An uncountable number of mighty forts, exquisite palaces, historic monuments, massive structures, temples, and a lot more stands as the witnesses of the great history of India. Many rulers invaded and ruled India for thousands of years. Under their reigns, a number of beautiful and marvelous edifices were erected for different purposes and commemorates. Now today, all those fantastic buildings are the prominent historic sites for the younger generations to know about India’s great history, culture, heritage, and traditions.
Exploring India’s history through traveling is a fascinating thing to experience interesting facts and tales of the bygone era.
Taj Mahal, Agra
The symbol of love and eternal beauty, Taj Mahal always tops the list in historical places to visit in India. The white marble mausoleum built by Shah Jahan to his love Mumtaz is a splendid monument of India which got the place as one of the seven wonders of the world. Imperial beauty and grandeur of the monument with intricate designs and calligraphy on the marble pieces leave everyone in amusement.
This architect marvel comprises of the tombs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz, a mosque, and a guest house. Notably, the Mehtab Bagh mean gardens of the Taj Mahal is the other beautiful thing to see here. If possible try to visit Taj Mahal during nights to capture awe-inspiring sights of the mausoleum under the shades of moonlight.
Entry Fees: Foreigners (1100/-), Citizens of SAARC and BIMSTEC countries (540/-), and Indians (50/-).
To visit Main Mausoleum extra 200/- will be charged.
Opening Times: 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM (Closed on Friday).
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| Taj Mahal, Agra |
Qutub Minar, Delhi
India’s one of the tallest minarets, Qutub Minar is a must-visit historic place in India. This tall and imposing minaret signifies the beginning era of Muslim rule in India. Qutub-ud-din Aibak constructed this minaret in memory of establishing the first Muslim kingdom in India. Qutub Minar posses five-stores with a height of 240ft. The first three was built with red sandstone and the last two was built with marble.
The Indo-Muslim architecture of this minaret and the verses of the Quran on the minaret are the stunning attractions. The other things to see in the complex are India’s first mosque known as “Quwwat-ul-Islam” Masjid and an iron pillar which was still not rusted even it is open to the air. The Light Show of Qutub Minar in the evening is an interesting thing to watch here.
Entry Fees: Foreigners (500/-) and Indian (30/-).
Opening Times: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Every day opens).
Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
In Jaipur, Hawa Mahal is a great landmark for tourists to eyewitness the beauty of the Palace. Popularly known as the “Palace of Winds”, Hawa Mahal is an epitome of unique architecture in India. This majestic palace was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in the shape of the crown. He is a great devotee of Lord Krishna that’s why in this way he honored his deity. Also, an important fact about this palace is it was built for royal women to watch the daily royal proceedings outside of the palace because they are not allowed to come outside.
Many things of the Palace’s architecture make everyone leave in shock. Because the Palace comprises no foundation and steps but the palace houses five-stores. Overall, the latticework of 953 windows and architecture of Hawa Mahal is just amazing and mind-blowing. Explore the Hawa Mahal by travelling through the India’s Palace on Wheels train.
Entry Fees: Foreigners (200/-) and Indians (50/-).
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 5: 00 PM (Every day opens).
Ruins of Hampi, Karnataka
Ruins of Hampi recognized by the UNESCO World Heritage Site is a worthy place to explore innumerable ancient architectural styles and aesthetics. In South India, Hampi is the best destination to look back at the history of Hindu kingdoms. The complex of Hampi Ruins includes numerous temples, ornate structures, chariot structures, elephant stables, and many more. The monuments which were built from the 14th century are the must-see attractions of Hampi ruins.
For history buffers and archaeologists, Hampi ruins are a great treat. An Interesting fact about this place is here only first human settlement evidenced. The special attractions of Hampi ruins are Vijaya Vittala Temple, Sri Virupaksha Temple, Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Queen’s Bath, Riverside ruins, and etc. Even though they are ruined the glory and charisma of the ruins attracts tourists to visit.
Entry Fees: No entry fee. For visiting monuments fee must be paid.
Opening Hours: From Sunrise to Sunset.
Red Fort, Delhi
Red Fort is another architectural marvel had taken place under the rule of Shah Jahan. In Delhi, Red Fort is the center of attraction to tourists to go through impressive and wonderful architectural styles. The great Mughal emperor Shah Jahan built this massive fort when his capital shifted from Agra to Delhi. From the day it became capital till today it was the capital seat for India too. Every year National Days will be celebrated in a grand way at the Fort.
The major portions to cover in the fort to experience the intense architectural styles are Diwan-I-Khas, Diwan-I-Aam, Rang Mahal, Mumtaz Mahal, and others. Especially, Rang Mahal is a must-see part of the fort. And never forget to watch the sound and light show at the fort which was narrated by the Megastar of Bollywood Amitabh Bachchan.
Entry Fees: Foreigners (500/-) and Indians (35/-).
Opening Hours: From Sunrise to Sunset.
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| Red Fort, Delhi |
Jallianwala Bagh, Punjab
When the word Jallianwala Bagh we hear the first thing strike in our mind is the massacre of thousands of innocent deaths. In Indian history this incident will never fade out. On 13th April 1919, General Dyer ordered British policemen to open fire on the people who are protesting. At that event, nearly 1,500 men lost their lives sacrificing for the motherland. It was a black day in Indian history. Recently, 50 years also completed for this massacre.
After Independence, the first president of India Dr. Rajendra Prasad built a memorial to honor the sacrificed lives in 1951. Till today you can spot the bullet firings on the walls of the garden. The step well of the garden is an important thing to see. Visiting this place is very important to know, with how much struggle India got Independence.
Entry Fees: No entry fee.
Opening Hours: 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM every day.
Khajuraho Temples, Madhya Pradesh
To explore the ancient arts, Khajuraho Temples in Chattarpur district of Madhya Pradesh is an ideal place to visit. The temples in this region are very special and unique from all other temples in India. Architectural styles and complex designs of these temples teach about Hindu principles and culture through erotic and sensual sculptures. Due to its exquisite wonders, this place was recognized by the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In general, this temple complex consists of 85 temples but at present, there are only 22 temples. The temples were commissioned by Chandel rulers due to the reason here you can see temples dedicating to Jainism and Hinduism.
Must-see temples of Khajuraho: Vamana Temple, Brahma Temple, Parsvanth Temple, Chaturbhui Temple, Chausath Yogini Temple, Varaha Temple, and others. Western Group of temples are the best to see.
Entry Fees: Differ from at various temples.
Opening Hours: From Sunrise to Sunset.
Sanchi Stupa, Madhya Pradesh
Sanchi Stupa very close to Bhopal is a sacred place where the relics of Lord Buddha rested. For Buddhist pilgrims, this historical site is very prominent. This Stupa was built by Emperor Ashoka to promote Buddhism to entire the world. In 3rd BC this historical monument was raised. In a religious aspect, this Stupa is known for meditation practices.
The stupa looks like a Dome shape and surrounded by the fence like structure with four gateways. Here the Dome signifies the values of Buddhism, means the cycle of life from birth to death. And different shapes of the Stupa signifies the body parts of Lord Buddha. Here Ashoka Pillar is also an important thing to capture.
Entry Fees: Foreigners (500/-) and Indians (30).
Opening Hours: 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM every day.
Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Aurangabad
In Maharashtra, Ajanta and Ellora caves are the enthralling UNESCO World Heritage Sites to visit in India. The caves are home to the ancient arts with a blend of religious aspects. Both Ajanta and Ellora caves reflect beautiful and captivating paintings, murals, frescoes, sculptures, rock-cut temples, and more. These caves are not carved today they are existed from centuries ago. But in 1819, the caves came into light with the discovery of John Smith.
These caves promote Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism religious. Totally, there are 29 caves in Ajanta caves and 34 caves in Ellora caves. An interesting thing about Ajanta caves is its paintings. They are naturally made with the colors available in nature.
Famous caves of Ajanta: Caves 1, 2, 3, 17, and 26 are the must-visit caves.
Famous Caves of Ellora: Caves 11, 12, and 16 are the must-visit caves.
Entry Fees of Ellora: Foreigners (600/-), Citizens of SAARC and BIMSTEC countries (40/-), and Indians (40/-).
Every day opens from sunrise to sunset.
Every day opens from sunrise to sunset.
Entry Fee of Ajanta: Foreigners (500/-) and Indians (30/-).
Opens 9 AM to 6 PM closed on Monday.
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| Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Aurangabad |
Rani Ki Vav, Gujarat
Rani Ki Vav is a popular step-well in Patan known for mind-blowing architectural styles. This mighty and deep step-well was built by Queen Udayamati wife of King Bhimadev I. This step-well is one of the massive step-wells in India with the measurements of 64mts in length, 20mts in wide, and 27mts in deep. What’s the major attraction of this step-well is its brilliant architectural styles and structures.
The ornate sculptures of the step-well are the theme of Dasavatars and the Lord Vishnu with thousand snake heads. Actually, the step-well comprises 800 structures but now there are 400 only. Here in this step-well you can see marvelous architectural forms of pillared pavilions, corridor walls, and numerous sculptures of gods, goddess, and apsaras.
Entry Fees: Foreigners (100/-) and Indian (5/-)
Opening Hours: 8 AM to 6 PM every day.
Get to know about the Palace on Wheels fares for the peak season and lean season. It’s sure after exploring all these, make us bow to Indian culture and history. So for your next trip list these historical places in your travel bucket.
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