\ud83c\udfdb\ufe0f
Hampi UNESCO
16th century Vijayanagara Empire ruins. Giant boulders, temple complexes, royal enclosure. UNESCO. India's most atmospheric ruins.
\ud83d\uded5
Meenakshi Temple Madurai
45 metres tall gopurams. 33,000 sculptures. 14 towers. Most visually overwhelming temple in India. Active 24hrs.
\ud83c\udff0
Mysore Palace
Most visited monument in India after Taj Mahal. Illuminated with 98,000 bulbs on Dussehra. Indo-Saracenic architecture.
\ud83d\uddff
Shravanabelagola Bahubali
58-foot monolithic statue \u2014 10th century carved from single rock. Most important Jain pilgrimage in South India. Mahamastakabhisheka every 12 years.
\u2615
Coorg Coffee Hills
Scotland of India. Endless coffee + spice plantations. River rafting. Elephant camp. Misty hills. 'Coorgi' cuisine.
\ud83c\udfa8
Ajanta + Ellora Caves
UNESCO. 29 Buddhist caves (Ajanta \u2014 2nd century BC paintings). 34 Hindu/Buddhist/Jain caves (Ellora). Most spectacular ancient art in India.