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Travelling is in my blood. I just can’t sit at home for a long time. It is mandatory for me to go out on a travel at least three times a year. I generally make plans at the begging of the year for that year’s travel – travel destination, dates, logistics, time period for travel, places to visit there and many other aspects. I’ve also been into many unplanned travel spree as well. Those travels were all of short duration – may be for 2-3 days. I’ve planned this post as one of the topics for the #BarAThon edition 2 and I chose to feature 7 world heritage sites in India, identified by UNESCO, where I’ve travelled.

Elephanta Caves: The Elephanta Caves trip was a fabulous one. It was 2016 January when I went for Mumbai trip. Elephanta Caves was at the top of my list. The journey through the Arabian Sea in a ferry from the Gateway of India was an incredible journey. It takes about an hour to reach but that journey was worth. The ticket price was Rs. 120 for a return trip. The caves have stone carvings of Three-headed Shiva, Ardhanarishvara, Shiva-Parvati on Kailash and many others. You can enjoy a toy train ride at the Elephanta from the ferry point to the entrance of the cave. Elephanta Cave is one my favorites in the list of 7 world heritage sites in India.

Mahabalipuram: I travelled to this UNESCO World Heritage site in 2015 February. I went from Pondicherry via East Coast Road. The journey was great as the road was pretty good. Visiting Mahabalipuram was a great experience. The ruins of the temples and monuments of the Pallava dynasty built during the 7th and 8th centuries were simple mesmerizing. The Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, Varaha Cave Temple, Krishna’s Butterball and the carvings depicting the Descent of the Ganges were a treat to explore.

Konark Sun Temple: Konark Sun Temple is an UNESCO World Heritage Site in India located in Odhisha. It is very near to one of the famous beach destinations Puri. I loved visiting this place. The name Konark is derived from two Sanskrit words – Kona (angle or corner) and Ark (the sun). The temple is dedicated to Sun God Surya. The Sun Dial at the temple is one of the great attractions of the temple complex. It is a must visit place if you are going to Puri.

Sundarbans National Park: My trip to Sundarbans was couple of times. It was during the early 2000 when I visited this natural mangrove. The name of the place is because of the mangrove plants Sundari. I love jungle safari and when this trip was getting planned I was very excited. The best time to visit Sundarbans is during November to March as the weather remains cool. There are many travel planners in Kolkata organize a 2-3 days trip to Sundarbans. You can also avail the West Bengal Tourism Board services for a lovely Sundarbans trip. If you are lucky enough you can spot the Royal Bengal Tiger quenching its thirst on the bank of the river. Because of my love for jungle safari Sundarbans has made to my list of 7 world heritage sites In India that I had traveled.

Basilica of Bom Jesus: Goa is my favorite travel destination of all time. I had been to Goa more than I have visited other places. I truly don’t need a plan to visit Goa. My visit to Basilica of Bom Jesus was during my Goa visit in 2011 February. The place is one of the attractions in Goa that you cannot afford to miss. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of my favorite spots in Goa. The basilica houses the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. The exterior of the plain architecture of the basilica is un-plastered but the beauty of it does not get fade away with its outer appearance.

Old Goa: The Old Goa is the historical city situated in the North Goa district of Goa, which was constructed by the Bijapur Sultanate in the 15th century. It was the capital of Portuguese India during the 16th and 17th centuries. It was great experience altogether when I visited Old Goa. The houses in Old Goa have that olden day’s touch with the touch of the authentic Goan culture. Some of the famous churches of Old Goa are the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Chapel of Saint Cathrine ad Se Cathedral.

The Mahabodhi Vihar: My visit to Mahabodhi Vihar, Bodh Gaya was long ago, during my school days. But I still remember that trip. Mahabodhi Vihar is a must see place if you like travelling and like to explore different places and culture. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Buddhist Temple that is marked as the location where Gautam Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment. Bodh Gaya is just 96 km drive from Patna.

This post of 7 world heritage sites in India is just a glimpse of these places. I would be featuring separate posts for each of these places covering more information.

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