India. Just the name conjures up images of vibrant colours, bustling streets, and incredible diversity.
For me, it's the architecture of India really captures my imagination. India is like a living museum, where every street, temple, fort, and palace tells a story. As I age I have really began to appreciate the value of the built world. Not just to shelter us from the outside elements but as artefacts that freeze time and hold stories and India has many stories to tell. It is for this reason I’ll be heading there next!
I’ll be backpacking through India, starting in its capital, Delhi. My aim? To uncover the mysteries behind some of India’s most extraordinary structures. Those iconic buildings that have stood the test of time, as well as the hidden gems that often get overlooked. I will also dive into the small, the everyday lives of the local people and their homes to find out what the constructed landscape means to the people who live there. It will not all be perfect, some of it may be far from it, however when we encounter those time, it will give us the opportunity to look and reflect on the issues and even speculate on solutions! That deep insight that only getting in and amongst the people allows.
India’s architecture is unlike anything you’ll find anywhere else in the world, with temples, forts, and palaces that will leave you spellbound. And the best part? You don’t need to be an expert to appreciate it and travel to India does not have to break the bank (hopefully), we will find out.
Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast or just a curious explorer, India’s buildings have a way of drawing you in, from the intricate details of Mughal-era monuments to the sweeping grandeur of Rajput forts. Each city has its own flavour, its own style, and its own history, and I’ll be breaking down what makes these places so special, how they were built, and what they tell us about India’s past.
In the coming days I will be mapping a path likely kicking off the journey in Delhi. A city where ancient and modern collide. It’s a place where you can wander from the towering Qutub Minar, built by the first Islamic rulers in India, to the modern, lotus-shaped Bahá'í House of Worship all in a day. From there the path ahead will likely be the so called 'golden triangle'. The Golden Triangle forms a triangle on the map, connecting Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. Three cities rich in architectural history, culture, and vibrant experiences. Each city offers something unique in terms of design, history, and its influence on Indian architecture.
From there we will go far and wide to find all that India has to offer from the sacred temples and ghats along the Ganges River in Varanasi to the palaces of Mysore and the Ancient ruins of Hampi. This is not going to be your usual backpacking and travel adventure, this is going to be an architectural pilgrimage like no other.
We will walk together through the historical cities, towns and villages, exploring the narrow lanes of Old Delhi or wondering past crumbling havelis (traditional mansions). We will go together on a journey through time peeling back the architectural layers that tell the story of India’s evolution.
So get ready to join me, Jack Thompson, architect and founder of Backpacker’s Blueprint, as I take you on a journey through India’s incredible architecture.
For the Curious Explorer
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