Is your knowledge of history regarding India only limited to textbooks? If yes, then you are missing something great in your life. Do you think reading about the Taj Mahal or visiting the Taj Mahal are the same? No, it’s obviously not. You should take the time from your busy life to explore historical places in India. In the article, we provide you with the Top 20 historical places in India that you must explore once in your lifetime. Each site on the list will tell a fascinating story and take you to the bygone era. You can pick anyone and quench your thirst to explore India’s best historical places.

1. Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi

I visited Humayun’s Tomb when I shifted to Delhi for my graduation. At that time, I was traveling less frequently than I do now. It is such a historic place in India which can intrigue anyone. The place is just not for those who are history lovers. Anyone can visit Humanyun’s Tomb for fresh air and sunshine. The aura around the site is positive.

Unique Facts about Humayun’s Tomb

• The Tomb was the prototype for the world-famous monument “Taj Mahal.”
• It was the first garden tomb in India.
• Humayun’s Tomb has also been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the monument, you can experience a fusion of Persian, Indian, and Islamic architectural styles.

2. Khajuraho’s Temples, MP

Chandela rulers built the Khajuraho temples in the 10th century. They are significant for their intricate and erotic sculpture. Around 85 temples were built originally, but only 25 have survived to the present day. In 1985, this famous historical place in India was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Unique Facts About Khajuraho’s Temples

• The temples represent a blend of 3 architectural styles – Dravidian, Nagara, and Indo – Aryan.
• You will observe that a few temples were engineered in such a way that the first rays of the rising sun illuminate the sanctum sanctorum.
• Each aspect of Khajuraho temples, whether its sculptures, layout, or ornamentation, is loaded with symbolic meaning that reflects Hindu and Jain spirituality, cosmology, and philosophical ideas.

3. Konark Sun Temple, Odisha

It is located in the Odisha state of India. King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty built the Sun temple in the 13th century, dedicated to the Hindu God Surya. When you visit the temple, you will find that it is designed in the form of a colossal chariot with 24 intricately carved stone wheels pulled by seven horses depicting weekdays.

Unique Facts About Khajuraho’s Temples

• The layout of the temples signifies the cyclical nature of life and universe.
• Konark Sun Temple is included in the list of Black Pagodas by Europeans. 
• It is a UNESCO World Heritage site declared in 1984.

4. Rani ki Vav, Gujarat

Recently, I visited this site, and it is undoubtedly one of the best historical places in India. When I reached Rani Ki Vav, I felt like an ant climbing down an anthill. It is a magnificent structure that is 24 meters deep. After exploring all the aspects of the monument, I was surprised why it is a less explored historical place in India.

Unique Facts About Rani Ki Vav

• Rani Udyamati built the monument in memory of his husband, King Bhimdev, who was the ruler of the Solanki Dynasty.
• When you reach the water level, you will see a sculpture of Vishnu resting on the 1000 snake heads.
• It is also said by the locals that 4 or 5 decades back there were medicinal plants and water in this famous historical place which was used to cure fever and other diseases.

5. India Gate, Delhi

We don’t think India Gate needs any introduction. India Gate is located in New Delhi, which is India’s capital. It was built to commemorate the British Indian Army soldiers who lost their lives in World War I and in the Anglo-Afghan War of 1919. These days, people visit the India Gate for a picnic. You can take a walk on the Rajpath. Visitors also love the light show at this one of the best historic places in India, which begins around 7 pm and ends at 9.30 pm throughout the week.

Unique Facts About Rani Ki Vav

• The list of soldiers who lost their lives during the war also includes female staff nurses.
• The architecture of the Indian Gate is inspired by the Arc De Triomphe in Paris.
• The Amar Jawan Jyoti, which is an eternal flame, was added in 1971 to pay tribute to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country in the 1971 Indo-Pak war.

6. Taj Mahal, Agra

No matter how many historic places you visit, not only in India but in the world, nothing can beat the beauty of the Taj Mahal. I recommend everyone visit the Taj Mahal, even if you are not fond of exploring historical places. This famous monument is also included in the list of 7 wonders of the world.

Unique Facts About Taj Mahal

• The monument is referred to as the symbol of love. It was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife “Mumtaz Mahal.”
•  The Taj Mahal looks perfectly symmetric from every angle.

7. Jallianwala Bagh, Punjab

A tragic incident took place in 1919 when people gathered on the occasion of Baisakhi in the Jallianwala Bagh. The British Brigadier General Reginald Dyer ordered his troops to open fire on the people present in the Jallianwala Bagh. His troops fired 1650 rounds of bullets on innocent people, which consisted of children and pregnant ladies. This incident played a major role in Indian independence later. When you visit this place, you can see marks of bullets on the wall. In the last 100 years, the place has become one of the best historical places in India.

Unique Facts About Jallianwala Bagh

• A memorial monument is constructed in the park in the memory of the victims.
• The exact number of casualties is still a matter of dispute. Britishers claimed around 380 deaths, but the other sources suggest much higher figures.

8. Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur

During your visit to the Mehrangarh Fort, you will see the seven entrances in the complex. The Fort is built on the hill. The construction of the Fort was started in 1459 by Rao Jodha. It is said that all seven entrances in the complex were constructed at different times. There is a gate known as the Vijay Gate that was made to commemorate the win of King Man Singh over Bikaner and Jaipur.

Unique Facts About Mehrangarh Fort

• The main purpose of building the Fort from external invasions.
• You will see weapons, paintings, costumes, and musical instruments when you visit the Fort.

9. Golden Temple, Punjab

You will experience both a spiritual and historic monument feel from the Golden Temple. It is located in the heart of Amritsar. The Golden Temple is also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib. Guru Arjan, who was the fifth Sikh guru, built this one of the best historical sites in India in the 16th century. The monument was rebuilt with pure gold and marble in 1830 by Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

10. Charminar, Hyderabad

You need to visit the old city of Hyderabad to explore the Charminar. It was built in 1591 by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, who was the fifth ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. This famous historical place in India is a symbol of rich history and cultural heritage. In the city, locals claimed that a secret tunnel exists from the monument to the Golconda forts. However, it has not been discovered till now.

Unique Facts About Charminar

• It is constructed using granite, limestone, mortar, and pulverized marble.
• In the surrounding area of Charminar, you can go to the Laad Bazaar, famous for its unique collection of Bangles, Jewelry, and traditional clothing.

11. Red Fort, Delhi

Do you know what was the capital of India in the 17th century? You’re mistaken if you think it was Delhi. All the administrative activities were managed by Agra. In the 17th Century, Shah Jahan built the Red Fort and also changed the capital from Agra to Delhi. On 15th August, which is Independence Day in India, the prime minister gave a speech from the Red Fort. It can give you an idea of how significant Red Fort is in our list of best historic places in India.

Unique Facts About Red Fort

• Red Fort, or Lal Qila, gets its name due to the presence of the massive red sandstone.
• It was also designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.

12. Qutub Minar, Delhi

Built with Red and Buff sandstone, it is the highest tower and one of the best historical sites you can visit in India. Qutbu’d-Din Aibak laid the foundation stone of the monument in the 12th century. He was the first Muslim ruler in north India. The peculiar fact about the Qutub Minar complex is that you will see an iron pillar that did not rust in the last 1000 years.

Unique Facts About Qutub Minar

• Qutub Minar is the tallest brick minaret in the world. 
• It is a UNESCO world heritage site in the Mehrauli area of New Delhi.

13. Key Monasteries, Spiti

If you love riding bikes in the mountains, then this famous historical place in India is for you. I visited the Key Monasteries recently, and it was one of the best experiences of my life. The monasteries are situated at a hilltop at an altitude of 4166 meters above sea level. From my experience, when you see Key Monasteries for the first time, you will be stunned by their majestic beauty.

Unique Facts About Key Monastries

• Key Monasteries of the Spiti are the oldest and largest in Himachal Pradesh.
• In the past, they served as the spiritual and educational center for Tibetan Buddhism.

14. Ajanta and Ellora Caves

Both were designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Maharashtra and boast ancient rock-cut temples and monasteries dating back to the 2nd century BCE. Ajanta’s 30 Buddhist caves offer stunning paintings and sculptures depicting the life of Buddha, while Ellora’s 34 caves showcase Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist temples. These sites are architectural gems that reflect India’s rich cultural heritage and religious diversity.

Unique Facts About Ajanta and Ellora Caves

• Both caves present impressive examples of rock-cut architecture.
• The majority of Ajanta Caves are dedicated to Buddhism, while Ellora Caves are to the Hindu temples

15. Hampi, Karnataka

Hampi attracts a myriad of travelers across the world with its royal residences, temples, towers, roads, and statues. It is a beautiful town situated near the river Tungabhadra. Hampi is one of India’s most famous archaeological sites. The most attractive site in Hampi is Vittala temple, known for its musical pillars. When you tap the pillars, they produce a melodious sound. What surprises everyone is that the columns that produce melodious sounds are made of stones.

16. Nalanda University, Bihar

The site was once the center of education for Buddhists. People across the globe come to Nalanda University for education. The university had a library with thousands of manuscripts and texts on various subjects. If you think people only have knowledge regarding religion here, you might be wrong. It offered education in various fields like philosophy, logic, grammar, medicine, astronomy, and mathematics. It is one of the best historical sites in India, which was also declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.

17. Cellular Jail, Andaman and Nicobar Islands

It was constructed by Britishers in 1906. For our freedom fighters who played a massive role in India’s independence, this site was like a pilgrimage destination. The Britishers did huge atrocities on the prisoners in Cellular Jail, and most of them were freedom fighters. That’s why, after independence, to pay tribute to freedom fighters, the jail was declared a national memorial.

Unique Facts About Cellular Jail

• The prominent leaders of India, including Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, Batukeshwar Dutt, and Fazl-e-Haq Khairabadi, were imprisoned in the cellular jail.
• In the jail, the freedom struggle is depicted live in a moving son et lumière.

18. Gateway of India, Mumbai

The Monument was built in the 20th century in Bombay, India. It was built to commemorate the landing of King George V and Queen Mary at Apollo Bunder on their visit to India in 1911. The Gateway of India is one of the most famous historic tourist attractions in Mumbai.

Unique Facts About Gateway of India

• It is constructed in the Indo-Saracenic architectural style, a mix of Indian, Islamic and British architectural traditions.
• The Gateway of India witnessed several historical events, like the departure of the last British troops from Indian soil in 1948.

19. Golconda Fort, Hyderabad

Golconda Fort is in Hyderabad, and it is one of the best historical places in India. The Monument was constructed by the Kakatiya dynasty in the 13th century. It was built for defense purposes. The fort played a significant role in the region’s diamond trade. Despite several attacks by invaders, the fort’s grandeur remains evident, drawing tourists worldwide. It has also been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

20. Amer Fort, Jaipur

The last place in our list of best historical places in India graces the outskirts of Jaipur, Rajasthan. Amer Fort was built in the late 16th century. This hilltop fortress served as the stronghold of the Kachwaha dynasty. Its architecture is a mix of Rajput and Mughal styles and shows intricate marble and red sandstone structures. From Amer Fort, you will get panoramic views of Maota Lake. 

The fort witnessed battles and underwent restoration to retain its grandeur. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it captivates millions of visitors annually.

Unique Facts About Amer Fort

• It got its name from Amba Mata, who is the goddess of fertility.
• The beautiful palace in the vicinity of the fort is Sheesh Mahal, which is also known as the “Palace of Mirrors.”

Also Read : Explore India’s Wonders – 15 Unique Places to Visit in India

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) :

Q. What are the 10 famous historical places in India?

A. The 10 famous historical places in India are Humayun’s Tomb, Khajuraho Temples, Rani Ki Vav, Konark Sun Temple, Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, India Gate and Cellular Jail. Read the complete article to know more about these famous historical places. 

Q. What are the 20 historical monuments?

A. In the article, we mentioned 20 historical monuments with their proper description. So you can read the complete article.

Q. Which is the oldest historical place in India?

A. Ajanta caves are considered the oldest historical place in India.

Q. How many historical places are in India?

A. India is a large and diverse country with countless historical places. It is not even possible to explore all the historical places of India in a lifetime.

About The Author