Edited By: Pragati Bhandari

10. Varanasi  Located on the banks of the sacred river Ganges, Varanasi is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It is considered the spiritual capital of India and is renowned for its numerous ghats (steps leading to the river) and ancient temples.

09. Ayodhya Ayodhya is a city in the state of Uttar Pradesh and is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama, a revered figure in Hindu mythology. It has a history that spans over 2,500 years and is dotted with ancient temples and ruins.

08. Hampi Located in the state of Karnataka, Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. It is known for its impressive ruins, including temples, palaces, and other structures, showcasing the architectural grandeur of the bygone era.

07. Pataliputra (modern Patna)  Pataliputra was an ancient city and the capital of several powerful dynasties, including the Mauryas and the Guptas. It was a center of political, economic, and cultural activities during ancient India.

06. Ujjain Ujjain is an ancient city in the state of Madhya Pradesh and has a rich history dating back to the time of the Mauryan Empire.  It is considered one of the  seven sacred cities in Hinduism and is renowned for its temples, including the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga.

05. Madurai  Located in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, Madurai is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in India. It is famous for its exquisite Meenakshi Amman Temple, which showcases the Dravidian style of architecture.

04. Puri Puri is a coastal city in the state of Odisha and is considered one of the four sacred pilgrimage sites (Char Dham) for Hindus. It is home to the famous Jagannath Temple, dedicated to Lord Jagannath, and attracts millions of devotees every year.

03. Taxila (Takshashila) Although now in Pakistan, Taxila was an ancient city in the Gandhara region of ancient India. It was an important center of learning and played a significant role in the development of Buddhist and Hindu philosophies.

02. Mathura Mathura is a city in Uttar Pradesh and is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna. It has a history dating back to the 6th century BCE and is known for its association with the life and teachings of Lord Krishna.

01. Lothal Located in present-day Gujarat, Lothal was one of the prominent cities of the ancient Indus  Valley Civilization. It was an important center for trade and craftsmanship and is renowned for its well-planned urban structures and dockyard.

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