India is a land of immense historical significance. With a rich and varied past, there are countless places to explore if you’re interested in learning more about the country’s storied history. From ancient forts and palaces to temples and tombs, India has it all—and then some. If you’re planning a trip to India or are simply curious about its many historical attractions, read on for a list of the top famous places to visit.
Taj Mahal, Agra
The Taj Mahal in Agra is one of the most famous historical places in India. It was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his late wife Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is a world-renowned monument of love and is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Red Fort, Delhi
The Red Fort is one of the most famous historical landmarks in India. It was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century and served as the main residence of the Mughal rulers until 1857. The fort is located in Delhi, on the right bank of the Yamuna river. It covers an area of about two square kilometers and is surrounded by a high wall. The main entrance to the fort is through the Lahore Gate, which leads to the main courtyard.
The Red Fort has a number of important buildings, including the Diwan-i-Aam, the Diwan-i-Khas, the Jama Masjid, and the Shahi Burj. The Diwan-i-Aam is a large hall where the emperor held public audiences. The Diwan-i-Khas is a smaller hall used for private meetings with dignitaries. The Jama Masjid is a large mosque that was built by Shah Jahan in 1656. The Shahi Burj is a tower from which the emperor would watch military parades and other events.
The Red Fort was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.
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Fatehpuri Sikri, Uttar Pradesh
Located in the city of Agra, Uttar Pradesh, Fatehpur Sikri was the capital of the Mughal Empire for a brief period. The city was founded by Emperor Akbar in 1571 and served as the empire’s capital until 1585 when it was abandoned due to a lack of water.
Fatehpur Sikri is home to many well-preserved palaces and mosques, making it a popular tourist destination. Some of the most notable buildings include the Jama Masjid, a mosque which can accommodate up to 5,000 worshippers; the Buland Darwaza, a gate which is 50 metres tall; and the tomb of Salim Chishti, a revered Sufi saint.
Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
The Hawa Mahal, or “Palace of the Winds,” is a stunning pink sandstone palace in Jaipur, India. Built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, this five-story structure was designed to allow royal ladies to observe street festivals while remaining unseen by the public. The facade of the Hawa Mahal is adorned with over 953 windows, each with its own intricate jaali (lattice) work.
Today, the Hawa Mahal is one of Jaipur’s most popular tourist attractions. Visitors can explore the palaces many courtyards and chambers, as well as climb to the top of the structure for panoramic views of the city.
Khajuraho Temples, Madhya Pradesh
The Khajuraho temples are located in Madhya Pradesh and were built between 950 and 1050 AD. The temples are made of sandstone and depict various Hindu gods and goddesses. The temples are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are one of the most popular tourist destinations in India.
Sanchi Stupa, Madhya Pradesh
The Sanchi Stupa is one of the most famous historical places in India. It is located in Madhya Pradesh, and was built in the 3rd century BCE. The stupa is made of brick and stone, and is surrounded by four ornate gateways. The stupa contains the remains of the Buddha, and is a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists.
Konark Temple, Odisha
The Konark temple, located in Odisha, is one of the most famous historical places in India. The temple is dedicated to the Sun God, and was built in the 13th century. The temple has a unique architecture, and is considered to be one of the finest examples of Indian temple architecture. The temple is also known for its intricate carvings and sculptures.
Victoria Memorial, Kolkata
Victoria Memorial is a large marble building in Kolkata, West Bengal, India, which was built between 1906 and 1921. It is dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria (1819–1901) and is now a museum and tourist destination under the control of the Indian government’s Ministry of Culture.
The memorial sits on 64 acres (26 ha) of land near the southern end of Maidan, an expansive grassy field in the centre of Kolkata. The memorial building is flanked by four lion statues at its base. The 184-foot [56 m] tall central dome is topped by a statue of Victory, 8.5 metres (28 ft) high.
The monument has a mixture of British and Mughal architecture, with its central dome inspired by British architectural style and its exterior decoration featuring Indo-Islamic elements such as minarets. The Victoria Memorial houses a museum with a collection of artefacts from British rule in India as well as many paintings by Indian artists. It also serves as a venue for functions and events such as Independence Day celebrations.
Golden Temple, Punjab
The Golden Temple, also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib, is one of the most sacred sites in Sikhism. It is located in the city of Amritsar, Punjab, and was built in the 16th century by Guru Arjan Dev Ji. The temple is surrounded by a large pool of water, which is said to have healing properties. pilgrims come from all over the world to bathe in the holy water and to pay their respects at the temple.
The Golden Temple is an important symbol of Sikhism, and it is also one of the most popular tourist attractions in India. Every year, millions of people visit the temple to experience its beauty and peaceful atmosphere.
Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur
The Mehrangarh Fort, located in Jodhpur, is one of the largest and most imposing forts in India. Built in the 15th century by Rao Jodha, the fort was partially destroyed by an earthquake in 1828 and later restored. The fort complex includes several palaces, temples, and museums, all of which are open to the public.
One of the most popular attractions at the Mehrangarh Fort is the Jaswant Thada, a white marble memorial built in 1899 in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. The memorial complex includes a garden and a small museum with photographs and artifacts related to the maharaja’s life.
Other notable attractions within the fort complex include the Chamunda Devi Temple, dedicated to a fearsome Hindu goddess; the Phool Mahal, or “flower palace,” decorated with floral motifs; and the Sheesh Mahal, or “mirror palace,” adorned with thousands of tiny mirrors. Visitors can also explore several museums within the fort complex, including the Mehrangarh Museum, which houses art and artifacts from the fort’s history, and the Phool Mahal Museum, which displays Rajasthani textiles and other local crafts.
Conclusion
India is a country of incredible history and culture, which can be seen in the many famous historical places that it has to offer. From the majestic Taj Mahal to the Golden Temple in Amritsar, there is something for everyone when it comes to visiting India’s breathtaking monuments and landmarks. Whether you’re looking for an educational experience or simply want to get lost in awe-inspiring beauty, these aforementioned sites are not to be missed. Book India Tour Packages from IndiaTopTours and grab the best deal on instant booking. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and discover these hidden gems today!