5 world heritage sites not to be missed when exploring South India

Southern India is considered a cultural, historical and architectural treasure, many relics here have been honored by UNESCO as world cultural heritage.

These monuments open a journey of discovery into the rich history, reflecting the artistry, ingenuity and incredible craftsmanship of the local people, leaving visitors from all over the world in awe. They are not only a living testimony to the glorious past, but also contribute to the preservation and dissemination of traditional Indian cultural and artistic values ​​to the future generations.

Hampi Monuments Complex, Karnataka State

The Hampi monument complex is located in the state of Karnataka, southwest India. (Source: Alight India)

Hampi, the ancient capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, is located in the southern Indian state of Karnataka, on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. Hampi was also a commercial, cultural and religious center during its heyday in the 14th century, ruled by the royal elite and aristocracy.

Today, the complex includes shrines, palaces and other structures spread across the majestic valley between the Hemakuta and Matanga hills.

The highlight of the site is the Vitthala Temple - famous for its iconic stone chariot and pillars that emit magical sounds, along with the Virupaksha Temple - a sacred place that is still worshipped today.

Mahabalipuram Monument Complex, Tamil Nadu State

The majestic Shore Temple. (Source: The Telegraph)

Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, is famous for its impressive temples and stone carvings, built during the Pallava dynasty in the 7th and 8th centuries. It is a testament to the brilliant civilization and ancient beliefs of India.

Situated along the Bay of Bengal in Tamil Nadu, the Mahabalipuram ruins feature the majestic Shore Temple overlooking the sea. Other popular attractions include the Five Chariots (a chariot carved from a single block of rock) and the giant stone tablet Arjuna's Penance, depicting Hindu mythology.

These artistic masterpieces make Mahabalipuram a must-visit destination for history and architecture lovers.

Western Ghats mountain range

The Western Ghats, one of the world's largest king cobra conservation areas. (Source: UNESCO)

The Western Ghats, stretching along the southwest coast of India, is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The range covers parts of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and several other states and is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, including many endemic species.

The Western Ghats play a vital role in maintaining India's ecological balance and are famous for their lush rainforests, tea plantations, and wildlife sanctuaries like Periyar and Silent Valley National Park.

The Western Ghats are now considered to have the largest population of king cobras in the world. Many sanctuaries have been planned here to create a suitable, strictly protected habitat for this snake. This is truly a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers.

Brihadeeswarar Temple of Chola period, Tamil Nadu state

The Pattadakal ruins evoke memories of the glorious Chola dynasty. (Source: Travel and Leisure India)

Built during the Chola dynasty in the 11th-12th centuries, the temples represent the pinnacle of Dravidian architecture. The most famous of these is the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, a colossal granite structure dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The sculptures here are also made extremely elaborately with mysterious techniques. To this day, archaeologists still cannot explain how the artisans of the Chola dynasty were able to create the statue of the bull god Nandi, weighing up to 20 tons, meticulously carved on a giant stone slab 4.9m long and 4m high, located majestically at the entrance of the temple.

The remaining two temples, Airavatesvara at Darasuram and Gangaikonda Cholapuram, are equally impressive in their magnificence and sophistication, representing the pinnacle of architecture and culture of the Chola empire.

Pattadakal Complex, Karnataka State

The Pattadakal ruins are a harmonious blend of North and South Indian architectural forms. (Source: Travel Triangle)

The Pattadakal group of temples, located in northern Karnataka, is a little-known but historically significant site in South India. The temple complex, built between the 7th and 8th centuries, is a unique blend of North and South Indian architectural styles.

In particular, the Virupaksha Temple, built by Queen Lokamahadevi to commemorate the victory of King Vikramaditya II, is a highlight with its exquisite sculptures and carvings.

The Pattadakal monument reflects the artistic and cultural achievements of the Chalukya dynasty and is a symbol of diversity in Indian architecture.

The unique cultural heritage of South India is a testament to the sophistication of art and architecture, reflecting the depth of history and beliefs of each region. From grand temples to unique sculptures, each structure evokes a glorious era and a spirit of endless creativity. These monuments not only attract global tourists but also play an important role in preserving and continuing the precious cultural values ​​for future generations of the country on the banks of the Ganges.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/5-di-san-the-gioi-khong-the-bo-qua-khi-kham-pha-mien-nam-an-do-285556.html