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For a complete cultural immersion, readers chose destinations
that are rich in tradition and heritage.Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh is a veritable cultural museum offering many
destinations that provide glimpses into the rich and illustrious past of our
country. Take your pick from the erotic temples of Khajuraho that are a
celebration of love, life and worship, to the serenity of medieval palaces and
temples of Orchha, the abandoned city of Mandu which was once the lavish
home of the Mughals or the Gwalior Fort that was reputably one of the most
invincible forts of its time.Odisha
With its awe-inspiring monuments, ancient temples showcasing master
craftsmanship, and unique amalgamation of cultures of northern and
southern India, Odisha is both mystical and magical. The famous Sun
Temple in Konark and the revered Jagannath Temple in Puri, the wondrous
Jain caves and serene Buddhist monasteries are fine examples of the
wealth of archaeological monuments that this state contains. Home to
62 tribes, the tribal villages are resonant with drumbeats and the hills echo
with music. Even today, the age-old traditions are being passed on from
the older generation to keep their heritage alive.BEST HERITAGE DESTINATION
Israel
With as many as nine heritage
sites receiving UNESCO World
Heritage Site status between
2001 and 2015, it is no surprise
that Indian travellers picked
Israel as the best heritage
destination. While Tel Aviv
may remain the point of focus
for city dwellers, trips out
of town include the Incense
Route through the desert cities
of Negev, Necropolis of Bet
She’arim, a landmark Jewish
Renewal, and sites of Human
Evolution at Mount Carmel that
include the Nahal Me’arot and
Wadi el-Mughara caves.Mexico
Luxury travellers in India are
no longer weary of far flung
destinations. Mexico has
more than 30 UNESCO World
Heritage Sites, some of which
are towns and cities! Visit
Guanajuato that sits pretty
with its colonial history, with
historic centres spooling
off into cobbled streets
while underneath, a unique
subterraneous tunnel system
runs through the city. Other
cities to visit include Xochimilco,
where the spotlight falls
on the Mexican food scene,
and Campeche, a tranquil,
16 th-century port city.Mukteshvara Temple, in Odisha,
dates back to 950–975 CE.FROM LEFT: COURTESY OF ORISSA TOURISM; KEN SCICLUNA/GETTYIMAGESINTERNATIONAL
DOMESTIC
The magnificient Islamic shrine,
The Dome of the Rock, in Jerusalem.76 travelandleisureindia.in