India is a land of amazement and surprises. Just when you think you know enough, there’s an element that you are astonishes you. And this is not just confined to Indian culture or diversity, but also to its art and architecture.
Indian architecture is an amalgamation of centuries of history, influenced by thousands of ruler and attributed to tons of cultures that have bred, thrived and demolished in the country. The upshot of this blend is magnetic and Indian skyline is adorned by beautiful buildings that present fantastic architecture. To add to the list of the historic and glorious structures are also some new buildings that add to the diversity of India.
Here’s a top mix-trix of old and new stunning buildings across India that present unique architecture.
1. Lotus Temple, New Delhi- The Symbol of Spirituality
Where:
Lotus Temple Rd, Shambhu Dayal Bagh, Bahapur, New Delhi, Delhi
What: An award winning structure, the lotus temple is a Baha’i temple open to people of any religion. The building comprises of 27 free-standing marble petals arranged in groups of three to form nine sides.
Walk-in, spend a couple of minutes in the serene atmosphere and you’ll experience the feeling of being one with the universe!
Visitor Information: Open to visitors 9 am to 7 pm, no entry fee
2. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus- West Meets East
Where: Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra
What: Formerly known as Victoria Terminus, this is the HQ of central railways and is very righteously a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating back to 1887, this impressive High Victorian Gothic style building was constructed to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria.
The permutation of Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and traditional Indian architecture is presented in the buildings wood carvings, skyline, turrets and pointed arches.
Visitor Information: Open to visitors 24 hours, no entry fee
3. The Great Stupa - Sailing The Sands of Time
Where: Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh
What: The oldest stone structure of India, this Stupa dates back to 3rd BCE and was commissioned by Emperor Ashoka the Great. A hemispherical brick structure built over the relics of the Buddha. Surrounded with four carved railings, the structure presents marvellous Buddhist architecture.
Withstanding centuries of history, The Great Stupa has seen empires rise and fall, faced turmoil and has rewarded with beautiful additions as well. Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site to experience the silent tales of history the Stupa is trying to hold on to!
Visitor Information: Open to visitors, 8 am to 5 pm, ticketed entry
4. Infosys Multiplex - Dome Of Entertainment
Where: Infosys Ltd., Hebbal Industrial Area, Mysuru, Karnataka 570027
What: A 4-screen cinema hall in the Infosys Mysore Development Centre, this geodesic dome and auditorium has a seating capacity of 1500 seats.
An excellent example of State-of-art architecture, the employees of Infosys can enjoy watching movies on the weekends at this striking theatre.
Visitor Information: Open only for employees
5. Chittorgarh Fort- The Grandeur of the Rajputs
Where: Chittorgarh, Rajasthan
What: One of the largest forts in India, Chittorgarh is home to the history that sleeps in its Stambhas, the spirituality hidden in its temples, the sacrifice that oozes out in its palaces and the audacity that is visible through its walls.
Spanning over an area of 700 acres, the fort presents eclectic architecture throughout its 65 historic built structures, among them 4 palace complexes, 19 main temples, 4 memorials and 20 functional water bodies.
Visitor Information: Open to visitors for 24 hours, ticketed entry
6. Victoria Memorial- The White Beauty
Where: 1, Queens Way, Kolkata, West Bengal
What: Dedicated to Queen Victoria, this is striking white building from the British Raj and is attributed to architect William Emerson. Constructed in Indo-Saracenic revivalist style, Victoria Memorial is a blend of British, Mughal, Venetian, Egyptian, Deccani and Islamic architectural influences.
Operating as a museum today, the gardens of this beautiful building are also worth an evening stroll!
Visitor Information: Open to visitors from 5.30 am to 6.15 pm, ticketed entry
7. Golconda Fort- The Home Of Diamonds
Where: Ibrahim Bagh, Hyderabad, Telangana
What: Home to the world famous Koh-i-Noor diamond, Golconda fort is one of the quirkiest architectural specimens of India delivering brilliant acoustics. A small hand clap at the entrance reverberates at the pavilion almost a kilometre away.
Assorted apartments, halls, temples, mosques, gardens and the decoration with a combination of Hindu-Muslim influence add to the beauty of the fort.
Visitor Information: Open to visitors from 9 am to 5 pm, ticketed entry
8. The Taj Mahal- The Epitome of Love
Where: Agra, Uttar Pradesh
What: Known as the epitome of love, this structure is considered to be the masterpiece of Mughal architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
The building is a classic example of Persian art and a glance at this white-marble structure embodied with precious-stone will make you fall in love with it!
Visitor Information: Open to visitors from Sunrise to Sunset, ticketed entry
9. i Flex Building - The Structure Of Suspending Windows
Where: C V Raman Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka
What: A chic state-of-art building spread over 144,000 square feet accommodating 1500 employees; the suspended floors present a unique architecture. The building is now operated as an office of Oracle Financial Services.
Visitor Information: Can be observed from outside.
10. Hawa Mahal- The Pink Pleasure
Where: Badi Choupad, Pink City, Jaipur, Rajasthan
What: A five-storey pyramidal palace resembling a honeycomb web of Beehive, with small portholes. Dating back to the 18th century, the Haw Mahal presents its grandeur in a charming pink hue with 953 niches.
A fusion of Hindu Rajput architecture and Mughla Islam Architecture, Hawa Mahal is one of the most beautiful sights in Jaipur.
Visitor Information: Open to visitors from 9 am to 5 pm, ticketed entry
11. MatriMandir/Auroville Dome- The Soul of the City
Where: Auroville, Bommayapalayam, Tamil Nadu
What: A structure that took 37 long years to be completed is a Geodesci dome adorned with golden relics in the shape of a huge dome decorated with petals. The inner chamber of this dome is home to the largest optically-perfect glass globe in the world which is used for meditation.
The structure is supported by four pillars that symbolise the four aspects of the personality of The Mother the spiritual collaborator of Sri Aurobindo.
Visitor Information: Open to visitors from 9 am to 4.30 pm, free entry
12. Qutub Minar- The Tower Of Victory
Where: Mehrauli, New Delhi
What: This is the tallest brick minaret in the world and has a history that goes back to 1200 CE. A UNESCO world heritage site, the Qutb Minar was built by a series of rulers of Delhi. The intricate carvings on the Minar depict the verses from Quran. The tower comprises of cylindrical shafts separated by balconies, the first three storeys are made of red sandstone, the fourth and fifth or marble and sandstone respectively.
The huge complex around the Qutub Minar is a architectural, archaeological and historical marvel worth visiting!
Visitor Information: Open to visitors from 7 am to 5 pm, ticketed entry
Take a tour of these stunning monuments and you'll be proud of Indian Architecture; both old and new!
