Mahurzari Stone Circles
Group of some 200 megalithic stone circles, most likely used for burials during the early Iron Age. In some stones have been made cup-marks.
Junapani stone circles
Group of some 300 megalithic stone circles. Burials in the circles are rich with iron items and sherds of ornamented pottery.
Vijayanagara
Remnants of the former capital city of Vijayanagara Empire, flourished in the 14th – 16th centuries. Now ruins extend over an area of 40 km2. Contains unique and highly original architecture.
Vaishali
Former capital city of Licchavi, flourished starting from the 6th century BC. Once prosperous capital of one of the first known democracies in the history of the world. Several important monuments exist up to this day including Ananda Stupa and Asokan pillar.
Lothal
One of most important cities of the ancient Indus valley civilization. Built around 2400 BC as trading city with its dock – the oldest known in the world. Numerous discoveries of world importance have been made here including the oldest known realistic sculptures in world. Nowadays remain lower parts of buildings.
Dholavira
One of important sites of Harappan civilization, occupied from 2650 BC to 2100 BC. City had an area of 22 ha and was divided into the citadel, the middle town and the lower town.
Cherumangadu Kudakkalparambu
Good example of the unusual “kodakkal” megaliths or umbrella stones – mushroom-like dolmens.
Hire Benakal
A visually impressive group of some 400 megalithic tombs – dolmens. These structures were built in the time period between 800 and 200 BC. The largest megalithic site in South India.
Thovarimala Ezhuthupara
Cave with prehistoric (around 8,000 BC) pictorial writings.
Kupgal petroglyphs
Huge amount of Neolithic petroglyphs in unusual locations – peculiar rock formations with deep depressions. Many petroglyphs depict cattle, also people herding animals. Some of the depressions make loud sound similar to gong, when struck with boulders – this effect could be used in rituals.
