India is a country of living history where you will get fascinated by every street and building. The rich culture adds up to the historical element of this spectacular region. From the world’s oldest temples to the glorious forts and buildings built by the tasteful Mughal emperors, this region’s historical buildings are unmatched in their beauty. So, if you are planning to explore India soon, we are here with the top historical monuments of India and their location.
Do you know why most of the tourists travel to India? All the travellers will agree that India is all about history, giving you the most historically enlightening experience. So, it is about time you get a captivating glimpse into Indian history. You can quickly get cost-effective flights to India from London, which will give you quite a memorable holiday this season.
Let’s talk about some of the must-visit historical monuments in the region.
Below are the details and locations of India’s top 10 historical monuments.
1. Taj Mahal, Agra
Have you heard about the famous landmark of love in India? If the Eifel Tower symbolises love, the Taj Mahal is no less. The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan built this glorious mausoleum for his beloved wife, Mumtaz. Expanding on an area of 42 acres, this spectacular white marble building is undoubtedly a sight to behold. This is what makes it one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
2. Golden Temple, Amritsar
Golden Temple is a religious and historic site in Amritsar, Punjab. It is the holiest shrine for the Sikhs that inhabit most of the Indian Punjab and is built on an area of 67 square feet. This temple gets its unique name because approximately 400kg of gold leaf was used to construct this spectacular shrine. The white part of the shrine, featuring white marble, is equally stunning. This shrine is all about tranquillity and represents the brotherhood among the Sikh community. Over 20000 people satisfy their hunger daily with the food distributed at this shrine.
3. India Gate, New Delhi
Do you want to know more about the history of war in India? You must visit this historical monument. You will be stunned by the sandstone-granite construction of this beautiful site. It represents the war history of India because it was constructed as a war memorial for the Indian soldiers who lost their lives in the war. This is why the names of soldiers are inscribed on this 42-meter-tall monument. You will find the names of Indian soldiers who lost their lives in World War 1 and the 1919 Afghan war.
4. Meenakshi Temple, Madurai
Knowing about Hindu deities and history, you might also know about Parvati and her consort, Shiva. This temple was built to remember these deities and is located on the Southern banks of the Vaigai River in Madurai. The unique architecture of this temple intrigues everyone. Interestingly, this temple has around 33000 sculptures in around 14 gopurams.
5. Red Fort, New Delhi
Every history-lover knows about the tasteful architecture of the Mughals, which is a prominent part of the history and architectural style of India. This 17th-century fort is an example of the architectural expertise of the Mughals. It is a red sandstone building that has numerous museums inside. You will get the perfect chance to know about the history and culture of India at this landmark.
6. Qutub Minar
Qutub Minar is another stunning heritage site in the region. Have you heard about the first great Muslim leader of New Delhi, Qutb-ud-Din Aibak? You might know about this spectacular 72.5-meter tall tower. This tower is as old as the 11th century. Red sandstone is a prominent part of the construction of this tower. If you look closely, you will see Arabic and Brahmi inscriptions on the surface of this tower.
7. Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
Can you believe if someone told you that a five-storey building has no foundation? No doubt everyone has a hard time believing it. But this Palace of Winds or the Hawa Mahal will surely leave you in awe of the structure and make you believe the unbelievable. This foundation-less structure has a pyramidal shape. Its leaning shape also fascinates a lot of people. Moreover, this stunning structure is adorned with around 953 tiny windows.
8. Mysore Palace, Mysore
History-lovers might be aware of the name of Tipu Sultan. This Palace is associated with the great leader, also known as the ruler of Mysore. Its history dates back to 1574, which makes it a prominent historical landmark in the country. Located in the City of Palaces, Karnataka, this is among the most frequently visited historical places. The palace features spectacular Indo-Saracenic style architecture, which intrigues every architecture-lover. You will also find beautiful art paintings inside the palace.
9. Gateway of India, Mumbai
Once you are in Mumbai to explore the history of India, you cannot miss out on the Gateway of India. It is a 26-meter-high gate built to pay tribute to Queen Mary and King George V when they visited the country in 1911. It is an architectural marvel that will tell you much about the country’s history.
10. Statue of Unity, Kevadia
The Statue of Unity, Kevadia, is another one of the historical landmarks in India that you must visit while exploring its history. This statue was built as a tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Pate, also known as India’s iron mania. He has a significant role in building the Republic of India after uniting all the princely states. It is at a scenic location in Satpura and Vindhyachal and stands tall at 182 meters.
Summing Words
Are you fascinated by Indian history and looking to explore it on your next holiday? Several airlines fly from the UK to India, such as Virgin Atlantic, Air France, Air India, and British Airways. Choose your preferred flight and get ready to experience the grandeur of India’s rich history through its magnificent landmarks. We have listed some of the top historical monuments and their locations, but you can visit countless other landmarks during your trip to India.
