Jageshwar Temple

While travelling from Pithoragarh to Almora in Uttarakhand, you'll stumble upon the Jageshwar temple complex, nestled amidst verdant Deodar trees. The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a treat for the eyes with its black stone structure blending harmoniously with the lush green foliage, blue stream and grey sky, creating a picturesque natural filter.

Dating back to the 9th-13th century AD, the Jageshwar temple complex boasts of exquisite architecture that continues to captivate visitors. It's easy to imagine the grandeur and magnificence it exuded during its heydays. This temple stands as a testament to the remarkable power and beauty of ancient Indian temples.

Mundeshwari Devi Temple

The Mundeshwari Devi Temple, located in Bihar and dedicated to Lord Shiva and Shakti, is regarded as the world's oldest functional temple. It is said to have been built during the Saka era, with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) dating its construction to 108 AD. The octagonal shape of the temple, a rarity in temple architecture, is an impressive example of the Nagara style.

Subrahmanya Temple, Saluvankuppam, Tamil Nadu

Discovered in 2005 following the devastating 2004 tsunami that struck the Tamil Nadu coast, the Subrahmanya Temple in Saluvankuppam, Tamil Nadu is considered to be the oldest of its kind in the state. Dedicated to the deity Murugan, the temple is an amalgamation of two structures, with one dating back to the ninth-century Pallava era and the other to the eighth-century Sangam era, according to archaeologists.

Tungnath Temple, Uttarakhand

Tungnath Temple, situated in Uttarakhand, holds the distinction of being the world's highest Shiva temple at an altitude of 3,680 meters (12,073 feet). While the exact dates of its construction are unclear, according to legend, the temple was built by the Pandava heroes of Indian mythology as an offering to Lord Shiva to seek his forgiveness. Despite its small size, with space for just ten people, the temple is made of black rock and features a construction style similar to the temple in Kedarnath.

The Konark Sun Temple

The Konark Sun Templein Odisha is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 13th century. The temple was constructed by the Kings of the Eastern Ganga dynasty and was originally designed to be a grand structure in the shape of a chariot with 12 pairs of wheels and seven horses. The temple was built with Khondalite rocks and was an excellent example of Kalinga architecture, but now stands in ruins, without the vimana, or the main sanctum, which used to be 229 feet tall.

Hampi's temples

Hampi's temples in Karnataka have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among them, the Vittala Temple is particularly renowned for its stone chariot. The Virupaksha Temple was constructed by the Chalukya dynasty in the 7th century and is another significant attraction of Hampi.