Famous & Historical Monuments in India
List of 23 Best Monuments in India
There are so many reasons to explore the rich cultural tapestry of India, regardless of whether you are a native Indian or an international tourist. India is a vast country that embraces everything from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. Vibrant culture, rich heritage, unparalleled cuisine, and historical monuments that leave visitors awestruck are among the factors that draw a lot of tourists, international and local alike.
India has a very rich history with different styles of architecture being prominently used by different dynasties and rulers throughout their rules, resulting in the formation of magnificent palaces, forts, minarets, temples, and churches that pepper the length and breadth of this country.
Monuments in India have something for everyone. If you are a history buff then you will be amazed by the stories behind the forts and caves and if you are visiting to witness design and architecture then the intricate details in the design will keep you engaged for hours on end. Some exceptionally popular monuments across the country are well-known worldwide and visited by all kinds of tourists. However, there are certain less popular monuments also that deserve equal love and recognition, so in this blog, we are going to take a look at the top 23 most famous monuments in India. Let’s dive in;
1. Taj Mahal
It is impossible to talk about monuments in India and not mention the Taj Mahal as it is one of the most famous monuments in India. It is one of the most famous monuments in the world, one of the seven wonders, The Taj Mahal is a testament to undying love and affection. Built by Shah Jahan, the then emperor of India, as a sign of his undying love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal in 1631, this beautiful marble structure is a combination of Persian, Turkish, Indian, and Islamic architectural styles giving it a unique appearance.
Location - Dharmapuri, Forest Colony, Tajganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh
How to get there:
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By Air: You can travel by air and land at Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Airport, located at a distance of 12 km from the monument. Local cabs are abundantly available from there.
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By Train: Agra Cantt. is the nearest railway station, located 6 km from the Taj Mahal.
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By Road: Travelling by road from nearby cities to Agra is also a popular and easy choice. You can take a cab, bus or your car.
Entry ticket prices (per person)
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Indians: INR 45
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Foreigners: INR 1050
Time Required - 2 hours
Timings - It is open from 6 AM to 6:30 PM (Friday Closed)
2. India Gate
All India War Memorial, popularly known as the India Gate, is a massive sandstone-granite arch gate dedicated to the fallen Indian and British soldiers of the First World War and the Third Anglo-Afghan War. It is one of the largest war memorials in the country. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, the beauty of India Gate is ascended by the lush green lawns surrounding it. It is one of the most important and equally popular monuments in India.
Location - Rajpath, New Delhi
How to get there;
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By Air - You can travel by air and land at Indira Gandhi International Airport (14 kilometers) from the monument.
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By Train - The nearest railway station is New Delhi railway station, 5 km away,
Time Required: 1-2 hours
Entry Fee: No entry fee
Timings - It is open to visitors every day at all times.
3. Jama Masjid
Located in the hustle and bustle of old Delhi, Jama Masjid is the monument for you if spiritual blessing and serenity are what you are searching for. The architecture of the Jama Masjid is equally intriguing and detailed, built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan between 1650-1656. Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India and the highest single-dome structure in the country, serving as the perfect example of the architectural prowess of the Mughal era.
Location - Chandni Chowk, New Delhi
How to get there;
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By Air - You can travel by air and land at Indira Gandhi International Airport (20 kilometers) from the monument.
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By Train - The nearest railway station is New Delhi, 3 km away.
Time Required - 1-2 hours
Entry Fee (per person) – No Entry Fee and INR 200 for cameras
Timing AM to 12 PM and 1:30 PM to 6 PM, every day of the week.
4. Golden Temple, Amritsar
Located in the heart of Amritsar, the Golden Temple, also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib is the holiest shrine in all of Sikhism. The main Temple is a small part of the vast complex popularly known as Darbar Sahib to the Sikhs. One of the most beautiful historical monuments in India, the Golden Temple is a two-storied monument with the top half covered in pure gold while the bottom half is made with white marble.
Location - Golden Temple Road, Atta Mandi, Katra Ahluwalia, Amritsar, Punjab
How to get there;
Time Required - 2 - 3 hours
Entry Fee (per person) – No Entry Fee
Timing - Remains open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
5. Qutub Minar
Qutub Minar, also known as the Victory Tower is a UNESCO world heritage site. Located in New Delhi, it is the tallest brick Minaret in the world at a height of 238 feet. The monument features intricate designs and very detailed carvings, making it a photographer’s dream. Built by Qutub-Ud-Din-Aibak, it is one of the most iconic monuments in the country and a top tourist attraction.
Location - Seth Sarai, Mehrauli, New Delhi
How to get there;
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By Air - You can travel to Indira Gandhi International Airport (14 kilometers away) from the monument.
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By Train - The nearest railway station is New Delhi, 14 km away.
Time Required - 2 - 3 hours
Timing - Remains open 7 days a week, from 7 AM to 5 PM
6. Mysore Palace
Located 142 kilometers Southwest of Bangalore, Mysore Palace is a grand architectural marvel that served as the home of the royal family of Mysore. Although it has been converted into a museum, part of the palace still serves as the official residence of the Mysore Royal Family. Constructed in the year 1897 by the Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar, it is a glorious example of Indo-Saracenic architecture (also known as Indo-Gothic, Mughal-Gothic, and Neo-Mughal).
Now that the palace has been converted into a museum, you can enjoy rare paintings, royal dresses, jewelry, and other memorabilia, representing an era gone by. The light and sound show every evening is also a major attraction amongst the crowd.
Location - SayyajiRao Rd, Agrahara, Chamrajpura, Mysore, Karnataka
How to get there;
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By Air - The local airport is located just 11 kilometers away, for international arrivals, you can land at KIA in Bangalore and take a cab or bus to Mysore,
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By Train - The nearest railway station is Mysuru Junction, just 2 kilometers away.
Time Required - 2-3 hours
Entry ticket prices (per person) –
Timing - Remains open 7 days a week, from 10 AM to 5:30 PM
7. Chittorgarh Fort
Built on a hill at an impressive height of 590 feet, Chittorgarh Fort is one of the most impressive and massive forts in India, spreading across an area of approximately 700 acres. It was constructed by the powerful ancient ruler of Mewar, Chittrangad Maurya. The Chittorgarh Fort is an impressive example of intricate Rajput architecture, and owing to its magnificent construction, the Chittorgarh Fort was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 2013.
It is one of the most visited and revered historical monuments in India and it should be on every traveller’s list of places to explore in India.
Location - Chittorgarh, Rajasthan
How to get there;
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By Air - The nearest airport is located in Udaipur, which is approximately located 2 hours drive from Chittorgarh Fort.
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By Train - The nearest railway station is Chittorgarh Junction, just 6 kilometers away.
Time Required - 4-5 hours
Entry ticket prices (per person) –
Timing - Remains open 7 days a week, from 9 AM to 6 PM
8. Charminar, Hyderabad
Charminar is one of the most famous and identifiable monuments across the country, built in 1591 by Quli Qutub Shah, the 5th ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. Situated right in the heart of the city, this magnificent monument inspired by Indo-Islamic architecture was erected to signify the founding of Hyderabad.
Charminar has magnificent arches, minarets, and domes. More notably, the four graceful minarets lend Charminar its distinctive look, as well as its name. It consists of a central quadruple that is open on all sides. Charminar should be a must-visit destination for all enthusiasts of history and architecture.
Location - Charminar Rd, Char Kaman, Ghansi Bazaar, Hyderabad
How to get there;
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By Air - The local airport is located 24 kilometers away. You can take local transport from there to get to Charminar.
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By Train - The nearest railway station is Hyderabad Deccan, just 5 kilometers away.
Time Required - 2 hours
Entry ticket prices (per person) –
Timing - Remains open 7 days a week, from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
9. The Seven Raths, Mahabalipuram
The group of monuments at Mahabalipuram, popularly known as the Seven Raths or Seven Pagodas is one of the most important monuments and best preserved historical sites in India. Located in the beautiful coastal temple town of Mahabalipuram, the “Seven Pagodas” have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
It was built during the rule of Pallava king Narasimha Varman I, in the 7th century AD. The monument usually consists of intricately carved temples and shrines dedicated to Shaivism, a Hindu sect. However, it also has Vaishnavism monuments like the Varaha Cave Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Location - Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
How to get there;
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By Air - The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport located 60 kilometers away. You can take local transport from there to get to the monument.
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By Train - The nearest railway station is Chengalpattu Junction, located 24 kilometers away.
Time Required - 3-4 hours
Entry ticket prices (per person) –
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Indians: INR 10
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Foreigners: INR 340
Timing - Remains open 7 days a week, from 6 AM to 6 PM
10. Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Aurangadbad
The massive rock-cut Ajanta and Ellora Caves are located in Aurangabad in Maharashtra. These caves are one of the most recognizable and ancient monuments in India, dating back to the 2nd century BC.
Ajanta caves are mostly filled with the earliest Buddhist architecture, paintings, and sculptures. The Ajanta is a set of 29 massive, intricately chiseled caves built around the 2nd Century BC and 6th century AD. On the other hand, Ellora contains rock carvings, Buddhist monasteries, and Hindu and Jain temples. It is slightly bigger, with a total of 34 caves forming the Ellora. It dates to a period between 6th and 11th Century AD.
Location - Ellora Cave Rd, Ellora, Aurangabad, Maharashtra
How to get there;
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By Air - The nearest airport is Aurangabad Airport located 36 kilometers away from Ellora and 104 Km from Ajanta Caves. You can take local transport from there to get to the monument.
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By Train - The nearest railway station is Jalgaon Junction, located 58 kilometers from Ajanta while Aurangabad Junction is 29 km away from Ellora Caves.
Time Required - Ideally it requires 1-2 days
Entry ticket prices (per person) –
1. Ajanta Caves:
2. Ellora Caves:
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Indians: INR 30
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Foreigners: INR 500
Timing - Ajanta Caves are open from 9 AM to 5 PM, and Ellora Caves are open from 6 AM to 6 PM.
11. Gateway Of India, Mumbai
Standing tall as a testament to the British Era, the Gateway of India in Apollo Bunder was built to welcome King George V and Queen-Empress Mary in the 20th century. The architecture is inspired by the Indo-Saracenic style. It was a revivalist architectural style mostly used by British architects in India in the 19th century, especially in public and government buildings in the British Raj, which to this date is visible in all the major monuments built in India during the British Raj.
Finding itself in the list of heritage monuments of India, Gateway of India today stands as a major tourist attraction and photography hub in Mumbai. Regularly crowded by groups of people enjoying the cool sea breeze, lovely street food, and the magnificence of the Gateway.
Location - Apollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra
How to get there;
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By Air - The nearest airport is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport located 24 kilometers away. You can take local transport from there to get to the monument.
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By Train - The nearest railway station is Mumbai Central, located 7 kilometers away.
Time Required - 1-2 hours
Entry ticket prices (per person) - Entry is Free for all
Timing - Remains open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
12. Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa
The center of art, history, and religious tourism in Goa, the Basilica of Bom Jesus is one of the oldest churches in Goa. Constructed in the 17th century, this magnificent Roman Catholic church is the home of mortal relics of St. Francis Xavier, the great missionary who propagated Christianity in Goa. Local and as well as international tourists are drawn to the Basilica to pay homage to St. Xavier.
The Basilica of Bom Jesus is the most famous roman catholic structure in India and certainly one of the most unique Indian historical monuments.
Location - Old Goa Rd, Bainguinim, Goa
How to get there;
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By Air - The nearest airport is Goa International Airport located 27 kilometres away. You can take local transport from there to get to the monument.
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By Train - The nearest railway station is Vasco da Gama.
Time Required - 1-2 hours
Entry ticket prices (per person) - Entry is Free for all
Timing - Remains open 7 days a week. Monday to Saturday from 9 AM to 6:30 PM and on Sundays from 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM.
13. The Konark Sun Temple, Orissa
Situated in the coastal town of Puri, the Konark Sun Temple is one of the most famous historical monuments in India. It was built in the 13th century by Narasimhadeva I, a powerful ruler of the Ganga dynasty. Dedicated to the sun god, it is called the Black Pagoda.
The Konark Sun Temple is a classical example of the intricate and detailed architecture of temples in India. Tall flights of stairs leading to the main compound, carvings in Sanskrit on the walls of the monument, and sculptures representing the different Hindu gods such as Surya, Vishnu, Shiva, and Parvati.
Location - Konark, Puri district, Odisha
How to get there;
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By Air - The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik Airport in Bhubaneswar located 62 kilometres away. You can take local transport from there to get to the monument.
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By Train - The nearest railway station is Puri, 36 km away.
Time Required - 3-4 hours
Entry ticket prices (per person) -
Timing - Remains open 7 days a week, from 6 AM to 8 PM
14. Victoria Memorial, Kolkata
The Victoria Memorial is a grand structure, built entirely using white marble that stands tall in the heart of Kolkata as a testament to the the British Raj. Construction began in 1906 and a few thousand workers labored for years to complete one of the most famous monuments in India. It was inaugurated by King George V to commemorate his mother Queen Victoria’s lasting presence on the subcontinent.
It is a beautiful monument that attracts thousands of tourists every day. Victoria Memorial is a grand white structure, complimented by well-maintained lush green lawns. Victoria Memorial is an iconic structure that sits perfectly with the vibe of the city of joy!
Location - Queens Way, Maidan, Kolkata
How to get there;
Time Required - 2-3 hours
Entry ticket prices (per person) -
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Indians: INR 30
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Foreigners: INR 500
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SAARC Countries: INR 100
Timing - Remains open from 11 AM to 5 PM. Closed on Mondays.
15. Fatehpur Sikri Fort, Agra
Most of the limelight in Agra is on the beautiful Taj Mahal but this small town in northern India has more than one gem. Fatehpur Sikri Fort in Agra is an architectural marvel, constructed using red sandstone. It is a massive fort built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. Now crowned with the tag of UNESCO World Heritage site, it houses several famous monuments with its wall, including the Buland Darwaza, Akbar’s residence, Jodha Bai's Palace, Jama Masjid, and Tomb of Salim Chisti among many other famous monuments.
Location - Buland Gate, Dadupura, FatehpurSikri, Uttar Pradesh
How to get there;
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By Air - The nearest airport is Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Airport located 35 kilometers away. Plenty of local transportation is available from the airport.
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By Train - The nearest railway station is Agra Cantt. 36 km away.
Time Required - Ideally, a full day is needed to explore the fort.
Entry ticket prices (per person) -
Timing - Remains open 7 days a week from 6 AM to 6 PM.
16. Red Fort, Delhi
Red Fort, also known as Lal Quila was built in 1639 by Shah Jahan as an effort to fortify the old Delhi area when he moved his capital from Agra to Delhi. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, Red Fort is one of the most famous historical monuments in India.
The red sandstone used to build the fort is what gives the fort its name and personal identification. Red Fort in Delhi is instantly recognizable as it is at the center of a lot of events in India, including the Prime Minister’s speech during the Independence Day celebrations.
Location - Netaji Subhash Marg, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi
How to get there;
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By Air - The nearest airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport located 20 kilometers away.
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By Train - The nearest railway station is Delhi Junction, 3 km away.
Time Required - 2-3 hours
Entry ticket prices (per person) -
Timing - Remains open from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, closed on Mondays.
17. Lotus Temple, Delhi
Dedicated to the Baha'i faith, the Lotus Temple is an architectural marvel located in the heart of New Delhi. The main attraction of the Lotus Temple, also known as Kamal Mandir is its unique Lotus-shaped exterior, lush green garden with multiple colorful flowers on display, and nine-reflecting pool.
You can disconnect from the rush of your daily life and find inner peace in the tranquil atmosphere of the Lotus Temple.
Location - Lotus Temple Road, Bahapur, Kalkaji, New Delhi
How to get there;
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By Air - The nearest airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport located 16 kilometers away.
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By Train - The nearest railway station is New Delhi, 15 km away.
Time Required - 1-2 hours
Entry ticket prices (per person) - Free Entry for All
Timing - Remains open from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM in winter and 9 AM to 7 PM in summer, closed on Mondays.
18. Jaisalmer Fort
Rajasthan is known for its grand forts and the Jaisalmer Fort is no exception. Located in the northwestern part of Rajasthan, the Jaisalmer Fort is one of the largest forts in India. Constructed in 1156 AD by Rajput Rawal Jaisal, the fort is completely built using yellow sandstone giving it the unique bright golden hue.
The 2013 UNESCO World Heritage Site list included Jaisalmer Fort because of its cultural and historical significance. Its significance as a well-preserved example of Rajput architecture and urban design from the Middle Ages is highlighted by this distinction.
Location - Manak Chowk, Amar Sagar Pol, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
How to get there;
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By Air - The nearest airport Jaisalmer Airport located 15 kilometres away.
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By Train - The nearest railway station is Jaisalmer, 2 km away.
Time Required - 3-4 hours
Entry ticket prices (per person) -
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Indians: INR 50
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Foreigners: INR 250
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INR 50 for camera
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INR 100 for video camera
Timing - Remains open from 9 AM to 6 PM every day.
19. City Palace, Udaipur
Nestled away on the banks of Lake Pichola, Udaipur's magnificent City Palace is a harmonious blend of Mughal and Rajput architectural styles. The City Palace was built in 1559 by Maharana Uday Singh and it served as a seat of power where Maharanas lived and governed their kingdom.
It has beautiful lake views, grand courtyards, and much more. The City Palace is a timeless beauty that invites visitors to immerse themselves in the splendor of Rajasthan's cultural heart.
Location - Lake Pichola in Old City, Udaipur, Rajasthan
How to get there;
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By Air - The nearest airport Udaipur Airport located 30 kilometres away.
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By Train - The nearest railway station is Udaipur, 3 km away from the monument.
Time Required - 3-4 hours
Entry ticket prices (per person) -
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Adults: INR30
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Children: INR 15
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INR 200 for camera
Timing - Remains open from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM every day.
20. Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
An interesting combination of Mughal and Rajpur architecture, Hawa Mahal is an impressive 5-storey building overlooking the busy streets of the city. Built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799. This iconic building has a distinctive appearance with 953 meticulously designed windows that let cool breezes flow through its chambers, thus the name.
Hawa Mahal is the world's tallest building without a foundation, combining practical ingenuity with elegance in its elaborate architecture and delicate lattice framework. It is also one of the most unique historical monuments in India.
Location - Badi Choupad, J.D.A. Market, Pink City, Jaipur, Rajasthan
How to get there;
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By Air - The nearest airport Jaipur International Airport located 12 kilometres away.
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By Train - The nearest railway station is Jaipur Junction, 6 km away from the monument.
Time Required - 2 hours
Entry ticket prices (per person)
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Indians: INR 10
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Foreigners: INR 50
Timing - Remains open from 9 AM to 4:30 PM every day.
21. Sanchi Stupa
Known as the oldest stone structure in India, Sanchi Stupa is located in Madhya Pradesh and is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was built in the 3rd Century BC by Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan dynasty. Sanchi Stupa has a simple yet compelling style of Buddhist architecture which helps it set itself apart from any other monument on this list. The grand 54-foot dome also adds to its charm, attracting visitors from all over the world. Apart from being part of important Indian historical monuments, Sanchi Stupa is also a significant Buddhist pilgrim site.
Location - On the hilltop of Sanchi town, Raisen district, Madhya Pradesh
How to get there;
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By Air - The nearest airport Bhopal International Airport located 55 kilometers away.
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By Train - The nearest railway station is Sanchi, 2 km away from the monument.
Time Required - Ideally it needs 1 full day of exploration
Entry ticket prices (per person)
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Indians: INR 30
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Foreigners: INR 500
Timing - Remains open from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM every day.
22. Humayun's Tomb
Constructed in the 16th century by the wife of Emperor Humayun in memory of her husband is considered to be the very first garden tomb structure in the subcontinent. It is a massive structure, reminiscent of the Mughal style of grand architecture. Owing to its intricate carvings, mesmerizing designs, and historical significance, Humayun’s Tomb achieved the UNESCO World Heritage tag in the year 1993.
Location - Mathura Road, Opposite Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia Dargah, Nizamuddin, New Delhi
How to get there;
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By Air - The nearest airport Indira Gandhi International Airport, 17 kilometres away.
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By Train - The nearest railway station is New Delhi, 7 km away from the monument.
Time Required - 2-3 hours
Entry ticket prices (per person)
Timing - Remains open from 6 AM to 6:30 PM every day.
23. Khajuraho Group of Monuments
Located in the Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is a brilliant example of ancient Indian architecture. Khajuraho is famous for its grand temples, a total of 85 Hindu and Jain temples are situated in three complexes. The architecture of these Hindu and Jain temples depicts erotic love in sensual yet aesthetic ways. There are detailed carvings on the monuments portraying passion, dance, music, and eroticism.
The temples of Khajuraho were the gem of the Chandela Rajput dynasty and today they are some of the most famous monuments in India. The Khajuraho group of monuments offer not only a sneak peek into ancient Indian architecture but also into ancient Indian culture.
Location - In the Bundelkhand region of Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh
How to get there;
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By Air - The nearest airport is Khajuraho Airport, 7 kilometers away.
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By Train - The nearest railway station is Khajuraho, 6 km away from the monument.
Time Required - 2-3 hours
Entry ticket prices (per person)
Timing - Remains open from 6 AM to 6 PM every day.
A country as vast and as culturally rich as India is bound to have numerous breathtaking monuments. Right from the ancient Hindu and Jain temples to mesmerizing forts and mosques of the Mughal period, India has it all.
Now that you have an idea of the most interesting and famous historical monuments of India after reading this blog, you must try and incorporate them into your next trip. The visits to these important monuments in India will provide you with an important context, historically and culturally. You may also learn interesting facts about the various types of architectural advancements India has gone through over the ages. So whenever you have a chance to visit any of these monuments, do so and enjoy an amazing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which is the oldest monument in India?
Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra is the oldest monument in India as it is believed to have been built back in somewhere around the 2nd century BC.
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Which monuments have been built by the British in India?
India Gate in Delhi, The Parliament House in Delhi, Gateway of India in Mumbai, and Victoria Memorial in Kolkata are examples of some of the most famous monuments built during the British Era. There are more monuments but these are are some of the most famous creations, to this day.
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Which is the tallest monument in India?
Qutub Minar is the tallest monument in India and it is also the tallest brick minaret in the world. People confuse “Statue of Unity” as the tallest monument but in reality, it is the tallest statue in India.