Being a student of architecture in India, you shouldn’t sit idle as inspiration is all around you.  There’s so much out there to discover, absorb, and experience. It’d be a waste not to take advantage of it all and venture out

India, a country which is continuously evolving and embracing diversity with open arms, is too vast to be summed up by a few cities alone. Regardless, here’s a shortlist of a few cities you should definitely explore as an architecture student

Delhi, Paradise for Architecture students

Delhi is a paradise for architecture students. Offering an endless checklist of must visit places. Don’t rest; grab your backpack, sunglasses, and water bottles because Delhi’s architecture will leave you breathless. Culture is infused into every corner of the city. Even in the smallest streets of the city, you can see how history and culture has influenced the people. the Mughal emperors played an important role in bringing up the architectural background of Delhi. By building mausoleums, forts, mosques, gardens, palaces, and more. Delhi is your one stop destination to  to witness a variety of architectural styles, including historic, British, modern, Islamic, post-Independence, and more.

It would be a shame if you leave Delhi without visiting the Taj Mahal, one of the world’s greatest architectural wonders. Humayun’s tomb, the first garden tomb to be build in the Indian subcontinent is an inspiration for several other great architectural wonders. The Qutub Minar is a testament to India’s engineering prowess. Using mathematics, geometry, and construction techniques to build something that was truly ahead of its time, reflecting the sophistication and skill of ancient Indian builders.

Here is a list of places in Delhi that you must visit: 

• Red Fort 
• Fatehpur Sikri
• Purana Qila 
• Jama Masjid 
• Chandni Chowk 
• Lotus Temple
• Connaught Palace 
• Palika Kendra 
• State trading Corporation 
• Akshardham temple 
• Lodhi Garden

Rajasthan 

Known as ‘the land of the kings,’ Rajasthan is truly what royalty is . The state is a riot of bright colors, rich culture, delicious food, majestic forts, grand havelis, intricate carvings, mirrors, and stunning jewelry. It’s a blend of ancient charm and royal grandeur. You’ll be awestruck by the craftsmanship everywhere you look. Rajasthan is filled with havelis that transport you back to the era of royalty. When you visit Rajasthan, don’t miss out on cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Ajmer, Udaipur, and Jaisalmer.

Hawa mahal, also known as the palace of the winds, is a  prime example of Rajput royal architecture and a gem among architectural marvels in India. Amer ka Qila or Amber fort. The architecture of Amber Fort in Rajasthan is a stunning blend of Rajput and Mughal styles, featuring intricate carvings, beautiful murals, and majestic courtyards that captivate the eye of every visitor. Here’s a list of must-see places for architectural students in Rajasthan you won’t want to miss.

• City Palace
• Bundi Palace 
• Patwon Ki Haveli
• Kumbhalgarh 
• Osian
• Blue city
• Chand Baori 

Pondicherry 

Pondicherry offers a fresh perspective for your palate with its unique blend of colonial French and Franco-Tamil architecture. It’s one of the earliest examples of systematic town planning in India. When you’re in Pondicherry, you absolutely can’t miss Auroville. This place is like something straight out of a movie, where architects from around the world come together to experiment. 

Auroville is an experimental township with a utopic, spiritual and sustainable focus. The ongoing experiments there present an alternative lifestyle that will open your eyes and broaden your horizons. Visiting Auroville will give you valuable insights into architectural experiments, help you build new connections, and possibly be part of something extraordinary. Another must visit spot is Golconde, the first modernist building in India, is a design marvel featuring cement louvers, concrete roofs, and brass hardware, showcasing innovative use of simple techniques, materials, and spatial planning.While you’re in Pondicherry, don’t forget to check out these other spots too!

• Raj Niwas 
• Ananda Ranga Pillay 
• Cluny Embroidery center
• Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple
• Institut Francais de Pondicherry  
• Notre Dame des Anges Church

Himachal Pradesh 

If you’re a student, you’ve probably dreamed of a holiday to Kullu and Manali with your friends at least once. After all, who doesn’t want a YJHD-style trip? For architecture students, Himachal Pradesh is a treasure trove. This state is a fantastic example of vernacular architecture, created by locals in an informal yet ingenious way that makes you question everything. The creative solutions people have devised to adapt to the harsh environment will blow your mind. Himachal is home to Katni architecture, which uses local wood and stone for insulation, keeping homes warm in the cold season. These local construction techniques and materials are perfect for the cold climate and earthquake-prone areas. The architecture in Himachal Pradesh is also influenced by Tibetan and British styles. 

The Viceroy’s Lodge in Shimla, with its breathtaking beauty reminding you of European grandeur , will leave you in awe and questioning if you’re truly in India.It is inspired by Swedish architecture and used to be home to the highest ranking British officials.  The unique style of architecture with the Himalayas in the backdrop and the cozy cold weather will definitely make you wanna stay longer. Here are some must-visit places in Himachal Pradesh.

• Tabo monastery 
• Hidimba Devi cave temple 
• Masroor rock cut temple
• Ghagra Fort 
• Bhima Kali Temple
• Kalka Shimla Railway line

Kolkata

A trip to the City of Joy, Kolkata, feels like stepping into a time capsule filled with the legacy of poets, artists, and great minds. This city is steeped in nostalgia, seamlessly blending history with modernity and diverse cultures side by side. Kolkata showcases a unique mix of colonial architecture, where European and Mughal influences intertwine. You’ll find everything from grand colonial buildings to sacred terracotta temples and modernist designs. The architectural style of West Bengal stands out with its distinctive charm. Bengali houses often feature red floors, slatted windows, cornices, and open rooftops. When two houses look alike, it’s a delightful mix of Renaissance, Hindu, and Mughal elements.

The Marble Palace is a unique building, a fusion of Western architecture and traditional Bengali elements, is a must-see attraction that serves as a museum, residence, and zoo all in one. The National Library in Kolkata, originally a 19th-century English-style royal house, spans 30 acres and stands as a symbol of imperial power in India, housing over two million books and showcasing a fine example of great architecture. Some of the must visit places for architectural students in Kolkata are

• Victoria Memorial 
• Writers building 
• Howrah Bridge 
• Belur Math 
• Jorasanko Thakur Bani 
• St Pauls Cathedral
• Metcalfe Hall

Final round up, 

Being a student of architecture in India is a stroke of luck—its diverse culture, people, art and architecture offer endless inspiration. Chat with the locals, delve into the creators’ minds, and let your imagination roam. There’s so much out there to discover, absorb, and experience. It’d be a waste not to take advantage of it all and venture out.