Best Monuments to Visit in India

Published September 9, 2020 · Updated May 19, 2021

India always has enchanting characteristics in it to attract travelers from ancient times. Its glory is written by many great poets from centuries. This amazing country also never disappointed its admirers. Many monuments stand proudly all over India to welcome travel enthusiasts from the entire world. Let’s make a list of places and monuments in India that you dare not to miss on your tour:

1. TajMahal

In every tour list of historic and magnificent places all over the world, you must find the Tajmahal in it. Erected by Shah Jahan as his beloved wife’s tomb in 1631-1648 is marvellous craftsmanship of the Moghul era. The mesmerizing indo-Islamic architecture of tajmahal is still portraying the love of the Moghul emperor Shahjahan for MumtajMahal. This monument is made of fine white marbles and decorated with semi-precious gems.

2. QutubMinar

Situated in south Delhi Qutub Minar was built in the early 13th century as a 72.5m high tower. Most of its materials are acquired from 27 Hindu temples. Red sandstones are used for the lower three floors and marbles are used for the top two floors. At the base, this tower got a 14.32 m. and at the top, it got 2.75m diameter. Qutub Minar is a grand view of Islamic architecture and historic monuments to visit in India.

3. Virupaksha Temple

Virupaksha Temple is built near the Tungabadra River around the 7th century AD. Virupaksha Temple is an ancient temple in Hampi and separated with many shrines and sub-shrines of gods and goddesses. This temple has a massive courtyard and pillared monasteries in it. This area is full of amazing stonework and a huge stone chariot. Virupaksha Temple in Hampi is also a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the most unique monuments of India.

4. Konark Sun Temple

Konark Sun Temple near the Bay of Bengal coast of Odisha has the greatest stone carvings. Travelers around the world come to see this magnificent structure of the stone. This temple is built in the 13th century by Kalinga king Narasingha Deva I to worship the sun god. Initially, this temple was designed as a chariot structure to resemble the sun god’s chariot. It has carved wheels of chariot around the temple. The temple was 230 ft high but it was destroyed a long time ago. Only the temple audience hall stands there with a 128ft height.

5. Amer Fort

Amer Fort is one of the top 10 monuments in India and also known as a magnificent palace on the Aravali hills. This place is only 11 km far from the capital of Rajasthan. Maharaja Man Singh built this palace in 1592 and it became home to many Rajput royalties. The king is also one of the Navratnas of Moghul emperor Akber’s court. UNESCO certifies Amer palace as a world heritage site in 2013. There are a sound and light show organized every day describing the history of the fort near Maota Lake, Which is at the foot of the fort.

6. HawaMahal

Made by pink sandstones inside the pink city Jaipur “the palace of wind” aka “HawaMahal” is a pleasant view and beautiful architecture. Designed especially for royal ladies with 953 windows apprise them with the world outside. Maharaj Sewai Pratap Singh built this palace in 1799. More than 200-year-old palace was designed by Lal Chand Ustad. This palace is consists of chambers and a fountain middle of it. Playing the significant role of opening the door to the world for the royal ladies this palace also acts as a natural air condition in summer. The “Jharokhas” or the windows circulate the air efficiently giving the palace a cool atmosphere.

7. Ajanta, Ellora Caves

These caves come into existence between the 2nd century BC and construction of these caves continued to the 6th century AD. Both Ajanta and Ellora caves are in the state of Maharashtra. Ajanta has 29 caves portraying the preliminary Buddhist art and sculptures. In Ajanta paintings of Buddha’s life are elaborated on the storyline of Siddhartha becoming Buddha. Ellora cave is adorned with rock carvings, Hindu, Buddhist, Jain Temples, and sculptures. Ellora has monasteries, worshiping halls, with the enumeration of 39 caves. Ajanta and Ellora both got their UNESCO world heritage certification in 1983.

8. Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram is a charming place to visit in India and exploring ancient Indian heritage. Monolithic carved temples are a worldwide tourist attraction. This place is established by the Pallav dynasty after the diminishing of the Gupta dynasty. The Pallavas treated this place as their second capital and developed it to look like one during the 7th to 10th centuries. Pallavas have instigated the spread of art, culture, architecture, artisans, and scholars in India. So, Mahabalipuram represents that in it.

9. Sanchi Stupa

Sanchi Stupa was an architectural representation of none other than the great Ashoka’s era. It was rooted in the 3rd century BCE by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka after he converted to Buddhism. The original monument was constructed by bricks, but the stone structure we can see now reconstructed by king Agnimitra of the Shunga dynasty. This monument has a hemispherical shape and the topmost part of the stupa has three “Harmikas” (means umbrella-like structure). The most amazing fact about Sanchi Stupa is in its carvings Buddha is carved as symbols, not in human form. The symbols used for Budha are horse without a rider, an umbrella above an empty throne, footprints, etc.

10. Red Fort

The most popular name for Red Fort is “LalQila”. The Mughal emperor shifted his capital Agra to Delhi in 1638 and for that Red fort came to existence. The fort is made of red sandstones. It has an interior if Moghul, Hindu, and Persian fusion. The walls are painted and decorated with colorful semi-precious stones also known as “Nakkashi”. This palace has to courts such as dewan-e-khash and dewan-e-aam. There are beautiful chambers for sleeping known as “kwabgah” and other chambers are there. Since 2007 the Red fort is also a UNESCO world heritage site.

11. FatehpurSikri

FatehpurSikri was built in 1569 by Mughal emperor Akbar. It was completely abandoned in 1610 due to a campaign in Punjab and water scarcity. Akbar built this after having his first male heir Salim was born. He dedicated this place to shaikhSalimchisti. You can also see BulandDarwaza and Jama masjid here. It is said this place has some spiritual values because of Saint SalimChishti, whose prayers are often answered by god when he was alive. The tomb of the saint is also present there. Devotees are also come there to ask for blessings fulfillment of their desires.

12. Gateway of India

This monument is built to immortalize the visit of King George V and Queen Mary’s visit to India during the 1911 British raj. It is inaugurated in 4rth December 1924. This is a symbolic way for people from the west to India. Gateway of India is situated in Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra. This 85 feet high building with a sea-facing view can become a memorable visit for you.

13. Golconda Fort

Come to existence by the Kaktiya dynasty in the 12th century Golconda Fort is a marvellous view for those who are excited to know ancient India. The name Golconda Fort means “shepherd’s Hill”. The architectural design will mesmerize you. It also came under Bahamani Rulers, QutubShahi Kings, and at last, under Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb ruled over it. This is the most famous tourist attraction of Hyderabad. Here you can see the earlier clay fort structure and stone-made structure in its 11 km perimeters.

What’s next?

The above list of best monuments in India will definitely help you to know more about the history of India. Check our other travel guides to know about popular tourist attractions of India.

About Author:

Bonjour, I am Ujala Mishra, A travel technology and solution expert with a mission to make travel effortless. I believe travel can be cost-effective with the right information using advanced technology in real-time. I will share my experiences and different ways via blog/article to plan your voyage in the most budget-friendly way.