UNESCO WHS

Fatehpur Sikri is a planned city lovingly constructed by Emperor Akbar in 1571. The imperial capital thrived for 14 years and was abandoned when Akbar moved to Lahore. It soon became a ghost town. Water shortage is an explanation provided by some for the city’s abandonment. Why did Akbar choose Fatehpur Sikri, a non-descript town

Old Goa situated on the banks of Mandovi river is steeped in history. Adil Shah of Bijapur Sultanate established the city. The Portuguese arrived in 1510 and captured it from Adil Shah. Soon Old Goa under the Portuguese flourished in terms of trade and became the capital.  Old Goa or Old Velha was considered the

The temples of Khajuraho depict the story of life in intricate sculpturing and exquisite architecture. They are an epitome of the four goals of human life as accorded by Hinduism-kama, artha, dharma and moksha. Kama the human desire for pleasure, artha the search for wealth and power, dharma or fulfilment of one’s duty and finally

‘Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life’ said Buddha. This quote perhaps describes the realization of Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, who after the bloodshed of the Kalinga war, realized its futility and chose the spiritual path of Buddhism. Situated on the hill of Sanchi are the dome-shaped Buddhist

‘Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. They are our touchstones, our points of reference, our identity.’ This quote is courtesy the UNESCO World Heritage information kit. It aptly describes a treasure trove of heritage sites located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, which dates back to the prehistoric

The Historic City of Ayutthaya in Thailand, located in proximity to China, India and Persia (Iran) was an ideal port in the 16th Century to trade wood, silk, ivory and numerous crafts.  Merchants from Europe, China and Japan claimed it was a magnificent city and called it the “Venice of the East”. Thirst to see

St.Peters Basilica, Vatican @Rafiq Somani