Travel back 1,000 years: 10 ancient temples in India still standing and open to travellers

India is a land of many temples, whereas there are some so ancient that can transport you to another century. Visiting these temples offer travel experiences that have been built long before by dynasties, craftsmen, and legends. Some of these temples have stood the test of time, and have been around for more than 1000 years. Then there are some with distinct features like being carved out of solitary rocks, built near shores, or towering above busy towns, making them all the more appealing for all types of visitors. This also means, your options range from Varanasi's sacred ghats to the weather-beaten shores of Mamallapuram, to witness these iconic ancient timeless temples. If you are curious to know more, here are ten temples that offer a glimpse into the long-forgotten past.

Built by the Eastern Ganga dynasty ruler Narasingha Deva I in around 1250 CE, Konark remains a grand tribute to the Sun God Surya. Its design involves a massive stone chariot, further complemented with 12 pairs of carved wheels and horses that once ‘pulled’ the temple across the sky. Although part of it is in ruins, and more than 770 years old, its ornate sculptures and astronomical alignments continue to impress.

The temple was commissioned by the great Chola king Raja Raja Chola I and completed in 1010 CE. This granite marvel represents South India’s Dravidian architectural peak, whereas its towering vimana (temple tower) is one of the tallest in South India. This was indeed an engineering feat achieved a millennium ago. Nearly 1,015 years after its completion, Brihadeeswarar still functions as a living temple and draws visitors from around the world.

It was carved out of a single basalt rock, its dramatic architecture and detailed rock-cut sculptures still astonish visitors more than 1,200 years later. Built during the 8th century CE under the Rashtrakuta dynasty (circa 756–773 CE), it is one of the world’s largest monolithic structures. There are scholars who believe that its construction began under ruler Dantidurga, whereas the bulk of the temple as seen today was commissioned by Krishna I.

Dating back to the 8th century CE, this coastal temple built by the Pallava dynasty is among the oldest structural sandstone temples in South India. The very ambience of it is appealing, and despite centuries of exposure to sea winds and monsoons, the temple survived and while the carved reliefs offer us a glimpse to early Dravidian artistry and religious devotion.

Part of the historic Hampi complex, once the seat of the mighty Vijayanagara Empire, this temple’s origins date back at least to the 7th century CE. Over more than 1,300 years, it has endured wars, natural decay, and changing dynasties, yet remains active and revered, a living link to India’s medieval past.

While there is still debate going on with regard to the exact dates, the core of Lingaraj Temple belongs to the 11th–12th century period, making it nearly a millennium old. Its soaring spire, intricate sculptures, and adherence to classical temple geometry make it a benchmark of Odisha’s Kalinga-style temple architecture.

Though the present temple structure owes much to renovations from the Vijayanagara and Nayak periods (14th–17th century CE), Meenakshi Temple is believed to have ancient origins in early Pandya times. Its layered history, colourful gopurams, and continued worship across centuries make it an enduring spiritual and cultural landmark.

The present temple was rebuilt in the 11th century CE by Anantavarman Chodaganga, a ruler of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. According to the Kendupatna copper-plate inscription issued by his descendant Narasimhadeva II—and supported by maternal links to the Cholas—Anantavarman, originally a Shaivite, adopted Vaishnavism after conquering the Utkala region in 1112 CE. An inscription dated 1134–1135 CE records his donation to the shrine, indicating that construction must have begun sometime after 1112 CE.

The Dilwara Temples, which were built between the eleventh and sixteenth centuries, are highly valued all over the world for its exquisite white marble craftsmanship, delicate ceilings, elaborate pillars, and almost translucent stone carvings. These temples are still serene and have beautiful sculptures after over a millennium.

Although the existing temple structure was rebuilt in 1780 CE by the Maratha queen Ahilyabai Holkar, the site’s spiritual legacy stretches back millennia. As one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, its core religious importance rivals its architectural age. Generations of devotees continue to visit, keeping the temple vibrantly alive.