Monuments in India, India is a country that has a rich history and heritage. India tourism includes visiting places of historical significance. There are numerous ancient and historical monuments in India that have a story to tell and its architectural beauty to speak of. You can visit any of these historical popular monuments in India and know about their distinct features, design, history, and architectures. A few edifices have been built to celebrate love, while a few to celebrate the victory. Each monument in India has a history etched in the ancient time that is fascinating for the traveler to know. If you want to know more about the best monuments of India then read the article here we have the list of Top 50 monuments in India that have a history and stunning architecture.
One of the seven wonders of the world and build in complete marble by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the loving memory of his wife Mumtaz Begum. This monument was built in the 16th century in the Persian architectural style and has a grand garden and a courtyard. This is listed as the world UNESCO heritage sites from India. It is located on the banks of River Yamuna and has the tomb of Shah Jahan. It took 22,000 laborers to build this magnificent monument. One of the most beautiful monuments of India because it gets a pinkish color in the early morning and appears in golden color in the moonlight.
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Agra fort was the fort that was built by Emperor Akbar in the 15th century on the banks of River Yamuna. Within this fort are many structures like the Diwan-e-Khas, Diwan-E-aam, Jahangir Mahal, Moti Masjid, Khas Mahal, and the Macchi Bhawan. During the times Emperor Akbar ruled this place, it was a symbol of power, architectural beauty, and regality. This is one of the world UNESCO sites from India. It is built in the Mughal style of architecture and is surrounded by gardens. Agra fort used to be the military structure of Emperor Akbar. The Kohinoor diamond was a part of the peacock throne of Shah Jahan that was placed in the Diwan-i-Khas until the British took them away.
Fatehpur Sikri was known as ‘The City Of Victory,’ and was built by Emperor Akbar during the 15th century. He shifted his capital from Agra to Sikri to honor the Sufi saint Chisti. There are many beautiful monuments of India in this city that are built in the Indo-Islamic architectural style. The Anup Talao was a pond in Sikri where singing competitions were held. The Panch Mahal is a palatial structure within the Sikri complex. It has many columns with intricate carvings. Diwan-i-Khas was used for religious discussions. The Buland Darwaza was built to signify victory of Akbar over Gujarat. Fatehpur Sikri is a world UNESCO heritage site in India. The Jama Masjid is a part of the Sikri complex and has a courtyard. It also has a tomb of the Sufi saint Chisti made in marble. There are many more monuments within this city that give a glimpse of Mughal architecture.
The Humayun’s Tomb was built in Persian architecture and was built by Humayun’s wife, Hamida Banu Begum in the 15th century. This is a UNESCO world heritage site. It is built in red sandstone and is surrounded by Mughal gardens. The design of this tomb is inspired by Taj Mahal. Within this complex, there are more than 100 graves of Mughal Emperors who ruled India. A Persian architect, Mirak Mirza Ghiyath designed and built this tomb. This is the first tomb that has a garden. It is built on the Islamic concept of paradise.
India Gate located in New Delhi is a war memorial that was built to honor 82000 soldiers who died defending the country during World War I. It is built in yellow and red sandstone and designed by architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. This is a national monument and is of the height 42 meters. Amar Jawan Jyoti is an eternal flame that is lit to pay homage to the soldiers who lost their lives. Names of the soldiers who lost their lives are inscribed on the walls of this monument. The Republic Day parade is held at this gate every year on 26th January.
Meenakshi Temple is one of the oldest temples in Madurai, Tamil Nadu and was built by the ruler of Madurai in the 7th century. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is said that Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvathi in the form of Meenakshi at this place. The temple is known for its stunning architecture and numerous carvings. There are 33000 sculptures inside the temple. It has 12 gopurams, and a hall that has carved 1000 pillars. It is said that some of these pillars produce musical notes when they are struck. The entire temple is spread across a land of 45 acres. It is known as one of the seven wonders of India.
Qutub Minar is the world’s tallest brick minaret made in red sandstone. Qutubuddin-Aibak built this monument in the 13th century. This pillar has been corrosion resistant and has many other structures within its complex. It is built in the Indo-Islamic architectural style. This is a UNESCO world heritage site. It is surrounded by the Iron Pillar, Alai Minar, Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, and many other tombs and structures. The top floors had to be rebuilt in marble as they were destroyed by lightning. The mosque inside this complex was built on the foundations of the Hindu temple. This was once a site of numerous Hindu and Jain temples on which these monuments were built.
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Mahabodhi Temple is a UNESCO world heritage site. This is the temple that Emperor Ashoka built under the Bodhi tree. It was built in the 3rd century. Mahabodhi temple is the Buddhist temple that is built in bricks. This is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in India. It is a holy pilgrimage for Buddhists. This monument of India has the original footprint of Lord Buddha. Within this temple, there are many religious artifacts and Jataka tales are inscribed on the walls of this temple.
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Amer fort was built by Raja Man Singh I in the Rajput architectural style. It is located on Aravalli Hills, Jaipur. It is built in red sandstone and marble. Amer Fort consists of many structures within its complex like the Diwan-I-Khas, Diwan-I-Aam, Sheesh Mahal, Sukh Niwas, and the Jai Mandir. This is an opulent palace fort that has a courtyard outside each structure. Every palace inside this fort has highly ornate style, artistic carvings, and intricate motifs in various designs. Amer fort is a UNESCO world heritage site.
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Mahabalipuram is a UNESCO world heritage site. This is one of the oldest cities that has a rich architectural history. It has ancient stone carved temples and monuments of India. The Pallava Kings ruled this place in the 7th century and carved temples and many other monuments from stone. The five chariots within these structures are dedicated to Pandavas. Every monument on this site is carved out of a single rock. It took 200 years to build this site by the three generations of the Pallava Kings.
Dilwara temples are located on a hill station in Rajasthan. It consists of 5 Jain temples. It lies in the Aravali hill range and is surrounded by forests. They are known for their architecture and carvings within the exterior and interior walls of the temple. They are built in a blend of Rajput and Jain style of architecture. The ceilings, pillars, and also doorways have carvings. These temples have marble stone carvings.
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Badami is an archeological site in Karnataka and a valley that is made of red sandstone. It has many cave temples and fortresses with beautiful carvings within the walls of these temples. Most of them are built in the Dravidian style of architecture. These are temples that are cut out of a single rock. They were built during the reign of Chalukyas.
In the city of Nalanda, Bihar the Nalanda University is located. This is an archeological and a UNESCO world heritage site. Emperor Ashoka was a part of this university. It was built in the 3rd century. It has been a center of Vedic learnings since ancient times. Chinese scholars and many international students studied literature, medicine, and mathematics at this university. A few temples and monasteries were built around these universities by the Gupta kings.
The Sanchi Stupa was built in the 3rd century and is a UNESCO world heritage site. It has the carvings of Jataka tales on its walls and it was built by Emperor Ashoka in the Buddhist style of architecture. It has sculptures, artworks, and inscriptions on the walls inside the stupa. Sanchi Stupa is surrounded by gardens and is one of the oldest stupas in India. It has many Buddhist relics within and was built in the honor of Lord Buddha.
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Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan built the Red Fort in the 16th century. This fort was originally white in color. The British named it Red Fort after painting the fort in red color because the white walls were chipping off. This fort is octagonal in shape and is the place where the Prime Minister of India delivers his speech on every Independence Day. The famous Kohinoor diamond which is now with Britain’s museum was a part of the furniture in Red Fort. The Rang Mahal inside Red Fort has stunning architecture. This is a UNESCO world heritage site.
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Tirupati Balaji Temple is known as the world’s richest temple. It is dedicated to an avatar of Lord Vishnu known as Lord Venkateswara. It is said that the lord dedicated to appear and settle at this place to save mankind from the evils of Kali Yuga. The temple is built in the Dravidian architectural style and was built during the rule of the Krishnadevaraya dynasty. The idol of the Lord Venkateswara has real hair. This is also a place where Lord Rama and Goddess Sita resided before their return to Ayodhya.
Lotus Temple is one of the most iconic monuments in India that depicts the Baha’i faith. People of all religions and ethnicities visit this temple. It is built in the structure of a lotus in the 20th century and it was built in white marble and represents lotus that is half opened. Lotus Temple is surrounded by ponds that make the structure look like a floating lotus from an aerial view. This monument looks stunning in the night and early mornings. Lotus Temple is one of the architectural wonders in India.
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Gwalior Fort is a magnificent fort that was built in the 8th century and the rest of the palaces within this fort complex were built during the 15th century. It is spread across an area of 3 kilometers and contains 6 palaces. It touches the skyline of the Gwalior city. Many times this fort has been captured. A part of this fort is said to have ghost sightings. Amongst them, the Man Mandir Palace and the Teli-Ka-Mandir are the most visited by tourists. It is built in the Dravidian style of architecture.
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Located in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, this fort was built in the 14th century. Mehrangarh Fort is built on top of a hill and is a massive structure that has courtyards and intricate carvings on the walls of the fort. Within the fort, there are many palaces, a museum, and galleries that tourists visit. The Sheesh Mahal and the Phool Mahal are the palaces with stunning architecture and interiors. There is also a Desert Rock Park and temples within the fort complex. Many rulers of Jodhpur built several structures within this fort.
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Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves are of historical and archeological importance. This is a hill out of which many caves have been carved out by Jain monks. They were carved out in the 1st century B.C. This is the place where the Jain monks used to dwell and meditate. They made sculptures inside the cave that depicted the life of people living in those times. Amongst all these caves the Queen’s cave is the largest. There are many motifs and sculptures done by the Jain monks inside these caves.
Rani Ki Vav is a step well located in Patan, Gujarat. This is a step well that has a unique architecture and is a UNESCO world heritage site. In ancient times, the water inside this step well has medicinal properties and was surrounded by medicinal herbs. It is carved with sculptures of numerous Hindu gods. Rani Ki Vav is also a place where the women used to socialize in ancient times. It is built in the Maru-Gujarati style of architecture. It was built in the 1st century.
Aihole Temple is an ancient temple complex that has 125 Chalukya temples. This is a UNESCO world heritage site. It was built in the 6th century in the Chalukya style of architecture. There are temples and caves within this complex. As per the legends, Lord Parshuram washed his battle axe stained with blood at this place. Various temple style of architectures is used in the 125 temples located at this site.
It is located in the Thar Desert in Rajasthan. Jaisalmer fort is so large it seems like a mini-town with shops, temples, restaurants, and palaces within the fort complex. It is known as the ‘Sonar Quila,’ or the ‘Golden Fort” and it was built in the 11th century. Jaisalmer Fort has several entrances and is built in the blend of Islamic and Rajput style of architecture. It is built in yellow sandstone and has many palaces within.
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Falaknuma Palace is a palace that has magnificent architecture and is located in Hyderabad, Telangana. It depicts the royalty and glory of Nizams who had ruled Hyderabad. Falaknuma Palace is one of the finest monuments in terms of architecture that is a blend of Italian, Islamic, and Tudor architectural style. It has arch gateways and is one of the finest examples of the neo-classical style of architecture. It has many opulent rooms that are decorated with luxurious style and intricate motifs. Get a peek into the Royalty of Hyderabad by visiting this palace and the museum within this palace that showcases the items and decor used by the royalty.
Kumbhalgarh Fort is a UNESCO world heritage site located in Udaipur, Rajasthan. It is surrounded by Aravalli hill range and forest that has a wildlife sanctuary. It was built by the Mewar king, Rana Kumbha in the 15th century. Within the fort complex, there are 360 temples. The wall that surrounds the fort is called the ‘The Great Wall of India,’ and is the second longest wall in the world after ‘The Great Wall of China.’
Goa is known to be a party hub and is also for its stunning stretches of beaches. There are many cathedrals and churches in Goa that have a magnificent architecture in Gothic style. They are mosaic paintings, built in medieval European architectural style, and reflect the European artistic style in their interiors. The Church of Lady of Rosary is a UNESCO world heritage site in Goa amongst all the churches. A few chapels are also built in the Renaissance style of architecture.
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Konark Sun Temple is one of the ancient temples built in the 12th century. It is dedicated to Lord Surya. It is built in the Kalinga architectural style. This is a UNESCO world heritage site. The ruler of the Ganga Dynasty built this temple. The temple is built in the shape of the chariot of the Sun god. It is also known as the Black Pagoda. There are many stone carvings on the interior and exterior walls of this temple. Konark Sun Temple is one of the most magnificent temples known for its architecture and design.
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Ajanta Ellora Caves are the most magnificent caves known for their carvings. These caves were built between 2nd and 6th century B.C. There are 29 caves in Ajanta and 34 caves in Ellora. The temples within the Ajanta caves are known for their architecture and sculptures. They also have inscriptions of Jataka tales from Buddhism. The Ellora caves have many temples and carvings from Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism. This is a UNESCO world heritage site.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is the railway station that is built in the Victorian-Gothic style of architecture. This is a UNESCO world heritage site. This is the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and was designed by Frederick Williams Stevens. It was built in the honor of Queen Victoria and it took 10 years to build this railway terminus. Many students from Bombay School of Art dedicated their artworks in the form of carvings, sculptures, tiles, and grills to the interiors and offices inside this railway station.
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Padmanabhapuram Palace is a wooden palace and has several structures within its complex. It was built in the 16th century. Padmanabhapuram Palace has many chambers within its palace complex. It is built in Kerala style of architecture. The King’s bedroom inside this palace has a medicinal bed. There are many carvings and paintings inside each chamber. You can get a glimpse of Kerala style of architecture. It has many interior decorations that are unique to the Kerala style of architecture.
The Golden Temple was built by the Sikh Guru, Guru Ram Das in the 15th century. This is the holiest pilgrimage for Sikhs in India. There are holy books on Sikhism inside this temple. It is made of 750 kgs of pure gold hence it got its name, ‘Golden Temple.’ It is also known as ‘Sri Harmandir Sahib,’ and is surrounded by a lake. Lord Buddha is said to have some time at this temple. The Golden Temple has been destroyed by Muslims numerous times and rebuilt over and over again. It has the world’s largest langar that feeds 40,000 people every day.
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Lakshmi Vilas Palace is a magnificent palace that is located in Vadodara in Gujarat. This is the palace that is four times larger than the Buckingham Palace and sprawls across 700 acres of land. It has been the private residence of the Royal family of Vadodara, The Gaekwads. Lakshmi Vilas Palace was built in the 18th century and took 12 years to complete the construction. It is built in the Hindu, Islam, and Gothic architectural styles.
Gol Gumbaz is one of the stunning monuments that is built in the Islamic style of architecture. It is known as the ‘Taj Mahal of South India’. Gol Gumbaz was built when the Adil Shahi Dynasty ruled the place. It has a unique architecture and is built in the black basalt stone. It is located in Bijapur in Karnataka. This is the tomb that has the biggest dome in India. This is the dome that is not supported by pillars.
Chola Temples are ancient temples that were built during the 11th and 2nd century. They are built in the Dravidian style of architecture. The Brihadisvara temple amongst the other temple structures is the UNESCO world heritage site. These temples were built by the Chola kings. The Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur is known for its magnificent architecture, internal carvings, sculptures, paintings, and wall decorations. There are artistic sculptures of various Hindu gods and goddesses inside this temple. The Brihadisvara is the largest Shiva temple in India.
The rulers of Mysore used to stay at this palace. It is also known by the name Amba Vilas Palace. It was built in the 14th century. Mysore Palace has many halls, courtyards, gardens, and has three storeys. It is built in the Indo-Saracenic architectural style and speaks of its grandeur. It took 15 years to complete building this palace. Every year Dussehra festival is celebrated at this palace. There is a museum inside the palace that showcases the treasures, souvenirs, and is a highly ornate room that is decorated with luxurious items.
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Vivekananda Rock Memorial is a colossal monument that is located at the tip of South India in Kanyakumari. It has magnificent architecture and is said to have been blessed by the Goddess Kumari blessed this place. Swami Vivekananda meditated for two days here and attained enlightenment before going to his Chicago trip. It is built in a blend of various architectural styles and stands on the Lakshadweep Sea. Vivekanada Rock Memorial took 6 years to complete the building of this monument. It has an inner sanctum and many sections within this monument.
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The Hawa Mahal was built during the 17th century by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. This is a five storey building that is built without a foundation in the structure of a honeycomb. It was built for the Royal women to witness the festivals and events on the streets. Hawa Mahal has 953 windows and remains cool during summers. It is also known as the ‘Palace of Winds.’ It is built in the blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles. There are many intricate carvings within this structure. It is built in the shape of the crown of Lord Krishna. It has no front entrance or staircase to reach the upper floors.
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Swaminarayan Akshardham temple was built in 2005 on the banks of River Yamuna. This temple made its entry in the Guinness Book of World Records for being one of the most comprehensive Hindu temples. It is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan. Swaminarayan Akshardham temple has a garden, a Narayan Sarovar, and a step well where water shows are held. It is built in pink sandstone and marble. It has a carved dome and idols of many Hindu gods and goddesses.
Khajuraho Temples are the most ancient temples known for their erotic sculptures that have a spiritual significance. They are known for their magnificent architecture and were built between the 9th and 10th century. They are located in the Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh. Kamasutra is depicted on the walls of these temples and caves. There are close to 85 temples in this region that you can visit, as the other temples are in ruins. This is a UNESCO world heritage site.
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The Chittorgarh Fort depicts the history of Chittor. This is a majestic fort built by the Mauryan rulers in the 7th century. Within this fort complex, there are several monuments that are built in the Rajput architecture. There are also ruins within this complex that speaks of bravery and sacrifice. Alauddin Khilji captured this fort because he was enamored by the beauty of Rani Padmini. She committed suicide along with many other women to avoid being captured by the Mughal emperor. Many rulers lived at this fort and it has withstood many wars over a long period of time. This is a UNESCO world heritage site.
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The ruins of Hampi are a part of the UNESCO world heritage site. This was once the empire of Vijayanagara. This is an ancient town which is now in ruins that were built on the banks of Tungabhadra River. It was the capital of Vijayanagar during the rule of Krishnadevaraya dynasty. It has more than 500 monuments which consist of temples, palaces, pavilions, and many other structures. This site has relics from the times of Ramayana.
Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah who founded Hyderabad built the Charminar as a place to pray to end the plague that was spread in that region around that time. It is built in granite and lime motor and has 4 minarets that are attached to the monument. To reach the top of the monument, you have to climb 149 steps. It is said to have a secret passway to reach the Golkonda Fort. Charminar is the place where the foundations of the city Hyderabad were laid. It is built in the Iranian architectural style.
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Murud-Janjira fort is located in Murad, an island in the Arabian Sea in Maharashtra. This is one of the magnificent forts on this island. Murud-Janjira fort was built in the 15th century by Nizam Shahi Sultan of Ahmednagar. Till date, the Marathas, Portuguese, or the British could not conquer this fort. The fortifications and the structure is built so high that it remains unconquerable.
Basilica of Bom Jesus is a UNESCO world heritage site in Goa. This church was built in the 15th century when Christianity began in India. This is a 400-year-old church that has a curved roof. The interiors are embellished along with the ceilings. This is one of the most sacred places for Christians as it represents the Holy Trinity. The floor of the church is made in mosaic marble.
Amidst Lake, Pichola is the stunning Udaipur Palace also known as the Lake Palace and Jag Niwas. This used to be the summer palace of the maharajas who ruled Udaipur. It was built in the 17th century by Maharaja Jagat Singh. It is now converted into a luxury hotel and spread across a land of 1.5 acres. Amidst Lake is made in white marble and the interiors are decorated with intricate motifs and decor pieces. It has courtyards and opulent rooms decorated with semi-precious stones.
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Located facing the Arabian Sea, this is one of the most iconic structures in Mumbai and a popular tourist spot. It was built in the honor of Queen Mary and King George’s visit to Mumbai. This is also the place from which the last troop of the British left India after Indian independence. This monument is a blend of Indo-Islamic gothic architecture and has Hindu and Muslim motifs. Scottish architect George Wittet designed and built this monument. It is built in yellow basalt and concrete.
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Located in Hyderabad, this is a fortress that spreads across 4.8 kilometers popular for its acoustic features. If you stand at any point inside the fort and clap, the person standing at the hilltop of the fort can hear the sound. This was the feature that was used to warn others of danger when the Nizams lived inside this fort. A part of this fort is in ruins. It is built in the Hindu-Islamic architectural style. The fort was originally built in the 11th century during the reign of Kakatiya Dynasty and rose to fame during the rule of Quli Qutub Shah.
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Champaner Pavagadh is an archeological park and a UNESCO world heritage site. There are monuments inside the park built in the Hindu-Islamic architectural style. As per the legend, the Pavagadh hills are said to be the part of the Himalayas that Lord Hanuman carried along with him. It is located in the city of Champaner and built on top of the Pavagadh hills.
The Victoria Memorial is located in Kolkata, West Bengal in the honor of Queen Victoria who reigned over India at that time. It was designed and built by the British architect William Emerson in the 18th century. It is built in the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. Many architectural styles from Europe, Venetian, and Islamic styles are used to build this monument. This is a 184 feet monument that is built in white marble. It has magnificent gardens and the monument spreads across an area of 64 acres. It has 27 galleries that have various collections of books, royal items, and rare artifacts.
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Pattadakal is a village in Karnataka that has a series of stone temples. They were built in the 7th and the 8th century. This is a UNESCO world heritage site. There are 10 temples on this site that have intricate architecture and built in the Dravidian and Nagara style. The temple walls depict the tales of Mahabharata and Ramayana. These temples were built by the Chalukya kings. These temples are built on the banks of Malaprabha River which joins the Kailash mountain in the Himalayas.
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