Every nook and cranny of India is dotted with opulent palaces, historic forts, and towering buildings. Each of these structures and locations resonates with the country’s rich past and vast heritage, and conveys tales of love, bravery, and tenacity. We’ve compiled a list of well-known historical places in India for you to consider while planning your journey.
The Taj Mahal is one of the most visited historical places in India. It is located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. This pristine structure was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his late wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Made of white marble, this UNESCO World Heritage site is considered to be one of the most beautiful buildings in the world.
Apart from its architectural aesthetics, the Taj Mahal is also a symbol of love. Shah Jahan’s vision of love, now, represents the rich history and culture of India. The Taj Mahal receives millions of visitors every year from all over the world. Being a popular destination, Taj Mahal is included in most of the Uttar Pradesh tour packages.
Witness the architectural prowess of the Mughal Empire by visiting the royal Agra Fort. This imposing citadel is made entirely of red sandstone. You can get a glimpse of Agra city by climbing atop this fortification. The Amar Singh Gate and the Delhi Gate are two ornate gates that attract most of the visitors to Agra Fort.
Considered one of the top 10 historical places in India, the Agra Fort was built by Akbar in 1565. You can access this massive fort via Amar Singh Gate and discover many other attractions within, like Shish Mahal, Shahjahani Mahal, and many more.
The Red Fort is a historic fort in Delhi, India. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century. The Red Fort is made of red sandstone and covers an area of over two hundred acres. It is surrounded by a high wall with several gates.
The Red Fort has several palaces, gardens, and courtyards. The most famous attractions within include Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas, and Pearl Mosque, among others.
The Red Fort was the main residence of the Mughal Emperors for nearly 200 years. It was also the site of several important events in Indian history. In 1947, India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, raised the Indian flag at the Red Fort to mark India’s independence from British rule. You can count Red Fort among the top 15 historical places in India.
Humayun’s Tomb is undoubtedly one of the most famous historical places in India. This monumental structure is a stunning fusion of Indian and Persian architecture. The construction of this tomb was commissioned by Emperor Humayun’s wife, Hamida Banu Begum, in the fifteenth century.
Credited as India’s first garden tomb, Humayun’s tomb offers an alluring sight with its arched alcoves, stunning domes, and ornate passageways. There is the famous Babur’s grave on the southwest side of the main tomb.
Fatehpur Sikri is a small city nestled just outside Agra. It served as the capital of the Mughal Empire under Akbar’s rule. Fatehpur Sikri is embellished with mosques, palaces, civic structures and living quarters built for Akbar’s army. It is a well-designed city adorned with beautifully carved pillars and columns all over. Fatehpuri Sikri was abandoned by AD 1610 due to water scarcity. However, this destination still maintains its place in the list of top 10 historical places in India.
Pilgrims in India consider Khajuraho as one of the most sacred destinations in the country. It is home to 85 Hindu and Jain temples that occupy three complexes. Apart from portraying the harmony and co-existence between two major religions in India, Khajuraho is also renowned for its meticulous rock carvings. Most of the rock carvings depict dance, music, passion, and eroticism. The temples are from the 12th century and are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites. It comes under one of the best historical places in India.
Located in Madhya Pradesh, the Sanchi Stupa is considered one of the top 10 historical places in India. Sanchi Stupa is also one of the oldest monuments in the Indian subcontinent, constructed in the 3rd century. Built in the Buddhist style of architecture, Sanchi Stupa is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site. The lavish dome is accompanied by stupendous carvings over the walls and the gateways. The Stupa was commissioned by Emporer Ashoka the Great. It represents the four events (the Nativity, the Enlightenment, the First Sermon, and the Decease) in the life of Buddha.
Witness the Kalinga architecture in its true beauty by visiting the Konark Sun Temple. This 13th-century massive temple stands 200 feet high. It has the appearance of a high chariot with gigantic wheels and horses. Konark Sun Temple is a complete rock-carved monument. However, not much of this centuries-old temple has survived the test of time. Much of the shrine is now in ruins and what remains include intricate artworks and rock carvings.
The splendid monument is a representation of grandeur encompassing stone sculptures of twelve pairs of wheels, seven horses, one charioteer, and two goddesses. Each sculpture has deep historical and cultural folk roots, making it one of the most important historical places in India.
The Mahabodhi Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Bodh Gaya, Bihar. Literally translated to “Great Awakening Temple”, the site of Mahabodhi Temple is believed to be where the Buddha attained enlightenment. Pilgrims from all parts of the country flock to this place to see the descendant of the Bodhi Tree, under which Buddha gained enlightenment. It has been a culturally and religiously significant place for over two millennia. This ancient temple was rebuilt and restored as a part of preservation. Many old sculptures, monuments, and rock carvings have been moved to the museum next to the temple. Whether you are a pilgrim or a vacationer, it is recommended to add Mahabodhi Temple to your list of historical places in India..
The Rani Ki Vav, a.k.a the “The Queen’s Stepwell”, was constructed in the 11th century AD. as a memorial for King Bhimdev of the Solanki dynasty, by his wife, Queen Udayamati. Studies suggest that the construction of the stepwell was completed around 1032. However, this ancient stepwell was silted over, only to be rediscovered in the 1940s. The Archaeological Survey of India restored Rani Ki Vav in the 1980s. Today, this location stands as the finest example of an inverted temple highlighting the sanctity of water. This historical place of Rajasthan is one of the famous places in India.
The Victoria Memorial in Kolkata was constructed during the peak of British rule in India. The idea for this monument was developed by the then-viceroy of India, Sir William Emerson. His design included the magnificent monument surrounded by lush gardens, a museum filled with British relics, weapons, sculptures, and a massive painting of the Queen herself. Artwork by renowned Russian artist Vasili Verestchagin is among the popular attractions over here.
Jallianwala Bagh commemorates a painful memory in the history books of India. Situated close to the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Jallianwala Bagh was the site where the ill-fated massacre took place on 13th April 1919. Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the then-President of India, inaugurated the monument in 1961 to pay homage to the thousands of innocents who lost their lives that day. You must visit this location that witnessed one of the key events which triggered India’s fight for freedom. It is one of the most significant historical tourist places in India, from the perspective of the Indian freedom movement.
Ajanta is one of the most popular historical places in India. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is known for its cave temples. The caves at Ajanta were built over a period of about 600 years, from the 2nd century BCE to the 6th century CE. They contain some of the finest examples of Buddhist art. The Ajanta caves were rediscovered in 1819 by a British officer, John Smith. Since then, they have been an important tourist destination. Thousands of people visit Ajanta every year to see its cave temples and Buddhist art. Many travellers count Ajanta-Ellora caves among their list of top 20 historical places in India.
The Mysore Palace is one of the most renowned historical places in India. It is located in the city of Mysore, Karnataka. The palace was built in the 14th century by the rulers of the Vijayanagar Empire. It was later expanded and remodelled by the rulers of the Wodeyar dynasty. The Mysore Palace is a large structure made of granite and sandstone. It has a series of courtyards, gardens, and temples. The palace is surrounded by fort walls. The Mysore Palace is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Every year, millions of people visit the palace to see its beautiful architecture and to learn about its history.
Hope our list of famous historical places in India will help you plan your next itinerary. Travel to the heart of this country that stretches from the Himalayas to Kanyakumari and from Kutch to the seven sisters. Bon, voyage!
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