7 monuments that are evidence to India’s architectural beauty

When we judge a country, their power, or their influence, the first thing people tend to notice is their buildings. The buildings, monuments, architecture, these are the things that are taken into mind. Be it for when you are travelling for leisure or even if planning to settle, the architecture of a country plays a big part in setting an image of the same. And that is when monuments and buildings stand as witnesses. India, particularly, can be called an epitome of architectural beauty. With a mix of history, culture, and craftsmanship, Indian monuments, be it the iconic Taj Mahal or the temples of Chennai, are a sight to behold.

Undoubtedly, the first one on the list is the iconic Taj Mahal. It stands as India's most famous monument as a symbol of love and architectural expertise. Commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, this white marble mausoleum in Agra mesmerises visitors with its beautifully detailed carvings, symmetrical gardens, and the play of light that transforms its appearance throughout the day.
The Taj Mahal is not just a monument; it is said to be the epitome of what someone would do for love with architectural perfection.

The Akshardham temple in Delhi is nothing less of an architectural marvel that leaves people stunned at first glance. The very minutely carved pillars and insides are a sight to behold. Akshardham temple perfectly blends traditional Indian architectural styles with contemporary craftsmanship. Spread across vast acres, the temple complex showcases breathtaking stone carvings, sculptures, and every evening a mesmerising water and sound show that narrates tales from ancient Indian scriptures.

Located in Tamil Nadu, the Velankanni Church, also known as the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, is a sacred site for Christians across the globe.
The Church has a beautiful Gothic-inspired architecture, adorned with colourful stained glass windows and towering spires. The arches, the pillars and even the main entrance of the Church give a feel of a foreign destination or a palace that was built by a divine architect himself.

The Golden Temple, or Sri Harmandir Sahib, is the holy shrine for Sikhs and a shining jewel in India's architectural crown. Situated in Amritsar, this magnificent gurdwara is famous for its shiny, golden facade, the holy lake inside and the beautiful white marble that paints half of the gurdwara.
The architectural brilliance of the Golden Temple is a sight to behold for many who look at it not just as a shiny, golden building but also as the sacred place it is.

Simply translating to ‘Palace of Winds’, Hawa Mahal is a breathtaking architectural marvel located in Jaipur.
Built in the form of a honeycomb structure with over 900 lattice windows or jharokhas, this five-story palace was designed to allow the royal women to observe street festivities while remaining veiled from public view. Hawa Mahal's creation with the unique and beautiful red and pink sandstone along with the delicate floral motifs on the beautiful building are an example of Rajasthan's rich cultural heritage and architectural brilliance.

One of the most beautiful temples in South India, the Meenakshi Amman, located in Madurai, is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture. Dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi and her consort Lord Sundareswarar, the temple spans about 14 acres. The beautiful and intricately carved pillars that hold the humongous temple are nothing less than a wonder. The now muted colours and the simplicity of the brown structures is simply surprising.
It is said that when seen in an aerial view, the temple structure looks like a Mandala.

The City Palace in Jaipur, is another magnificent architectural monument in India. The Palace is said to be a fusion of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles and is a true beauty to behold. The classic Rajasthani style of carvings and appearance is like cherry on cake.
Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the palace complex has many courtyards, gardens, and grand structures, adorned with exquisite paintings, mirror work and marble detailing. The Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal within the City Palace are two of the most visited and admired structures and give people the perfect example of the royal lifestyle and eye for detail and beauty of Indian rulers.