Enchanting Trysts With Sandstone on India Heritage Tours
Mughal association with sandstone presented India with some extraordinary structures. Humayun’s Tomb and Red Fort in Delhi and Agra Fort in Agra, each being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are the prime examples and must-visit attractions on India’s prosperity in a variety of building materials helped royal families and art patrons in their architectural experiments over centuries. Taj Mahal and many fascinating Jain temples immortalized in marble and spectacular South India temples made timeless with granite are some well-known examples. Sandstone, in myriad of colours like red, yellow and pink, has the construction of entire cities to its credit. Here are someIndia heritage tour ideas to explore the pure magnificence written in sandstone.
Jaisalmer – The Golden Sandstone City
Amidst golden sand dunes in Rajasthan, the city of Jaisalmer changes its skin from tawny lion shade to honey-gold with sun’s movement every day. The credit goes to the prolific use of yellow sandstone in every prominent structure of the city. Adorning the city as a crown, the grand Jaisalmer Fort with massive sandstone walls over a hill glitters like gold, leaving the spectators completely bowled over. Many mesmerizing sandstone havelis (mansions) and chhatris (cenotaphs) too contribute towards the city’s shining glory.
On a Rajasthan tour, don’t miss the opportunity to explore other marvellous sandstone structures, including Hawa Mahal (made of red and pink sandstone) and Amber Fort in Jaipur and Laxmi Niwas Palace and Lalgarh Palace in Bikaner.
Fatehpur Sikri – Resplendent Mughal Heritage in Sandstone
When Mughal Emperor Akbar thought of constructing the empire’s new capital near Agra, sandstone available in abundance at the nearby state of Rajasthan was his preference. What resulted from the thought is the aesthetically pleasing city of Fatehpur Sikri with inimitable architectural excellence in red sandstone. From the enormous gateway called Buland Darwaza to the royal residences, palaces, halls and courts, every single structure seems to enjoy the best ever use of the stone.
Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple in Sandstone – Extended Artistic Excellence
Designed in the enthralling Dravidian architecture using sandstone, Kailasanathar Temple is one of the oldest structures in Kanchipuram. Built around 7th century, the temple has rich sandstone carvings which portray characters like lions and half human half animal figures. The temple has such stunning appeal that even the non-Hindus get instantly attracted.
Another example is that of Akshardham Temple in the city of Gandhinagar in Gujarat. As per the records, more than 6,000 tonnes of pink sandstone was used in its construction. More than its religious significance, the temple is visited by flocks of tourists to savour the architectural majesty.
Government Secretariat in Delhi – Sandstone Ruling the Modern Designs
No wonder that sandstone finds acceptance in the modern architecture of India as well. One of the top examples is the magnificent building of Secretariat in New Delhi, constructed chiefly from the red sandstone imported from Rajasthan. Built under the supervision of the British, the building blends the elements of Classical style with those of Mughal and Rajasthan architectures. When illuminated on the special occasions, the building outshines the stars above. Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s House) near the Secretariat is another remarkable masterpiece boasting the use of sandstone.
Your India tour operator can help you explore many similarly exquisite architectural wonders across India. It is indeed astonishing to see how the artists and architects of bygone era left behind a legacy for the world.
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