- Double Root Bridge
Bridge in Nongriat, India
These natural structures occur when rubber fig roots are encouraged to grow into one another, forming strong bridges over rivers and small canyons. Found in mountainous forests in Cherrapunji, they have astonished travelers since the 19th century.
- Chausath Yogini Temple, Morena
Mitaoli, India
Also called Ekattarso Mahadeva Temple, this structure was built in the 11th century and is one of the few Yogini temples still in good condition. The Archaeological Survey of India declared it a historical monument in 1951. The circular shape is said to have been a possible inspiration for the Parliament House in New Delhi.
- Chand Baori
Rajasthan, India
This ancient stepwell built between 800 and 900 CE by King Chanda of the Nikumbh dynasty, was designed to conserve water and provide relief from the heat. The landmark might look familiar as it has been prominently featured in films such as “The Dark Knight” and “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.”
- Bada Bagh
Rajasthan, India
Bada Bagh, which translates as “big garden,” is a garden complex filled with chhatris, or elevated domed pavilions, that serve as monuments for past rulers of the region. It was built by a descendant of Maharawal Jaisal Singh.
- Tso Moriri
Kashmir
This mountainous lake, which sits more than 4,500 meters above sea level, is fed by springs and snow-melt from the surrounding mountains. It is protected as part of the Tso Moriri Wetland Conservation Reserve.
- Kavaratti Island
Arabian Sea
Kavaratti Island is part of Lakshadweep, a group of islands off the western coast of India in the Arabian Sea. The peaceful lagoon and white sand beaches of Kavaratti Island make it popular with tourists. It is also home to a the main base of the Southern Naval Command in the Indian Navy.
- Martand Sun Temple
Jammu and Kashmir
This Kashmiri Hindu temple was built by the third ruler of the Karkota Dynasty, Lalitaditya Muktapida, in the 8th century atop a plateau from which the whole Kashmir Valley can be surveyed. The temple is now in ruins after it was ordered to be destroyed during the 15th century. The Archeological Survey of India has declared it a site of national importance.
- Ross Island
Andaman Islands, Bay of Bengal
Named for Captain Daniel Ross, a marine surveyor for the East India Company and president of the Geographical Society of Bombay, this island has had a long history of military installments which have now turned into ruins. The island itself is almost jungle-like and is home to spotted deer and peacocks.
- Rani-ki-Vav
Patan, Gujarat, India
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Rani-ki-Vav (or Rani-ki vav) is a stepwell built on the banks of the Saraswati River during the Chaulukya Dynasty as a memorial to an 11th-century king. It is also referred to as the Queen’s Stepwell.
- Kutch Fossil Park
Gujarat, India
This archeological museum showcases fossils and fossilized wood from the Rann of Kutch salt marsh. The grounds also have fossils to explore.
- Taj Mahal
Agra,India
Facing the lush garden, the iconic Taj Mahal mausoleum sits on a raised platform surrounded by four soaring detached minarets. Exquisitely detailed precious stone inlay covers the white marble surfaces in floral motifs, geometric patterns and inscriptions from the Quran. Emperor Shah Jahan built the massive domed structure in the mid-1600s for his beloved third wife, Mumtaz Mahal who died during childbirth; their symbolic tombs rest inside surrounded by marble lattice screens.