India is a country which is full of majestic monuments. It is a beautiful country which you can explore without getting tired. The culture in India is diverse and vibrant that makes attracts everyone to visit this country at least once in a lifetime. India has a fascinating heritage, and its history is something that will make you want more. Some of the famous monuments of India are the Taj Mahal, India Gate, Lal Qila, and many more.
The majestic monuments are the strong pillars that reflect the deep and rich history of India. The splendid architecture speaks the legacy and history of India. The famous monuments of India were built primarily under the reign of Dravidian, Mughal, and Rajputana emperors. Further, these monuments show the brilliance and dedication of the artists and the glory of the rulers. With constant support and from the government, India can maintain its beauty and heritage. Indian tourism has also flourished and has witnessed travelers coming from all over the world.
Historical places in India are spread all over the country. And monuments are the most significant part of history today. Let’s find out in the list of monuments below!
Table of Contents
Famous monuments of India
India is most visited for its monuments built by the government, emperors, and some religious institutions as it is spread throughout the country in North its Red Fort, Sun Temple Konark in the East, then Amer Fort in West and lastly Charminar in South. These are some of the most famous ones in each part of the country.
Some of the monuments were destroyed and then rebuilt, while some had stood firm through natural calamities. For anybody who is visiting India or living in this country, the below list of all the famous monuments of India that you must visit:
Taj Mahal – Agra
Taj Mahal was constructed by Shah Jahan, the most famous Mughal Emperor. Shah Jahan had this built royal mausoleum for Mumtaz Mahal. She was his wife and passed away when she gave birth to their fourteenth child. Taj Mahal stands as a testimony of their love. Shah Jahan was also buried next to Mumtaz. Taj Mahal is a personification of beauty.
It is also said to be among the wonders in the World. This monument has been built with many precious stones and white marble. There are also researches and studies that say this was built with the help of 20,000 artisans and 1000 elephants.
Entry to these tombs is restricted. However, tourists may walk around and enjoy its and the artwork.
Red Fort – Delhi
Red Fort has been the most important and famous forts of India. It is also constructed by Shah Jahan, which has been the home for various kings and nobles. The Fort was amazingly decorated with many diamonds but stripped off eventually when the ruling party took over.
Red Fort is also known as Lal Qila. It is made of red sandstone that makes it so beautiful. Lal Qila has many entertainment halls, palaces, gardens, and balconies. The best time to visit this iconic place is between November to February.
It is one of the most crucial places used by the country’s prime minister to address the nation on Independence Day, 15th August every year. Further, it is one of the most commonly visited placed for tourists in Delhi.
Qutub Minar – Delhi
Qutub Minar is also known as the crown jewel of Delhi. It is the Qutb-ud-din Aibak who has built this beautiful monument along with his heirs. The tower has beautiful oversized balconies around it.
It is made up of marble, red sandstone and has a different style of Indo-Islamic architecture. If you look carefully, the walls of the monument have quotations inscribed from Quran.
Moreover, there are many other attractions surround Qutub Minar. Some of them are Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, Alai Darwaza.
Humayun’s Tomb – Delhi
The great Mughal Emperor Humayun builds it. It is one of the first grand mausoleums. Indian and Persian artisans together built this beautiful tomb.
An Iconic piece of history, Humayun’s Tomb architecture is famous for its magnificent beauty. Moreover, the tomb’s shape and color make it unique.
In this spot, you can find tourists 24*7 to enjoy the beauty of this monument.
Agra Fort – Agra
This Fort was established in 1080 AD. But it made an appearance after Akbar rebuilt it. Since then, Agra Fort has been one of the most famous monuments of India.
Some of the famous sections in the Fort are Jahangir’s Hauz, Shahjahani Mahal, Ghazni Gate, Shish Mahal, and Jahangir’s Chain of Justice.
The artwork at the Agra Fort is mesmerizing. The marble and glass work in the Fort is something worth visiting.
Fatehpur Sikri – Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh
It is said that Fatehpur Sikri is a city that was planned by the Mughal Empire and has some beautiful mosques and palaces. These palaces and mosques have great architecture and design.
Some of the famous spots here are Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid, Ibadat Khana, Panch Mahal, and Birbal’s house.
Golden Temple – Punjab
In India Golden Temple has been the holiest place for Sikhs. It is also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib. This holy place is built in 1589 around the human-made (pool) or Sarovar, also considered a holy river.
Golden Temple has a mixture of Hindu and Islamic architecture. This is the main reason that makes it so gorgeous. It has marble floors with flowers and animals printed on them.
The Golden temple welcomes people from all regions and religions. There are more than 100,000 worshipers daily visiting Golden Temple. It also offers a simple veg meal to every visitor without discrimination. The place has so much positivity in the environment that you wouldn’t want to miss.
Mamleshwar Temple – Pahalgam
The historic Temple has been built around the twelfth century. It is also known as Amreshwar Temple. It has extraordinary architecture, which brings it to one of the most famous monuments of India.
Rameshwar temple has a small area that covers a sanctum and a hall. It is also believed that the temple has been protected and guarded by Lord Ganesha.
Mamleshwar is entirely made up of stone and should be a must-visit for anyone who wants to know the culture of the Pahalgam region.
Jama Masjid – Old Delhi
Jama Masjid was built by the great emperor Shahjahan. This place is located in Old Delhi. Jama Masjid has been considered a haven for calmness and serenity.
The mosque is pink and white in color. The tall towers or minarets are the main highlight of this place as one can see the entire Delhi.
Konark Sun Temple – Odisha
In the 13th century, this Temple was and was also known as Black Pagoda. It is mostly famous for its architecture apart from spiritual beliefs. As its name states, this temple has been dedicated to the Sun God, Surya.
The chariot-like notable feature makes it unique and remarkable. There are even gorgeous paintings and drawings one can happily gaze at.
It has also been declared as a world heritage site by UNESCO.
Khajuraho Group of Monuments – Madhya Pradesh
The Khajuraho is a beautifully and wonderfully constructed group of temples with red sandstone. The Chandela dynasty considered the temples to be the gems for them.
The Tantric school has inspired the structure and architecture of every temple. On certain spots, you may see erotic depictions and carvings. And on the other side, there are images depicting secularism and spirituality.
Sanchi Stupa – Madhya Pradesh
The iconic King Ashoka of Mauryas has built this ancient monument. This complex has been built with the oldest stone figures and structure.
This place has many Buddha stupas made from stone. But the most famous is the Great Stupa of Sanchi, which is a must-visit.
UNESCO has also considered it to be one of the World heritage sites.
Amber Fort – Rajasthan
Amber fort is in Amer, near Jaipur. It is at a high hill and one of the most famous monuments of India. Amber is built of red sandstone and marble. The Fort has been divided into four sections, and every section has one courtyard of its own.
One can reach the Fort by a jeep or an elephant paying a nominal amount. Around 5000 visitors are visiting this Fort every day. Moreover, Amber Fort architecture is worth gazing at, reflecting the exquisite elements of Hindu culture on its walls.
Gateway of India – Mumbai
The British built the Gateway of India during their rule in India. It is located in Southern Mumbai. The arched gate was built that time to welcome King George V on his arrival to India.
The structure comprises Islamic and Indian architecture, which makes it appealing. The Gateway of India also offers an excellent view of the gigantic Arabian Sea and Taj Mahal.
This place is very near to the Mumbai airport. It is one of the most famous places and the most incredible tourist place in India.
Jantar Mantar – Jaipur
Jantar Mantar was built by the king of Jaipur, Sawai Jai Singh II. This monument has an enormous collection of instruments along with the biggest sundial.
Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory with nine instruments for predicting eclipses, tracking location, and measuring time.
This place has also been used for many films.
The Basilica of Bom Jesus
Basilica of Bom Jesus has been the most famous Roman Catholic construction in India. This place is known in Goa for placing the remains of the saint St. Francis Xavier.
The church has been built beautifully in Baroque style. Further, it does not have a plastered exterior which makes it unique. The church has beautiful wall art that may want you to spend few moments in such a serene ambiance.
Hazararama temple – Hampi
Hampi was once a very wealthy kingdom. However today it is a magnificent place of beautiful monuments.
The temples have rocks inscribed on them with drawings and texts that depict Hindu mythology. Moreover, it is one of the most important shrines in Hampi.
Charminar – Hyderabad
Charminar is the heart of Hyderabad. Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah has built this beautiful monument. Charminar, as its name states, is surrounded by four cardinal points and four minarets. Further, to know more about the history, it is better to get a tour guide to get the true essence of the heritage.
Charminar market has around 14,000 shops, famous for its especially bangles, jewelry, and pearls. Try yourself at the markets, and you are sure to bring a piece of extra luggage back home!
Gol Gumbaz – Karnataka
This monument has been the most eye-catching place in Bijapur, Karnataka. Gol Gumbaz has a tomb with the mortal remain of the great Mohammed Adil Shah, his mistress, his wife, grandson, and daughter. Further, the most appealing attribute of this place is Whispering Gallery. In this gallery, you can even hear the softest sounds coming from the other side of the monument.
Final Thoughts
There are so many places in the world that is yet to be discovered.
All famous sites and monuments are not structures built with marbles and rocks. Every inch of the monument has a story to tell. It is all so fascinating to even look at the beautiful structures and handwork.
So, why don’t you start your journey with India? However, there are many more famous monuments of India that one can explore. But in the above list, we have selected a few of them, which might be a good start for your travel stories to know how incredible India is. You can be from India or abroad, but visiting the country will attract you to its histories, cultures, and much more. So why wait any longer? Pack your bags and start the journey now. And do let us know in the comment section below which of the monuments is your favorite!
