12 Temples Praised for Their Unique Architecture in India

September 16, 2025September 16, 2025 Revv 0 Comments best architecture temples in india

India is dotted with some of the most exquisite and ancient temples. So many kingdoms rose and collapsed, and so many calamities took place, but the temples are still there with their vivid architecture and beauty. As a matter of fact, the temples in the country are not only popular for worshipping the idols placed there but also appreciated for their architecture. The temple architecture is a reflection of the tastes and beliefs of many dynasties and kingdoms. In different regions of the country, you will find unique temple structures. So, let us discuss some of the best architectural temples in India that are popular because of their unique design.

To make your visit to these unique temple architectures in India smooth and hassle-free, book a self-drive car rental and travel across the length and breadth of the country at your own pace.

1. Lepakshi temple

Also called Veerabhadra Temple, Lepakshi Temple is located at a close distance from Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. The main attraction of this temple is the hanging pillar. The pillar can be found in the central hall of this temple. Apart from this, the temple has several other mysterious legends associated with it. The temple dates back to the 16th century, and the main deities here are Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Veerabhadra. The temple was built by two brothers, Virupanna and Viranna, who served as governors under the Vijayanagar Empire. They commissioned the construction of this temple at Lepakshi and were responsible for its intricate architecture and sculptures, making it one of the most famous architectural temples in India.

Best time to visit: October to February
Things to do: Visit Veerabhadra Swamy Temple, Gudibande Fort, Jataayu Park, Lepakshi Nandi, and Vatadahosahalli Lake

2. Hampi Virupaksha Temple

Visiting this temple will give you a clear idea of the regality of the Vijayanagara Empire. The main deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, and you can find the architecture and design dedicated to him. The temple is a World Heritage Site under UNESCO.

Best time to visit: November to February
Things to do: Visit Vijaya Vitthala Temple, Hemakuta Hill Temple, and Achyutaraya Temple.

3. Chennakeshava Temple

South Indian temple architecture has always been praised for its grandeur. One of the South Indian temples that must be mentioned here is the Chennakeshava Temple. Located on the banks of the Yagachi River in Karnataka’s Hassan region, Chennakeshava Temple is the main temple in the town. The temple is also known as the Keshava temple, and it is mainly dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna. You can find scriptures carved on the walls of the temple. The texts of the scriptures are from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. The temple dates back to the 12th century AD.

Best time to visit: November to February
Things to do: Visit Hoysala Emblem, Kappe Chennigaraya Temple, and Yagachi Bridge

4. Kailasanathar Temple in Kanchipuram

On your trip to Kanchi temple, you will be able to see lots of Pallava art and architecture. Kanchi Kamakshi temple is one of the most beautiful ancient temples in the country. Its architecture is praised across the world. The exact date of the construction of this temple is not known. However, according to a rough estimate, it was built between the 6th BCE and the 8th BCE, which makes the archaeological age of this temple around 1600 years.

Best time to visit: November to February
Things to do: Visit Ekambaranathar Temple, Varadharaja Perumal Temple, and Kanchi Kudil

5. Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple

Those who appreciate temple architecture in India must visit Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai. The temple was built by Kulasekara Pandyan. You will be able to see the actual Dravidian-style architecture in this temple.

Best time to visit: November to February
Things to do: Visit Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, Gandhi Memorial Museum, Shri Koodhal Azhagar Temple, and Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam.

6. Tanjore Temple

Located in the Thanjavur region, the Tanjore Temple is an example of great Hindu temple architecture. Regarded as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, this temple also houses various attractions, including the Gangaikonda temple, Airavateshwara Temple, Vijayanagar Fort, and Thanjavur Royal Palace. A visit to this temple will help you explore the Chola architecture. The temple was built between 1003 and 1010 AD. Although the temple has been in existence for several years, it became popular during the reign of the Chola dynasty.

Best time to visit: November to February
Things to do: Visit Brihadeeswara Temple, Saraswati Mahal Library, Thanjavur Maratha Palace, and Royal Palace Museum.

7. Halebidu Temple

Also called the Hoysaleswara temple, Halebidu Temple was built during the era of the Hoysala dynasty. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. You will be able to witness the Hoysala’s architectural style when you visit this temple. The construction of this temple started in the 12th century. Upon visiting this temple, you will be able to see its grand architecture and learn a great deal about the history of the land.

Best time to visit: October to February
Things to do: Visit Kedareshwara Temple, Sri Shantaleshwara Temple, Dwarasamudra, and the Jain Temple complex.

8. Sun Temple, Konar

The main deity of this temple is the Hindu Sun God. The temple is in the shape of a gigantic chariot, which is carried by seven horses. Built in the 13th century, the temple has always been praised for its beautiful and unique architecture. You will be able to witness the true example of the Kalinga architecture in this temple. This is one of the main attractions in Odisha.

Best time to visit: October to March
Things to do: Visit Chandrabagha beach and Ramachandri beach.

9. Khajuraho Temples, Madhya Pradesh

Counted among the ancient temple architectures of India, the Khajuraho temples in Madhya Pradesh are a global attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These temples are decorated with beautiful erotic and mythological carvings, representing the pinnacle of Chandelas’ art and architecture.

Best time to visit: October to March
Things to do: Visit Kandariya Mahadev Temple, Lakshmana Temple, Vishwanath Temple, Ken Gharial Sanctuary & Raneh Falls, Panna National Park, and more

10. Ranakpur Jain Temple, Rajasthan

Not only does it rank among the most significant temples of Jain culture, but it also features 1,444 white marble pillars, each distinctly different from the others. The beauty of the place is remarkable, especially considering the temple dates back to the 1400s.

Best time to visit: October to March
Things to do: Visit Surya Narayan Temple, explore Sadri Village, and visit Ranakpur Dam.

11. Kailasa Temple, Maharashtra

The Kailasa temple at the Ellora Caves is carved entirely out of a single rock. The temple was built in the 8th century and serves as a testament to the architectural wonder of ancient India. The temple is dedicated to lord Shiva.

Best time to visit: October to March
Things to do: Explore the Ellora Caves, visit the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, attend the Ellora Festival, and enjoy Photography and Nature Walks.

12. Dilwara Temples, Rajasthan

Dilwara Jain Temples, famous for their intricate marble carvings, are located in Mount Abu, Rajasthan. The beautiful architecture of the temple showcases unparalleled craftsmanship.

Best time to visit: November to February
Things to do:Admire the Architecture, Experience Spiritual Serenity, Learn about Jain Culture, and Photography of the Exterior.

Takeaway

To visit these temples and see their one-of-a-kind architecture, you can opt for a self-drive car rental from Revv. Revv’s car rental service in India is affordable, and you can use the vehicle for as many days as you want. All that you need to do is download the Revv app on your phone and check out the cars available there to choose your preferred vehicle. While touring these temples, you can also visit nearby places and attractions located on your way in your Revv self-drive car.

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12 Temples Praised for Their Unique Architecture in India