Table of Contents
India is a place with a rich culture and history. 5000 years of civilization and more have given India some fantastic historical places, monuments, legends, and experiences. Soaked in hundreds of years’ worth of stories, the rich culture and traditions, and, of course, beliefs, are some of the best historical places in India, which have attracted people from far and wide to this beautiful land, whether it is the myriad of palaces and forts, ancient minarets, or even the stunning temples, mosques, and churches.
In every way, India’s historical sites provide a source of delight, whether you’re visiting Agra’s mesmerizing Taj Mahal, remembering India’s struggle for freedom at Delhi’s India Gate, or taking a ride on an elephant at Jaipur’s Amer Fort.
Historical Places in India
Let us now learn about some of the most famous historical places in India and their names.
- Taj Mahal, Uttar Pradesh
The Taj Mahal is one of the World’s Seven Wonders and is located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. The Taj Mahal is one of the most historical places in India. The Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well. It was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a living testament to the emperor and Queen Mumtaz’s eternal love. This beautifully designed mausoleum took approximately 22 years to complete.
In Dubai, a shopping complex and hotel inspired by the Taj Mahal are being built. It is expected to be four times the size of the original Taj Mahal.
- Khajuraho Temples, Madhya Pradesh
The Khajuraho Group of Monuments is a collection of Hindu and Jain temples in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, India. The Khajuraho Temples are one of the most historical places in India. It is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temples are famous for their Nagara-style architectural symbolism and a few erotic sculptures.
The majority of the temples were built before 1000 CE by the Chandela Dynasty. The Khajuraho temple site had approximately 85 temples by the 12th century, of which only 20 remained. The Kandariya Temple houses a number of sculptures considered to be among the greatest works of Indian art.
Khajuraho got its name from the fact that it was covered in date palms, and Khajura means “date.” The city was also known as Khajjurpura in the past.
- Red Fort, New Delhi
The Red Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India’s capital city of Delhi. The Red Fort is one of the most historical places in India. The Red Fort is an excellent example of size and architecture. The Red Fort was built over a ten-year period by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.
The Fort was built for the Emperor’s residence when he relocated his capital from Agra to Delhi. The Red Fort was known as the Qila-e-Mubarak at the time. The octagonal fort, built of red sandstone, stands proudly amid the bustle of Old Delhi. It draws visitors in great numbers every day.
The Red Fort was made of white limestone rather than red. When the limestone began to crumble, the British painted it red.
- Hampi, Karnataka
The Hampi Ruins are located in Karnataka’s Hampi district. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi stands as a reminder of the glory that reigned during the Vijayanagara Empire. The Virupaksha and Vijay Vittala Temples are two of Hampi’s most well-known and visited temples. The multi-layered carvings, grand entrances, and massive stone chariots attest to the empire’s wealth and craftsmanship.
Hampi is not only a historical treasure but also a spiritual and cultural center for many people. Pilgrims visit its ancient temples, while history buffs and tourists marvel at the well-preserved relics of a bygone era.
- Amber Fort, Jaipur
Amber Fort, also known as Amer Fort, is one of India’s most beautiful and well-known monuments. The Amber Fort is one of the most historical places in India. The Amber Fort is located in the Rajasthani city of Jaipur. The Amber Fort was constructed by King Sawai Jai Singh. The fortress has many beautiful sights to see, such as the Sheesh Mahal, Jal Mandir, Diwan-I-Aam, and Diwan-I-Khaas. This magnificent fort is one of the most iconic and well-preserved examples of Rajput architecture and serves as a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Visitors are also treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and Maota Lake from the fort. The experience of riding an elephant or taking a Jeep ride up to the fort is an added bonus that makes a visit to Amber Fort even more memorable.
- Qutub Minar, Delhi
Qutub Minar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Delhi. This 73 meter high pinnacle is magnificent in size and view, and it is no surprise that it is one of the most visited historical places in India. The Qutub Minar complex contains an iron pillar that has not rusted even after 2000 years.
It is one of the finest examples of Indo-Muslim architecture, with red sandstone stories adorned with Quranic verses in Arabic.
- Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of Winds, is a place in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The Hawa Mahal is not so much a monument as it is a gallery. The Hawa Mahal is one of the most historical places in India. Lal Chand Ustaad designed it as a gallery from which the ladies of the royal household could observe daily life in the street, as they used to do during the purdah.
The Hawa Mahal is the world’s tallest structure without a proper foundation. It has five stories but leans at an angle of 87 degrees because it lacks a proper foundation.
- Konark Sun Temple, Odisha
Konark Sun Temple is situated in Odisha, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple’s architecture is characterized by its detailed stone carvings, which depict various aspects of life, mythology, and religious symbolism. The Konark Sun Temple is one of the most historical places in India. The Konark Sun Temple is not only an architectural marvel but also an important pilgrimage site for devotees of the sun god.
The 12 wheels that are located at the base of the temple are actually sundials with accurate time-telling abilities.
- Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh
Fatehpur Sikri is situated towards the west of Agra, Uttar Pradesh. Fatehpur Sikri is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Fatehpur Sikri was once the capital of the Mughal emperor Akbar. It stands as a remarkable testament to the grandeur of the Mughal Empire and the architectural brilliance of the 16th century.
- Mahabodhi Temple, Bihar
The Mahabodhi Temple is situated in Bodh Gaya, Bihar. The Mahabodhi Temple is one of the most sacred and revered Buddhist sites in the world. It is known for its historical and religious significance as the place where it is believed that Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha, attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.
- Victoria Memorial, Kolkata
The Victoria Memorial is one of the historical places in India. The Victoria Memorial is situated in Kolkata, West Bengal, and was constructed in honor of Queen Victoria, the empress of India during the British Colonial Era. The Victoria Memorial is surrounded by a well-manicured garden on all sides. The memorial is not only a tribute to Queen Victoria but has also become an enduring symbol of the city of Kolkata. It stands as a testament to the city’s rich heritage and its historical connections to the British Empire.
- Gateway Of India, Mumbai
The Gateway of India is situated in Mumbai, Maharashtra, which is one of the most famous historical places in India. The Gateway of India was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai in 1911. It was also intended to symbolize the landing place of British dignitaries who arrived in India during the colonial era. The Gateway of India is a major tourist attraction and a symbol of Mumbai. It attracts both domestic and international visitors who come to admire its architecture, take photographs, and enjoy the scenic surroundings.
FAQs on Historical Places in India
What are the ten most historical places in India?
Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Fatehpur Sikri, Hawa Mahal, Victoria Mahal, Humayun's Tomb, Khajuraho Temples, Jallianwala Bagh, Sanchi Stupa, Meenakshi Amman Temple, Golden Temple, Elephanta Caves, and many more.
Which is the number one historical place in India?
The Taj Mahal is an iconic monument and the number one historical place in India. It is situated in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Queen Mumtaz.
What is the historical place in India?
The Red Fort, one of India's historical tourist attractions, was built over a ten-year period, from 1638 to 1648. When Shah Jahan moved the capital from Agra to Delhi, he built this fort, which was known as the Qila-e-Mubarak.
