Ancient Destinations India

A visit here can be a life changing experience for those seeking a spiritual or adventurous endeavour. Feel the presence of the mysterious Iron Pillar in Delhi, take photos of Indian ruins or explore the beautiful Brihadishwara temple of Thanjavur. India promises to enchant travellers with its ancient and rich cultural heritage!

Photo: Nataraja

One of the most fascinating and mysterious structures in the world is the Iron Pillar of the Qutb complex in Delhi, India. The pillar is believed to been built by Chandragupta II Vikramaditya (a king from the 4th century AD). Alternative historians estimate that the pillar could be at least 1,600 years old. The structure reaches a height of almost 7 meters and weighs over 6 tons.

Surprisingly, the pillar has never shown no signs of rusting or decomposing and has withstood corrosion for thousands of years. Although there are numerous inscriptions on the pillar speaking of India's achievements in metallurgy, no one knows how and why it was placed there. The mysteries of the Iron Pillar continues to baffle both archaeologists and metallurgists to this day. (More Photos)

Located in the city of Thanjavur (aka Tanjore) India, stands an incredible Siva temple known as the Brihadishwara temple. The structure was built by the great Tamil Emperor Raja Raja Chola I in the late 10th - 11th century. The temple served as a place for both religious and economic activities. Known locally as the Big Temple, the structure stands 216 feet tall and is topped by a large Siva Lingam (a symbol used to worship the Hindu god). (More Photos)

The lingam itself is composed of a large granite block that weighs 80 tons. Inside the temple visitors will be confronted by numerous Indian sculptures of female dancers in various poses. The Brihadishwara temple is a remarkable engineering feat and is considered to be the most popular temple from the Chola temple sites.

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