  Axions and axion like particles in general are consequences of the extensions
of the standard model in particle physics. Axions have been proposed as
hypothetical pseudo-scalar particles in particle physics to solve the strong
Charge-Parity problem using quantum chromodynamics. These particles are also
proposed to be an attractive candidate for cold dark matter in the Universe.
The current understanding of the existence and properties of the axions is not
very clear and these hypothetical particles remain elusive. However many
theoretical and experimental searches are being made for understanding and
constraining the properties of axions via detection of axion like particles.
The term axion like particles is used to include different types of axions
going beyond the standard model. In this paper, we review the different
physical properties of axions and axion like particles and their possible
sources in the laboratory and Universe. We discuss different experimental set
ups for detection of axion like particles proposed in the literature.
Implications of detecting the axion like particles in the areas of particle
physics, astrophysics and cosmology are also discussed in the framework of
present and future motivations.
