The bygone era stays entrenched in the society due to these ancient and historical places of India. So if you are a history buff or want a taste of the rich culture of India, head over to explore some of India’s greatest historical monuments of all times! Explore some of the beautiful places and get captivating views of sunsets in India. Take a look at this tailor-made list of all the top and famous historical places in India that covers the entire country:
1. Taj Mahal, Agra
Discover Red Fort in Delhi which is one of the famous places in India. Meet the boss of Indian historical places. If you consider the top 10 historical places in India, Taj Mahal will always be ranking high in the list. Explore the ultimate epitome of love, the Taj Mahal, whose grandeur remains unmatched in history and today this is one of the weekend getaways from Delhi. This opulent white marble structure was commissioned to be built in 1632 by Shah Jahan for his late wife Mumtaz Mahal. It took around 22 years to complete this magnificent structure that is considered one of the most famous historical places in India.
According to local legend, it was believed that Shah Jahan cut off the hands of all the workers who built the Taj Mahal so that a similar monument could not be built.
Interesting fact: A shopping complex and hotel inspired by the Taj Mahal is being constructed in Dubai and is estimated to be four times larger in size.
Entry fee: Indians- INR 40
Foreigners- INR 1000
No entry for children below 15 years of age
Open from: 30 Minutes before sunrise and closes 30 Minutes before sunset
Must see: Nighttime shows of the Taj Mahal
Built By: Shah Jahan
Built In: 164
2.agra fort
To get a sense of the rich history of the Mughal era, visit the walled palatial Agra Fort, one of the famous historical places in India that is built entirely of red sandstone. Built in 1565 by Akbar, this historical tourist place in India has two ornately designed gates: the Amar Singh Gate and the Delhi Gate. You can only enter through the Amar Singh Gate to uncover an ancient city filled with gateways, courts, passages, palaces and mosques. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Agra.
Interesting fact: This fort was included in one of Sherlock Holmes’ cases: the “Sign of the Four” and was also the location for the movie Jodha Akbar.
Entry fee: Indians- INR 40
Foreigners- INR 550
Open from: 6 am to 6 pm
Must see: Jahangir Palace, Nagina Masjid, Moti Masjid, Mina Masjid and Zenana Mina Bazaar.
Built By: Akbar and Shah Jahan
Built In: 1573
3. Red Fort, Delhi
One of the historical tourist places in India, the Red Fort was constructed over ten years from 1638 to 1648. This fort was constructed when Shah Jahan shifted the capital from Agra to Delhi and it was then known as the Qila-e-Mubarak. This octagonal fort is one of the most famous historical places in north India and is also the site where the President gives his speech on Independence Day. The Red fort is truly remarkable and one of the best historical places in India.
Interesting fact: The Red fort was actually white as it was made of limestone. The British painted it red when the limestone started chipping off.
Entry fee: Indians- INR 10
Foreigners- INR 250
Open from: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm daily (Closed on Mondays)
Must see: The Palace of Colors or the ‘Rang Mahal’ where the emperor’s wives, mistresses and maids resided.
Built By: Shah Jahan
Built In: 1639
4. Qutub Minar, Delhi
Regarded as the site of the first Muslim kingdom in northern India, the Qutub Minar is definitely one of the most historical sites in India. It is one of the finest examples of Indo-Muslim architecture with its intricate red sandstone storeys. These are dotted with carvings and verses from the Quran and are mostly in Arabic and Nagari. Qutub Minar is one of the famous historical places in India and is said to have got its name from Qutb-ud-din Aibak who was the first Muslim ruler of North India. The first mosque in India Quwwat-ul-Islam Masjid is also located at the foot of the Qutub Minar.
Interesting fact: The Qutub Minar complex has an iron pillar that has not rusted even after 2000 years.
Entry fee: Indians- INR 10
Foreigners- INR 250
Open from: 7 am to 5 pm
Must see: The Decorative Light Show held every evening from 6:30 to 8 pm and the Qutub Minar Festival that is held in October/November.
Built By: Qitub-ud-Din Aibak
Built In: 1193
A beautiful synthesis of Indian and Persian architecture, Humayun’s Tomb is one of the most famous and important places in India. Humayun’s wife Hamida Banu Begum commissioned the building of this tomb for her husband in the 15th century. Arched alcoves, beautiful domes, elaborate corridors and kiosks – all make this monument a grandeur of Indian architecture. There is also a barber’s tomb at the southwestern side of the main tomb. It is one of the most famous tourist places in Delhi that one should certainly visit.
Interesting fact: Humayun’s Tomb was one of the main inspirations for the Taj Mahal.
Entry fee: Indians- INR 40
Foreigners- INR 510
Open from: 7 am to 7 pm (Closed on Fridays)
Must see:‘The Dormitory of the Mughals’ that has over 100 tombs of the Mughal emperors.
Built By: Mirak Mirza Ghiyath
Built In: 1572
5. Mughal era during Akbar’s
The royal city of Fatehpur Sikri was once the capital of the Mughal era during Akbar’s reign. This royal city is one of the historical tourist places in India and once had palaces, public buildings, mosques, quarters for the king, the army as well as the servants. Further, the well planned royal city with carved columns and decorated pillars was built between 1571-1573 AD and abandoned due to a shortage of water.
Interesting fact: Many barren women would come to the tomb of the Sufi saint Salim Chisti to pray for children.
Entry fee: Indians- INR 40
Foreigners- INR 510
Open from: 6 am to 6 pm (Closed on Fridays)
Must see: Diwan-i-Aam and the Diwan-i-Khas
Built By: Akbar
Built In: 1569
7. Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
The ‘Palace of Winds’ or Hawa Mahal gets its name due to the fact that it looks like a honeycomb of a beehive with its 953 intricate windows. It is also shaped like a crown as the ruler who built it, Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, was a major devotee of Lord Krishna. One of the popular tourist places in Jaipur, this palace is known as the tallest building in the world that doesn’t have any foundation. The palace is curved but still stands firm due to its pyramidal shape.
Interesting fact: It was believed that this building was created so that the royal ladies could look outside as they were constantly under ‘purdah’
Entry fee: Indians- INR 10
Foreigners- INR 50
Open from: 9.30 am to 4.30 pm
Must see: The intricate lattice work on the tiny windows.
Built By: Pratap Singh
Built In: 1799
8. Khajuraho Temples, Madhya Pradesh
Khajuraho has always been thought of as the place that exemplifies sensuality and eroticism at its best. However this is a misrepresentation as only about 10 percent of the sculptures are sensual and the rest are common depictions. Countless sculptures depicting love, eternal grace, beauty, delicacy and the creative arts can be seen in one of the most historical places in India. A perfect amalgamation of Hinduism and Jainism, Khajuraho temples have carvings of cult icons, demi gods and Apsaras.
Interesting fact: The city got its name as it was adorned with date palms and “Khajura’ means date palms in Hindi. It was also often called Khajjurpura in ancient times.
Entry fee: Indians- INR 10
Foreigners- INR 250 (only for the western temples, rest are free)
Open from: 8 am to 6 pm
Must see: The Sound and Light Show that portrays the tale of the Chandela dynasty.
Built By: Chandela dynasty
Built In: Between 950 AD and 1050 AD
9. Sanch Stupa
Une religious centers of Buddhism at the Sanchi Stupa that houses relics of the Buddha. This famous historical place in India was built by Lord Asoka in the 3rd century B.C for Emperor Ashoka. The Dome of the Stupa signifies the wheel of law and this stupa is actually considered as a symbol of Buddha’s freedom the circle of life and death (Moksha). The four gateways of the Stupa have various scenes from the Jataka tales and stories of Buddha’s life.
Interesting fact: The relics of Buddha were painted with a Mauryan polish to make them glow like glass.
Entry fee: Indians- INR 10
Foreigners- INR 250
Open from: 8.30 am to 5 pm
Must see: The Ashoka pillar has four lions and is designed in a Greco-Buddhist style. It is also the national emblem of India.
Built By: Emperor Ashoka
Built In: 3rd century BCE
10.Gwalior Fort, Madhya Pradesh
A legendary fort of its time, Gwalior Fort has been around for a long time. Some sources suggest that it was constructed in or before 6 century Mughal Emporer Babur described this place to be a pearl among Indian fortresses. The second oldest reference to the number zero can be found here. Situated in the historic city of Gwalior, it is the part of the identity of the city that has seen many dynasties come and go.
Interesting fact: Second oldest reference to number zero is carved here, it was constructed in the 6th century.
Entry fee: INR 75/adult; free for those below 15
Open from: 6:00 am to 5:30 pm
Must see: Man Mandir, Gujari Palace, Jahangir Palace, and the Karan Palace
Built By: Man Singh Tomar
Built In: 3rd century BCE (later developed into the fort it is today)
11.Golden Temple, Punjab
One of the most famous Gurudwara in the entire world, Sri Harmandir Sahib is one of the important spiritual places in India. While it has been around for a long while, it was rebuilt with pure gold and marble in 1830 by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Located in the heart of Amritsar, it is visited by more than a hundred thousand pilgrims every day.
Interesting fact: Each day, over a hundred thousand people partake the Langar here
Entry fee: Free
Open from: Changes every month
Must see: Amrit Sarovar, Ramgarhia Bunga
Built By: Guru Ram Das
Built In: 1599
12.India Gate, D
This 42-meter monument is often compared with Arch de Triomphe in Paris and Arch of Constantine in Rome. Located on the Rajpath, it was designed by Edwin Lutyens. Dedicated to the 82,000 soldiers of both Indian and British descent who fought in World War One and 13,300 soldiers who were martyred in the 3rd Anglo-Afghan War, it was built in 1931. Every year, the Republic Day Parade is held here. It is a famous destination among both locals and tourists.
Interesting fact: Dedicated to nearly 1 lakh soldiers who perished in two wars, namely WW I and Third Anglo-Afghan War. It is the spot where Amar Jawan Jyoti – the eternal flame- continues to burn.
Entry fee: Free
Open from: All the time
Must see: Amar Jawan Jyoti, Children’s Park
Built By: Edwi
13.lMehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur
Commissioned by Rao Jodha in 1459, it is one of the biggest forts in India. There are 7 entrances in the complex which is nestled on a hill. Each gate was constructed at different times for different purposes. For example, the Vijay Gate was built to mark the win of King Man Singh over Bikaner and Jaipur. There is a Rose palace and a Glass Palace within the complex. This fort has been featured in a number of Bollywood and Hollywood movies as well.
Interesting fact: It is situated at an elevation of 410 m
Entry fee: Indian Citizens: INR 70 (without an audio guide); Others: INR 700 (With Audio)
Open from: 9 am to 5 pm
Must see: The seven gates and the smaller palace complexes.
Built By: Rao Jodha
Built In: 1459
14. Jallianwala Bagh, Punjab
The infamous Jallianwala Bagh massacre took place near this monument near the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Covering around 6.5 acres, it is the place where General Dyer ordered a mass shooting on Baisakhi. Thousands of innocents succumbed to death in this incident. It was one of the incidents that ignited the fire of Independence revolution. A memorial was erected here on 13th April 1961 by the then president, Dr. Rajendra Prasad.
Interesting fact: Infamous Jallianwala Bagh Massacre took place here
Entry fee: Free
Open from: 6:30 am to 7:30 pm
Must see: The step well that took the centre stage during the massacre.
Built By: Benjamin Polk (memorial)
Built In: 1961 (memorial)
15. Gwalior Fort, Madhya Pradesh
A legendary fort of its time, Gwalior Fort has been around for a long time. Some sources suggest that it was constructed in or before 6 century Mughal Emporer Babur described this place to be a pearl among Indian fortresses. The second oldest reference to the number zero can be found here. Situated in the historic city of Gwalior, it is the part of the identity of the city that has seen many dynasties come and go.
Interesting fact: Second oldest reference to number zero is carved here, it was constructed in the 6th century.
Entry fee: INR 75/adult; free for those below 15
Open from: 6:00 am to 5:30 pm
Must see: Man Mandir, Gujari Palace, Jahangir Palace, and the Karan Palace
Built By: Man Singh Tomar
Built In: 3rd century BCE (later developed into the fort it is today)
