Even though Telugu states claim glorious past and rich cultural tradition, in the view of archeological survey of India (ASI), there is nothing worth seeing in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
The Golconda Fort, 425 year old Charminar, Nagarjuna Konda, Amaravati, Gandikota, Chandragiri, Alampur, Undavalli, Guntupalli… nothing made it to the list of sites one must see prepared by ASI.
ASI has prepared a list of 22 Indian heritage sites and 21 world heritage sites.
The ASI prepares the list of “monuments and sites (which) display exceptionality in terms of arts and architecture, planning and design, are a unique testimony to the civilisation in the past and are or outstanding types of buildings showing exemplary engineering skills and of course in a good state of preservation.”
The list of iconic monuments is being prepared with a hope to attract a large number of visitors both domestic and international. “This is a draft list, and there could be inclusions. Factors such as exceptional heritage sites in good state of preservation and other factors are taken into consideration, said an ASI official.
World Heritage sites
· Ajanta and Ellora caves, Aurangabad, Maharashtra.
· Elephanta caves, Maharashtra.
· Agra fort, Agra.
· Taj Mahal, Agra.
· Sun Temple, Konark, Puri, Odisha.
· Group of monuments at Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu.
· Churches and convents of Goa.
· Khajuraho group of temples, Madhya Pradesh.
· Group of monuments at Hampi, Karnataka
· Group of monuments at Fatehpur Sikri, UP
· Group of temples, Pattadakal, Karnataka
· Great living Chola temples at Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu.
· Buddhist monuments at Sanchi, MP.
· Humayun Tomb, Delhi.
· Qutb Minar, Delhi.
· Prehistoric rock shelters of Bhimbetka, MP
· Champaner-Pavagarh Park, Gujarat.
· Red Fort, Delhi.
· Hill forts, Ranthambore, Rajasthan.
· Rani-ki-Vav, Gujarat.
Indian heritage sites
· 1121 AD Hoysalesvara temple in Halebidu, Karnataka.
· Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha.
· Asokan Rock edict and sculpture of elephant, Bhubaneswar.
· Sun God of Katarmal, Almora, Uttarakhand
· Jageshwar, Baijnath temples, Uttarakand.
· Gol Gumbaz, Karnataka.
· Buddhist Stupa, Kalaburgi, Karnataka
· Deeg Palaces, Bharatpur, Rajasthan.
· Cooch Behar Palace, West Bengal.
· Jhansi Fort, UP.
· Laxman temple, Chhattisgarh.
· Rock temples, Masrur, HP.
· Hidimba Devi temple, Kullu, HP.
· Kudakallu Parambu, Cheramanagad, Kerala.
