7 Places In Asia That Are Every History Lover's Dream Come True!

An ancient city in central Myanmar, Bagan is one of the world's greatest archaeological sites, which gives some serious competition to Machu Picchu, and still remains largely untouched. More than 2000 Buddhist temples and monuments, dating back to 1100-1200 AD tower over green tamarind plains. Here frescoes, intricate carvings and statues of Buddha are well preserved by UNESCO.

A cluster of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain temples in the heart of India, dating back to the 10th century, depict some of the world's finest art and architecture styles. From Nagar architecture, exceptional rock carvings to the famous erotic sculptures, Khajuraho is a delight to any history buff. Khajuraho finds mention in the memoirs of Ibn Batuta, a Moroccan traveller, while his stay in India.

This list is incomplete without giving a mention to the ancient Hindu temples of Khmer Empire. Built in the 12th century in Khmer architecture style, it encompasses 500 acres and is easily one of the largest religious monuments ever constructed. Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, Banteay Srei and Bayon are some of the popular temples of Angkor. Visit here to rekindle the history loving soul in you, owing to the sublimity of the place.

Best time to visit: November to March, although these months are slightly busier, but the weather is more pleasant, as opposed to humid summer and autumn months.

How to reach there: Fly to Siem Reap from New Delhi, or take an epic road trip of 3 days from New Delhi to Angkor.

A distraction from Southeast Asia, Petra, also known as the Rose City was possibly built in the 5th century and is one of the Seven Modern Wonders of the World.

Al Khazneh, a 45 metre temple with an ornate, Greek-style facade, known as The Treasury, is perhaps the most famous monument in Petra. Lit with over 1500 candles at night the narrow walkways through rock walls called Siq is a magical sight to witness. Explore the dunes through camel rides, and float away with a book in hand in the Dead Sea later. Your trip to this historic city will never have a dull moment.

Best time to visit: February to April and September to November, weather is moderate during spring and autumn, avoid fairly hot summers and chilly winters.

How to reach there: Fly to either of the Jordanian cities of Aqaba or Amman from New Delhi, Petra stands only a couple of hours away from both.

Established in the beginning of the Christian era, Khiva is an often overlooked historical site, on what was once the Great Silk Road. It is the former capital of Khwarezmia and the Khanate of Khiva.

It encompasses a magical maze of mosques, madarsas, spectacular mosaics, art shops, hotels and cafes along with residential houses, adding daily life to an otherwise open-air museum. It is definitely a traveller's favourite stop in Uzbekistan with Itchan Kala, Ark Kuhna, Kalta Minor and Tash Khauli being some of the many attractions you'll find here.

Built in the 15th century by over a million craftsmen and workers, it is the world's largest palatial structure. It is has 980 buildings with over 8700 rooms that exhibit valuable artworks, traditional gardens and the finest Chinese architecture. It's been home to 34 kings of the Ming and the Qing Dyansty.

Seat of the Nguyễn dynasty, Huế is a historic city in Central Vietnam. It was built in the 18th and the 19th century. Overlooking the Perfume river, The Thien Mu Pagoda is an iconic symbol of the ancient city. Besides the citadel and the tombs of the emperors, you'll find bunkers and remnants of one of the bloodiest battles of the Vietnam war that shaped the country's history.