Visit these lesser-known heritage sites of rural India

Pathra, the temple village of Bengal

Located about 15 km from Medinipur (Midnapore) in West Bengal is a village called Pathra, with temples that are almost 200 years old. With temples standing in a row along the Kangsabati river, this gorgeous heritage spot should be visited for its terracotta artwork and unique architecture.

How to reach: Cover the village in a day trip by car or train from Kolkata. Mednipur is the nearest railhead. 

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Unakoti, Tripura

Home to several figures carved out of rocks, Unakoti in Tripura is also known as the Angkor Wat of north-eastern India. You can witness sculptures carved on the Raghunandan hills here. ‘Unakoti’ means one less than one crore, and it is said that there are 99,99,999 idols that can be found at this deemed to be World Heritage site.

How to reach: You can charter a helicopter from Agartala or Kailashahar. The nearest railway station is at Kumarghat.

Kavaledurga fort, Karnataka

Brace yourself for a 5 km trek uphill to witness the beauty that is the Kavaledurga fort in Karnataka. You can explore temples and palace remains amidst a dense forest. There’s also a freshwater pond right on top of the fort. If you manage to visit the fort on a clear day, you can witness amazing views of the beautiful Sahyadri hills. Spend about two to three hours here. The fort closes at 5 PM.

How to reach: Shivamogga is the train station closest to the fort.

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Arikamedu, Puducherry

Located only about 20 km from Puducherry, Arikamedu is an intriguing day-long getaway for archaeology junkies. Earlier excavations here have found Roman lamps, glassware and gems, based on which it was concluded that Arikamedu was a Greek trading post that traded with Rome. Interestingly, red and black megalithic stones, primarily used to mark graves — have existed at Arikamedu even prior to the dates of the trading post.

How to reach: Travel here by any public transport like buses, autorickshaws and cabs.

Rock shelters of Bhimbhekta, Madhya Pradesh

Love art? Visit this open air art gallery of sorts of the prehistoric times. Go here to see over 240 rock shelters and the oldest-known rock art in India. Bhimbhekta in Madhya Pradesh is one of the largest prehistoric complexes to be seen and is regarded as an archaeological treasure. 

How to reach: Bhopal is the nearest railway station.

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