SIX must-see attractions in India:
Jatayu Earth Centre
Located in Kerala, the centrepiece of the Jatayu Earth Centre is the world’s largest bird statue – a 1,400-square-metre sculpture of Jatayu, a vulture demi-god from Hindu mythology.
Jatayu was featured in the Hindu epic Ramayana and is said to have taken refuge in a cave after his battle with Ravana.
The statue is said to symbolise the protection of women, and their honour and safety, having been designed by Rajiv Anchal.
There is also an adventure park within the rocky estate.
Jantar Mantar
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan, this 18th-century observatory consists of 19 architectural astronomy instruments, predicting eclipses, tracking location of major stars as the earth orbits around the sun, ascertaining the declinations of planets, and determining the celestial altitudes.
The Unesco World Heritage site features the world’s largest sundial, called the Vrihat Samrat Yantra, which means the “great king of instruments.”
Mahabodhi Temple
Located in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, this temple complex is the most important of the main four pilgrimage sites for Buddhists related to the life of Gautama Buddha.
The Unesco World Heritage site marks the place where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment under what became known as the Bodhi Tree. The site also features a 25-metre tall Great Buddha Statue with the largest reclining statue of Buddha in India currently under construction.
Jama Masjid
Located in Delhi, this 17th-century mosque is one of the largest mosques in India and was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, also known for building the iconic Taj Mahal.
The mosque is located within the historic city of Shahjahanabad, today known as Old Delhi.
Across from the mosque are the Red Fort and Sunehri Masjid. It is also surrounded by various commercial centres, such as the historic Chandni Chowk.
The Golden Temple
Located in Amritsar, the Golden Temple, also called Harimandir Sahib, is the pre-eminent spiritual site of Skihism.
The Golden Temple is an open house of worship for all people, from all walks of life and faiths. More than 100,000 people visit the holy shrine daily for worship.
Construction was completed in 1604, though the temple has been renovated and rebuilt multiple times over the years.
Basilica of Bom Jesus
Located in Goa, this Roman Catholic basilica is both a pilgrimage centre and also the most iconic monument of all the churches and convents of Goa, recognised by Unesco as a World Heritage Site.
It holds the mortal remains of St Francis Xavier. It is India’s first minor basilica, and is considered to be one of the best examples of baroque architecture and Portuguese colonial architecture in India.
It is more than 408 years old and is open to the public every day.