ruins of the mighty Vijayanagara Empire. Wander through 14th-century temples, bazaars, and palaces—you’ll feel like a time-traveling trader.
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9. Rani ki Vav, Gujarat
This 11th-century stepwell isn’t just for water—it’s an underground temple of art and devotion. Every carved figure tells a myth, making it one of India’s most poetic heritage sites.
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