Great Monuments of India

Book excerpt: With a recorded history that goes back 5,000 years, India's architectural heritage includes an impressive array of monuments, ranging from centuries-old temples, tombs and forts to exquisite palaces and public halls. Explore eleven of these architectural gems through over 600 extraordinary photographs and detailed information on their history, cultural significance and key architectural features. You'll discover a wide range of monuments, spanning both the centuries and country - from the ancient caves of Ajanta to the Mughal Taj Mahal in Agra. Includes bird's-eye-view illustrations of their layouts with key sights numbered and visitor paths marked. Plus find maps pinpointing geographical positions within India and practical tips on how to best explore each monument.