There are lots of historical monuments, temples and buildings in India that you need to see, some are world famous whilst others are lesser-known but equally impressive.
Here is our list of the best historical monuments to see on your next trip to India.
1. Taj Mahal (Agra)
The Taj Mahal is a memorial of love and faith apart from being one of the finest architectural structures in the world.
Taj Mahal, was built at the banks of Yamuna River by Shah Jahan as a tribute of love for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died during child birth.
It is now one of the most visited destinations in Asia receiving around 8 million tourists per year.
2. Qutub Minar (Delhi)
Modelled as a classical Minar from which Muezzin calls the faithful prayers, Qutub Minar, a red and buff sandstone tower is the highest tower in India.
Qutb-u'd-Din Aibak first has its foundations constructred way back in AD 1199 and it is still in great condition today.
3. Red Fort (Delhi)
Built by Emperor Shah Jahan, this red sandstone edifice served as the center of the Mughal Empire for over 200 years. Its foundation was laid in 1640 and completed by 1648.
4. Khajuraho Temples (Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh)
Once a great capital of Chandela Kings, Khajuraho temples, hold the attention of visitors with their exquisite and intricate sculptural art.
Perfect in execution and sublime in expression and having captured various facets and moods of life in stone, Khajuraho temples is indeed a dedication to womanhood.
These are some of the reasons you should visit India seeing magnificent structures like this!
5. Ajanta and Ellora Caves (Aurangabad, Maharashtra)
Dating back to the 5th century, Ajanta Caves contain paintings and sculptures of major life events of Lord Buddha.
While the Ellora caves are over 10 centuries old and represent elaborate sculptures of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain religion.
There are a total of 30 caves which was discovered in AD 1819.
6. Elephanta Caves (Near Mumbai)
Anciently known as "Gharapuri" or the Fort Town, this green island of Konkan Mauryas, is a rock-cut cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was excavated sometime in the 8th century by the Rashtrakuta King and is famous for its colossal image of Maheshamurti with three heads each representing a different form.
7. Charminar (Hyderabad)
Built by Quli Qutub Shah in 1591, this splendid piece of architecture has four graceful minarets, which soars to the height of 48.7 m each. It is often referred to as "The Arc de Triomphe of the East" and is a blend of 'Cazia' and 'Islamic' style of architecture.
Charminar is one of the main attractions of Hyderabad and before visiting you might like to learn some useful phrases for visiting India as not many people here speak English.
8. Agra Fort (Agra, Uttar Pradesh)
Situated on the right bank of Yamuna River, Agra Fort was constructed by the third Mughal emperor Akbar on the remains on an ancient castle site known as Badalgarh in AD 1565-75.
Enclosed by a double battle-mented 70-foot wall of red sandstone, Agra Fort is irregularly triangular which runs about 2 km in perimeter. The Delhi Gate on the west side of the palace is the most impressive of its four gates.
9. Fatehpur Sikri (Agra, Uttar Pradesh)
The erstwhile capital of Mughal dynasty, this dignified city was built by Mughal emperor, Akbar the great, in honour of Saint Shaikh Salim Chisti on Sikri ridge in 1571.
10. Humayun Tomb (Nizamuddin, Delhi)
Built by Humayun's widowed Queen Haji Begum in 16th century AD, this Mughal architecture is the tomb of several Mughal rulers.
Plan a Trip to India
India is incredible, isn't it?
Whether you are planning a dream holiday, a backpacking adventure or want to take a gap year in India, visiting the places on our list will really enhance your trip.
If our article has made you excited to visit, there are lots of options for places to go and things to do. Search our tours in India if you would like to see all the main highlights. Of for a unique experience view volunteer programs in India
Of if you need more inspiration for places to go check out these pages:
