India lives in several centuries at the same time.
Arundhati Roy
The ancient Indian cities were vital hubs for trade, business, the arts, architecture, culture, and education, so they weren’t just there because they had to be. India has a rich history and legacy as one of the oldest civilizations in the world. Some of the world’s oldest cities are found in this nation. These cities take visitors back in time and offer light on the voluminous culture and traditions of the past.
Here, let us know more about these famous ancient Indian cities.
Here’s a list of 5 ancient Indian cities you must visit:
- Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh
- Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
- Madurai, Tamil Nadu
- Hampi, Karnataka
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
The holy city of Varanasi or Banaras, commonly referred to as the City of Lights or Kashi, is located on the western bank of the Ganges River. It is the oldest city in the world. The most frequented pilgrimage site in Varanasi is the Ganga Ghats, which also serves as a center for music and education. The significance of Varanasi in Hindu mythology is seldom explored. Varanasi is one of India’s seven holiest towns, as well as one of the Shakti Peethas and one of the twelve Jyotir Linga locations. The legend and pureness of Varanasi fascinated Mark Twain, an English author and lecturer.
Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together
Mark Twain
Hindus have long considered Varanasi to be the most sacred site for pilgrimage. Hindus have the view that anyone who is blessed to pass away in Varanasi will be saved and released from the cycle of birth and rebirth. Additionally, Varanasi has long served as a fantastic center for education. Sanskrit, yoga, the Hindi language, and authors like the renowned novelist Prem Chand and the well-known saint-poet Tulsi Das, who wrote Ram Charit Manas, are all promoted in Varanasi. The origins of Varanasi, home to Lord Shiva and Parvati are still a mystery. It is believed that the fatal sins of people can be washed away by the holy River Ganga in Varanasi.
Places to Explore In Varanasi
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor
- It is better to view the Ganga Aarti from a boat on the river because it is such a captivating event
- Go to Sarnath, the site of Gautama Buddha’s first sermon upon enlightenment
- Banarasi Saree shopping with family or friends
Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh
Ayodhya, which is situated on the east bank of the River Saryu, is overflowing with artifacts from earlier times. The glory of Ayodhya is depicted in the Ramayan and Shri Ramcharitmanas epics. It is one of the ancient Indian cities in ancient India and is home to numerous temples. Ayodhya served as the Kosala kingdom’s initial capital, according to traditional history. Many prominent rulers, including Ikshvaku, Prithu, Mandhata, Harishchandra, Sagar, Bhagirath, Raghu, Dileep, Dashrath, and Ram, ruled Kosaldesh’s capital city.
Places to Explore In Ayodhya
- Take a trip to the well-known Hanuman Garhi temple, which is distinguished by its 70 steep steps that lead to the temple compound
- Visit the famous Ram Temple
- Go to Guptar Ghat, the site of Lord Rama’s alleged “Jal Samadhi,”
Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Ujjain is a 5000-year-old historical and historic city. In AgniPuran and Garuda Puran, it is referred to as mokshda and bhukti-mukti, respectively, while Adi Brahma Puran calls it the finest city. This is one of the ancient Indian cities that once served as the capital of a sizable empire. Hindu pilgrims often flood Ujjain, the “Temple City.” It is a prominent religious destination in India because it is home to numerous ancient and modern temples. Numerous historical landmarks in the city provide visitors with a glimpse into its colorful past. The recently built Ujjain Mahakal Lok Corridor has drawn attention from around the world and is being used by hundreds of pilgrims every day.
Ujjain, which is situated on the Shipra River’s bank, also serves as the center of gravity for the celebrated Kumbh Mela. The Kumbh Mela is the world’s biggest peaceful gathering of pilgrims, and during it, people bathe or take a dip in a holy river. Devotees hold the belief that cleansing themselves in the Ganga releases one from the cycle of birth and death by purifying oneself of sins. The event is incredibly knowledgeable since it encompasses the science of astronomy, astrology, spirituality, ritualistic traditions, and social and cultural norms and practices. This festival is culturally diverse because it takes place in four separate Indian cities and includes a variety of social and cultural activities.
Places to Explore In Ujjain
- To see the south-facing idol at the Mahakaleshwar Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas,
- To visit the banyan tree Siddhavat, which is situated on the Shipra River’s banks. According to legend, King Vikramaditya meditated here in order to gain the magical abilities necessary to subdue the ghost Betaal
- Trip to the Kark Rajeshwar Temple, which is located near the Tropic of Cancer
Madurai, Tamil Nadu
Madurai’s history dates back more than 4,000 years. The Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple is the most well-known of the city’s many temples. Up to the 10th century AD, Madurai flourished until being taken by the Cholas, the Pandyas’ fiercest enemies. From 920 AD to the beginning of the 13th century, the Cholas ruled over Madurai. The Pandyas reclaimed their throne and enjoyed prosperity once more in 1223 AD. Tamil was highly patronized by the Pandian Kings.
Although Chennai is the state’s capital, Madurai is where Tamil Nadu’s heart is. Madurai, one of the ancient Indian cities in India, is both Tamil-born and Tamil-rooted. It is a city that traded with ancient Rome and served as a powerful capital long before Chennai was even considered. Contrast is the term that best sums up Madurai if there is one. A thriving IT and automotive sector coexist with the town’s rich Tamil heritage in this historic temple town that is transitioning into a modern smart metropolis. After all, it is this paradox that gives the town its reputation as Tamil Nadu’s “heart and soul.”
Places to Explore In Madurai
- To see the revered Meenakshi Temple and its Thousand Pillar Hall, where it is thought that Lord Shiva performed the dance of ecstasy
- To travel to Koodal Azhagar Temple, one of Lord Vishnu’s 108 celestial abodes.
- Should go to the Gandhi Museum and thoroughly comprehend the fight for independence.
Hampi, Karnataka
Stone temples and historic ruins are abundant in the ancient South Indian hamlet of Hampi. This location, in the state of Karnataka’s shaded hills and valleys, is a tourist attraction rich in history. Hampi, one of the most beautiful ancient cities, is a backpacker’s paradise surrounded by 500 antique sites, stunning temples, lively street markets, bastions, the Treasury Building, and fascinating remnants of the Vijayanagar Empire. On the banks of the Tungabhadra River is where it is situated. Famous for its enormous, exquisitely carved temples, especially the Virupaksha Temple, which honors the imperial guardian god.
Hampi was formerly thought to be the richest city in all of India. Merchants from Portugal and Persia were drawn to it by its wealth and magnificence, which were well-known domestically and outside. The Deccan Confederacy overran the city in 1565, plundering it for several months. The ancient city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1986 when magnificent palaces, temples, intricate water systems, and other infrastructure were uncovered by contemporary archaeologists.
Places to Explore In Madurai
- To take in beautiful sunrises and sunsets over the historic sites
- To gain knowledge of fascinating facts regarding the Vijayanagara Empire’s historic sculptures, buildings, and cultures
- Hike to Matunga and Anjuna Hills and enjoy
The identity of our country is shaped by our heritage. Humans have traditionally used their heritage and past as a blueprint for building their present and future. The nation’s timeless and extensive cultural history must be preserved, the Indian government has acknowledged. Heritage sites are a great tool for educating people of all ages since they provide people a chance to give back to their community. There are many historic sites and monuments in India, a country with a rich history and diverse culture, including these ancient Indian cities. For the purpose of developing a nation and promoting the nation’s cultural identity, heritage protection, conservation, and pride are crucial.