Historical Monuments to Visit in India






























29 Historical Monuments to Visit in India
Bhadra Fort Sarkhej Roza Shah-e-Alam's Roza Rani no Hajiro The Pols Adalaj Step Well Red Fort India Gate Hauz Khas Fort Qutub Minar Humayun's Tomb Agrasen Ki Baoli Rashtrapati Bhavan Purana Qila Jantar Mantar Gateway of India Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Charminar Golconda Fort Chowmahalla Palace Valluvar Kottam Amber Fort and Palace Nahargarh Fort Jaigarh Fort City Palace Hawa Mahal Jantar Mantar Jal Mahal Rambagh Palace Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh
Bhadra Fort, India
Situated in the walled city area of Ahmedabad, near the eastern banks of Sabarmati River, Bhadra Fort was built by Ahmad Shah. Famous as the cultural center of the city, this colossal fort stands out with its imposing red stone architecture and lush gardens. It houses beautifully carved royal palaces, mosques, gates, and open spaces where you can witness intricate carvings, excellent lattice pattern works, and fascinating frescos suits. The fort derived its name from Bhadrakali temple which is also located on the premises. The Arches at the entry gate has inscriptions that exhibit the ancient history of the fort.
Sarkhej Roza, India
A fine reflection of rich Islamic culture with amazing stylistic influences from Persia with Indian Hindu and Jain features Sarkhej Roza exhibits a splendid Indo-Saracenic architectural style. Located at Post Jeevraj Park, Sarkhej Makarba Road, Makarba, Ahmedabad, Sarkhej Roza is an Islamic place of sacred worship and is known for its history, spirituality and, reverence. The impressive monument includes a splendid mosque, mausoleums housing the tombs of Saint Ahmed Khattu Ganj Baksh, King Mohammad Shah Begada, and his queen.
Shah-e-Alam's Roza, India
Shah-e- Alam Roza is a popular and medieval mosque also known as Rasulabad Dargah. It houses Shah e Alam's tomb complex with two mausoleums and Jama’at Khana. The main part of this Dargah is surrounded by a lofty and a bastioned wall. The majestic mosque has a trophy construction with an arch-shaped gate on the entrance with an impressive line of arch-shaped windows and pure white marble beautifully carved jalis. The mausoleums were built by Taj Kham Narpali popularly known as Shah-e- Alam Roza and are located near Shah Alam Darwaza at Sha Alam Road.
Rani no Hajiro, India
Located near Manek Chowk, Gandhi Road, Khadia, Ahmedabad, Rani no Hajiro is popularly known as Mughalai Bibi's Tomb or Tombs of Ahmed Shah's Queens. The tomb has an ornate gateway, an open courtyard enclosed by a magnificent trellised cloister with carved stone screens on the walls. The tombs are beautifully embellished with fine intricate carvings and are inlaid with pure mother-of-pearl and metal. The tombs are covered with rich brocade fabric. The architecture is an amazing blend of Hindu, Jain, and Islamic style.
The Pols, India
Almost 360 pols within a compound are an exceptional feature of the old walled city in Ahmedabad, where tourists can enjoy morning heritage walk. Many of the pols were built between 100 to 300 years ago and the oldest one was being aptly titled ‘Mahurat Pol’. Built adjacent to Manekchowk most of the multi-story houses here are in steps, to provide a greater shelter area for the cattle to rest on during the rains or the scorching heat. Some pols contain old beautiful houses with internal courts having intricate wooden carved facades with columns and fresco work done around court walls or ceilings and a fascinating underground Jain temple.
Adalaj Step Well, India
Adalaj Step Well is an excellent example of Indo-Islamic architecture exhibiting a mélange of Hindu craftsmanship and the geometric pattern of Islamic architecture with exquisite stone carving and embellishments. It was built in 1498 in sandstone in the famous Solanki architectural style. Adalaj stepwell is five stories deep, octagonal at the top, built on a beautifully carved large number of pillars. There are a series of platforms and galleries built on the side of the stepwell. Flight of the steps leading to the circular tank, entrance pavilion at the ground level, and well at the lowest level. Every floor is spacious and offers ample space for people to congregate.
Red Fort, India
The iconic fort also known as Lal Quila is located in Chandni Chowk Old Delhi. Constructed in red sandstone, it a is wonderful epitome of imposing power, architectural brilliance, and pompous style of the Mughal emperors. Its outstanding Main gate commonly known as Lahori gate attracts crowd, especially on Independence Day. It leads into the huge compound and a veritable treasure trove of magnificent buildings including Drum House, Peral Mosque, Royal Baths, and Palace of Color and white marble halls. Enjoy a lively evening of sound and light show as it re-creates events in India's history connected with the Red fort.
With Museum: Adults Indians (per person) - ₹56/-, Foreigners (per person) - ₹870/- also BIMSTEC, SAARC Countries ₹56/- (per person)
India Gate, India
An outstanding war memorial, located at the heart of India's capital city, New Delhi, is a war memorial dedicated to honoring the soldiers of the Undivided Indian Army who died during World War I between 1914 and 1921. The triumphal arch of India Gate is designed by notable Edwin Lutyens. The structure stands on a low base and rises in asymmetrical steps capped with a shallow dome at the top as cornices are adorned with the inscription of sun. A multitude of locals and tourists alike throng the lush green India Gate Lawns which surround the monument for a leisurely evening as they enjoy the spectacular light show at the fountains. Tourists can enjoy authentic and mouthwatering street food served by numerous vendors at the spot.
Hauz Khas Fort, India
Centrally located amidst posh South Delhi, Hauz Khas is upscale quaint village boasting of the 13th-century medieval history of Delhi Sultanate reign. Hauz Khas houses a Royal water tank, an Islamic seminary, an ancient mosque, Firuz Shah Tughlaq's tomb, and pavilions. Reflecting on the cultural essence of India's glorious past, Hauz Khas offers a thrilling shopping experience as it houses outlets of leading contemporary fashion designers. The Hauz Khas Complex is open from Monday to Saturday between 10:30 Am to 7:00 Pm as it retains its old-world charm, amidst well-manicured green parks, walkways lined with ornamental trees and surrounded by modern market and residential complexes.
Qutub Minar, India
Qutab Minar one of the finest monuments in India boasting of fine architectural design. Built-in 1193 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak, the soaring conical tower of victory is, 73 m-high and has five distinct stories, each marked by a projecting balcony. this UNESCO World Heritage Site has a Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque at the foot of the tower. A 7 m-high iron pillar stands right in the courtyard of the mosque. A band of the ancient inscription is engraved over its gate. Tourists can get an amazing birds-eye view of Delhi from its top on all days.
Humayun's Tomb, India
Humayun's Tomb reflects an amazing blend of Mughal and Persian architecture. Found close to Lodhi Road crossing, Jor Bagh, this superb garden tomb was designed by famous architects in the medieval era, Mirak Mirza Ghiyath and his eminent son Sayyed Muham. The construction was initiated by Hamida Banu Begum to keep the mortal remnants of Humayun, the popular Mughal Emperor. But, the construction was completed by Humayun's son Akbar. The Persian-inspired gardens surrounding the tomb are divided into four parts by causeways with a shallow water channel, connected to pools, a baradari, and hammam.
Agrasen Ki Baoli, India
Aagrasen Ki Baoli is a monument of a lot of historical significance. It is found at Halley Road in the capital city of India. It is a very old water reservoir that mounts from the deepness of the earth and rises to approximately 104 steps. The place is in the middle of the residential and business complexes of central Delhi and it is a calm and peaceful place and is an ideal spot for photography lovers. The ancient brick walls take you in the bygone era and as you climb down the steps, a sudden drop in the temperature can be felt. It is a sheltered monument and falls under the Archaeological Sites Act, 1958. Agrasen Ki Baoli is 60 meters long and 15 meters wide and it is believed to be built during the time of Mahabharata. The place became popular after Raju Hirani's film PK was shot here.
Rashtrapati Bhavan, India
Rashtrapati Bhawan, designed and conceptualized by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker stands on a sprawling estate located at the eastern end of Rajpath. This architectural marvel has 2.5 kilometers of corridors and 190 acres of the garden area and is spread over four floors. The sprawling Mughal Gardens of the Rashtrapati Bhavan are very famous boasting endless varieties of roses, bougainvillea, and exotic flowers. It houses a state-of-the-art Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum Complex Clock Tower, where the regal ceremonies are showcased.
Purana Qila, India
Constructed in the ancient city of Delhi, Indraprastha, Purana Quila is rectangular shaped.The solid ramparts have 3 gateways endowed with bastions on each side. It was bounded by a broad moat and was connected with river Yamuna that flows on the eastern part of the fort. The Talaqui Darwaza also famous as The northern gateway combines the characteristically Islamic sharp arch with brackets and Hindu Chhatris. The Humayun Darwaza or the Southern gateway is also made on similar lines. The walls of Purana Quila were constructed by emperor Humayun and new capital, Dinpanah was laid. The work of Purana Quila that was left incomplete was finished by Sher Shah Suri. Wonderful sound and light show are held every evening over here.
Purana Qila Lake Ticket Price: Indians (per person) - ₹20/-, Foreigners (per person) - ₹20/- also BIMSTEC, SAARC Countries ₹20/- (per person)
Purana Qila Museums Ticket Price: Indians (per person) - ₹5/-, Foreigners (per person) - ₹5/- also BIMSTEC, SAARC Countries ₹5/- (per person)
Jantar Mantar, India
Jantar Mantar was constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh in the year 1724. He built other observatories in the cities of Ujjain, Mathura, and Varanasi. Raja Jai Singh found the astronomical instruments very tiny to take the exact measurements and for this reason, he made these over-sized and more precise instruments. The instruments present in this historical building are fascinating for their originality, but correct observations cannot be gathered because of the obstruction caused by tall buildings all over. Close to Patel Metro station, Jantar Mantar is open all days of the week and is open from sunrise to sunset.
Gateway of India, India
It is one of the most distinguished and iconic tourist attractions in Mumbai. Built as a triumphal arch with regal arches, this historic monument presents the rich colonial history of India. It showcases a brilliant blend of Arabic, Indian and Western architectural styles. Popularly known as the ‘Taj Mahal of Mumbai’, Gateway of India stands at the end of Chhatrapati Shivaji Marg at the edge of the sea and is a reminder of the rich colonial history of India. The imposing concrete edifice is constructed in yellow basalt and exhibits many Hindu and Muslim inscriptions. This tourist hotspot is the connecting point of the ferry rides leading to the famous Elephanta caves. The view of the boat studded Arabian sea from here is spectacular especially at night.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, India
Formerly known as Victoria Terminus Station, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is a historic railway station associated with Mumbai since time immemorial. This epitome of heritage in Mumbai is an impressive example of ancient Victorian Gothic Revival architecture blended with traditional Indian architectural style. The entrance gates of this outstanding edifice have two columns of which one is crowned with a lion representing Britain, and the other has a tiger representing India. The main structure of this cherished landmark of Mumbai is made of sandstone and limestone. The interiors of this UNESCO World heritage site are lined with excellent quality of Italian marble.
Charminar, India
An outstanding historic monument of Hyderabad, Charminar with a beautiful architectural design is also called 'Arc de Triomphe of the East' and the 'Mosque of the Four Minarets'. This imposing square shaped edifice, built by Sultan Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah in the year 1951 has beautiful intricate carvings along with striking signature motifs on the pillars and giant-sized clocks on all sides. Charminar has been built with granite and lime mortar. On the top floor of Charminar there is an old mosque while in the middle of the courtyard, there is a 'Vazu Khana' with a small fountain
Golconda Fort, India
Golconda Fort is a majestic edifice in Hyderabad boasting of brilliant architectural design. You can have a panoramic view of the surrounding city, especially at the time of sunset from the top of this remarkable fort. The colossal Fort with Fatesh Darwaja, eight gates and 87 bastions, 80 feet tree, mounted cannons, drawbridges, massive halls, mosques is an outstanding historical monument alluring every visitor with its matchless beauty and grandeur. An attractive feature of this popular landmark of the city is the mesmerizing light and sound show which presents its history and facts.
Chowmahalla Palace, India
The magnificent Chowmahalla palace showcases the grandeur of erstwhile rulers and gives a peek into their regal way of life. Constructed in the 18th century, the palace is surrounded by green lawns, a beautiful verdant landscape, and a wonderful water fountain with artistically carved pillars. The main Durbar Hall exhibits the architectural brilliance with its beautiful Mughal domes, impressive arches, intricate Persian carvings on the walls, and ceiling. There are many galleries with each presenting an intriguing display of clothes, furniture, crockery, coins, currency notes, and weapons. Vintage car and Buggee display are the star attractions of the palace.
Valluvar Kottam, India
An architectural marvel erected to commemorate the contributions of a distinguished poet, philosopher and saint Thiruvalluvar. Built under the aegis of architect V.Ganapati Sthapati the monument is designed in the shape of a temple chariot housing the life-size effigy of saint Thiruvalluvar. The monument is built of 3000 blocks of stones and stands baseless. It houses a capacious auditorium and the Kural Manimandapam, where 1330 verses of Thirukkural are inscribed. The figurine of a lion on the main gateway is adorned with splendid designs and the entire chariot is decorated with very famous as Kalamkari designs.
Amber Fort and Palace, India
Perched on the hilltop of Aravalli Range, Amber Fort is an enthralling Fort and Palace. Popularly known as Amer Fort, this impressive historical edifice overlooks the scenic Maota Lake. This architectural masterpiece has an amazing maze of passages, a serpentine staircase, massive ramparts, and many gateways. Explore the Hall of Public Audience with its, Kesari Kyari, Sukh Mandir, Jai Mandir, and captivating Sheesh Mahal with its beautiful mirrored ceilings. Enjoy a thrilling elephant ride to reach the fort. Another main attraction is the wonderful light and sound show held in the evening. This UNESCO World Heritage site is located almost 11 km from Jaipur.
Night Light Shows: ₹100/- (per person)
Nahargarh Fort, India
Nahargarh Fort is the main tourist destination of Jaipur symbolizing history, royalty, and spectacular beauty of nature. This majestic fort nestled in Aravalli hills offers a mesmerizing sight in the evening as the entire place is beautifully lit. Also, a popular shooting location, this splendid fort has many structures within including temples, impressive Madhewandra Bhavan with beautiful frescoes, Sheesh Mahal, Wax museum, and Biological park. The view of Jaipur City from the top is stunning. Indulge in cycling and trekking to explore the massive Fort, located 6 Km from Jaipur.
Jaigarh Fort, India
Popularly known as Victory Fort, this grand structure is placed on’ Hills of Eagles’. The grand fort, constructed in red sandstone is a wonderful example of Mughal architectural skills. The colossal edifice is surrounded by lush greenery and massive battlements. The windows on the walls of the fort are made of lattices which offer a panoramic view of exteriors without being observed from outside. Explore the beautiful Persian garden inside the fort complex. See amazing 'Jaivana Cannon' which is the largest cannon on wheels, Laxmi Vilas, Aram Mandir, Lalit Mandir, and Vilas Mandir. Located approximately 15 km from Jaipur.
City Palace, India
This is a magnificent Palace constructed by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh. It exhibits a wonderful blend of intricate handiwork in the Mughal and Rajput style of architecture. The colossal complex has several courtyards, beautiful buildings, lush green gardens, a museum, Chandra Mahal, Maharani Palace, and Mubarak Mahal. The museum showcases excellent handcrafted artifacts belonging to the royal heritage of the bygone era, including an artistic collection of delicate Pashmina shawls, beautiful royal costumes, lovely Benaras silk sarees, along with royal dresses with vibrant Sanganeri prints and embroidery. Placed within the walled City of Jaipur.
Hawa Mahal, India
Positioned at the edge of City Palace, Hawa Mahal is also known as the” Palace of Winds. This prominent landmark is a five-storied historical monument made in a pyramid style with a royal entrance and elegantly designed interiors. It is constructed with pink and red sandstone and has almost 933 windows known as 'Jharokhas'. It resembles a delicately carved honeycomb hive from where the fresh breeze could come from outside while the queens watched the revelry on the streets. It has exquisite stone-carved screens, arched roofs, tiny casements, and deftly made hanging cornices.
Jantar Mantar, India
Jantar Mantar is a wonderful astronomical observation site with immense universal value. Made in the early 18 th century, it is a monumental example of the outstanding architectural and astronomical skill of masons and Rajput King Swai Jai Singh. The observatory has the world’s largest sun dial and is a major tourist attraction in Jaipur. The nineteen stone instruments made in different geometric shapes help to determine the position of planetary bodies accurately as well as measure time.
Jal Mahal, India
Jal Mahl is a beautiful architectural edifice and is also known as ‘Water Palace’. It is placed in the center of the scenic Mansagar lake in Jaipur and you can have a panoramic view of surrounding Nahargarh Hills. The red Sandstone palace is a five-storied building and four floors remain underwater. It was built by Maharajah Madho Singh in 1750 and his son enhanced the beauty by making wonderful courtyard grounds. It reflects a brilliant blend of Rajput and Mughal craftsmanship and architectural skill. Embark on a thrilling boat ride in excellently handcrafted and decorated boats to view the captivating beauty of the environs and the palace. You can see several migratory birds especially during the rainy season
Rambagh Palace, India
Nestled amidst well-manicured Mughal gardens, Rambagh Palace exhibits beautiful Indian architecture. Originally built in 1835, earlier this luxurious palace was the residence of Maharajah of Jaipur. This popular landmark is a captivating architectural masterpiece. The ornate palace boasts of decorative splendor. It is lavishly decorated with exquisitely hand-carved marble ‘jalis’ or latticework, lovely sandstone balustrades, artistic cupolas, and ‘chattris’ or cenotaphs. This glorious palace showcases Rajasthan’s royal heritage and fine culture. The royal retreat located at Bhiwani Singh Road, Jaipur is an ideal venue for elaborate destination weddings and business events.
Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh, India
A perfect venue for nature lovers and history buffs, Sisodia Rani ka Bagh is a major tourist attraction in Jaipur. It is a well maintained stepped garden and is surrounded by hills. This royal garden houses beautiful fountains, galleries, murals of Lord Krishna and Radha, colorful flower beds, and pavilions build in the 18th century. This palatial retreat was used by the Queen for relaxing away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The beautiful garden is designed in an amazing blend of Indian and Mughal architectural styles. Located 6 km from Jaipur, the multi-leveled garden is known for its serene atmosphere.
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