India has the oldest surviving culture, religious faith, and history that has survived the test of times.
India is truly an archaeological gem home to the ancient Indus Valley civilization and numerous subsequent kingdoms and empires. Be it the world's oldest universities or ancient forts, India has a broad spectrum of archaeological sites – many of which are accessible to tourists. Here are some of the most underrated archaeological sites of India that deserve more recognition.
Sunset, Punjab
Sunset is a small village in Punjab with historical significance. It is famous for a huge mound that measured 17,550 ft. in length and 1,200 ft. back in 1878 when Alexander Cunningham visited the site. But the mound has shrunk dramatically in size now. As per recent archaeological findings, Sunset was inhabited from the period of Ramayan and Mahabharata. The archaeological excavation unearthed signs of early Harappan settlements and is a beautiful place for ancient artefacts lovers.
Rock Cut Cave, Kerala
The Vizhinjam Rock-cut cave is a stunning rock-cut shrine that dates back to the Pallava Dynasty. The ancient shrine has a central cell with sculptures of Parvathi and Shiva. It is also the oldest rock-cut cave temple in Kerala and is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India.
Kalpi, Uttar Pradesh
Kalpi is a city in Uttar Pradesh, situated by the banks of Yamuna, and has recently gained prominence for some historical findings. Field exploration undertaken by archaeologists in one of the sections of Yamuna offered evidence of human occupation from as early as c 30,000 BCE. This ancient site at Kalpi proves that the world's first settlement was located by a river.
Suki Fossil Park, Himachal Pradesh
Suki is a small village in Himachal Pradesh, popularly known for its fossil park, displaying various life-size Fiber Reinforced Plastic models of several pre-historic creatures unearthed from the location. This Fossil Park in Himachal Pradesh is a one-of-its-kind in the whole of Asia where the remains and fossils of dinosaurs were excavated. It currently has six sets of fossils, but the search for more remains is underway.
Kachari Ruins, Nagaland
Try to visualize a Hindu kingdom where rulers played chess in the 10th Century, CE, and you can perhaps visit that place today and get a grip of the history. For example, the Kachari Ruins showcase a bunch of ruins in Dimapur. The ruins of the Kachari civilization have bizarre mushroom domed pillars, and it is speculated that the rulers played chess with the mushroom domes.
The aforementioned archaeological sites are every Indian's pride. So you must visit these places whenever you get the chance.
