Historical Places In India That You Will Find Extremely Fascinating

It’s hardly an exaggeration to say that India’s civilization is one of the oldest in the world. All throughout its history, it has witnessed the rise and fall of several kings, dynasties, and empires. Each of those in power, however, left behind their legacy in the form of a monument, maybe a fort, palace, or any other historical structure. And thus, we have a list of the top historical places in India in this post.

Apart from that, some temples and caves bear testament to the artistic excellence attained in the past. These places of historical importance aren’t just significant as tourist destinations, they also attract lovers of art and history.

As a result, India today is dotted with several historical places that remind you of its illustrious past and glorious reign. How much do you know about the history of India? Is your knowledge about its history confined to textbooks? If yes, then this blog guides you about historical places in India. Read on!

Best 15 Famous Historical Places in India with Information to Visit in 2024.

• Taj Mahal, Agra
• Hawa Mahal
• Agra Fort
• Fatehpur Sikri, Agra
• Qutub Minar, Delhi
• Red Fort
• Amer Fort
• Charminar
• Mysore Palace, Mysore
• Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Maharashtra
• The Great Chola Temples, Tamil Nadu
• Hampi, Karnataka
• Gateway of India, Mumbai
• Konark Temple, Odisha
• Khajuraho Temples, Madhya Pradesh

Taj Mahal, Agra

One can go on praising the Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with an uninterrupted flow of adjectives – magnificent, outstanding, amazing, and incredible. However, none of those can accurately do justice to its beauty. The only way to do that is to visit this incredible structure made of pure white marble. Everything about it reflects grandeur, from its minarets to its dome.

Shah Jahan had this monument built for his wife Mumtaz to express his undying love for her, and today, lovers cite this as an example when expressing their love to each other. The construction of the Taj Mahal, which is also one of the must-visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites In India, took around 22 years to complete, and no wonder, the effort of every year is reflected in its construction.

Do you know? Inspired by the Taj Mahal, Dubai is planning to build a hotel and shopping complex estimated to be four times larger than the original structure.

Don’t miss: Nighttime shows at the Taj Mahal

Timings: Open from sunrise to sunset

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Hawa Mahal, Jaipur

The royal class has always had its own way of doing things, as did Jaipur’s royal ladies. Jaipur is also one of the most popular historical places in India. Belonging to royalty required them to observe the “purdah” system constantly. However, they were also curious about the happenings of the outside world. Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh had the Hawa Mahal built for them to satisfy this curiosity.

Upon visiting it the first time, you will notice that the Hawa Mahal also looks like a crown. This is because the Maharaja who built it was a major devotee of Lord Krishna. Also known as the “Palace of Winds”, it was designed by Lal Chand Ustad. It resembles a honeycomb of a beehive with its 953 intricate windows. Upon visiting it first, you will notice that the Hawa Mahal is shaped like a crown. Explore popular attractions in Jaipur with this package. Explore popular attractions in Jaipur with this package.

Do you know? Hawa Mahal is popular as one of the tallest buildings in the world without any foundation. Despite being curved, it stands firm due to its pyramidal shape.

Don’t miss: The lattice work on the tiny windows of the Hawa Mahal is quite intricate and admirable.

Timings: Hawa Mahal remains open from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Agra Fort, Uttar Pradesh

Looking at Agra Fort, one would get the impression that for the Mughals, opulence and grandeur were seemingly alien terms. Located in Agra, a city included in the Golden Triangle Tour Circuit India, it beautifully brings the elements of aesthetics to size. The massive fort was built by Akbar in 1565 AD and stood out for its fabulous design and incredible construction.

The fort also consists of two ornately designed gates, the Amar Singh Gate and the Delhi Gate. Visitors can only enter through the Amar Singh Gate. The Agra Fort, which is always included among the must-visit forts and palaces in India, consists of several buildings like Moti Masjid, Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas, and Musamman Burj, where Shah Jahan died in imprisonment.

Do you know? Agra Fort found a mention in one of the cases of the famous detective Sherlock Holmes, “Sign of the Four”. This was also the location for the Bollywood movie “Jodha Akbar”.

Don’t miss: Some of the important buildings inside the Agra Fort, which you should absolutely check out, are Jahangir Palace, Nagina Masjid, Moti Masjid, Mina Masjid, and Zenana Mina Bazaar.

Timings: Agra Fort remains open from sunrise to sunset.

Fatehpur Sikri, Agra

The Mughals can be credited with having built some of the finest monuments in India, and Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is yet another example of that. Although, it should be said that it is more of a small city than just a monument. Built during the reign of Akbar, this royal city is home to several buildings like Birbal’s Palace, Tomb of Salim Chisti, and Jama Masjid.

This royal city, which served as the capital city of Akbar for a brief time, today wears a melancholy look while its rich sandstone walls reflect the glory of a past age. You will also come across the place where Tansen, the legendary singer, practiced his singing. Watch out for the Buland Darwaza at the entrance, which measures almost 54 meters.

Do you know? It is believed that many women, who could not give birth to a child, would come to the tomb of Salim Chisti to seek blessings.

Don’t miss: You must check out two buildings on your visit here: Diwan-i-Aam and Diwan-i-Khas.

Timings: Sunrise to sunset (closed on Fridays).

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Qutub Minar, Delhi

The Qutub Minar, one of the best historical places in India, is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an incredible example of Indo-Muslim architecture that touches the skies at an incredible height of 240ft. It is named after Qutub-ud-din Aibak, the first Muslim ruler of North India. The place where Qutub Minar stands is usually regarded as the site of the first Muslim kingdom in northern India.

Verses from the Quran are finely carved onto its red sandstone stories, with most of them being mostly in Arabic. Another interesting fact is that the first mosque in India, Quwwat-ul-Islam Masjid, is located at the foot of the Qutub Minar.

Do you know? The Qutub Minar Complex also consists of an iron pillar that has not rusted even after a period of 2,000 years.

Don’t miss: You should attend the decorative light show every evening from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. The Qutub Minar Festival, held in October / November, should also not be missed.

Timings: 7:00am to 5:00pm

Red Fort, Delhi

Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a symbol of the Mughal Empire at its peak. The enormous size, aesthetic proportions, and style represent an unrestrained luxury age. Amidst the unceasing bustle of Old Delhi stands this colossal monument, evoking nothing but admiration from the onlookers.

Red Fort, one of the popular forts and palaces in India, was also built by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan. It took over 10 years to complete and was constructed when the emperor decided to shift his capital from Agra to Delhi. Back then, the fort was known as Qila-e-Mubarak. It is from the ramparts of Red Fort that the Prime Minister delivers his speech on Independence Day.

Do you know? The Red Fort, as you know it, wasn’t always red. In fact, it was white as it was made of limestone. The British painted it red when the limestone began peeling off.

Don’t miss: On visiting the Red fort, check out the Palace of Colors or the “Rang Mahal”. It was the place of the emperor’s wives, mistresses, and maids.

Timings: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm daily (closed on Mondays)

Amer Fort, Rajasthan

Amer Fort occupies an honorable place among the most popular historical places in India and, undoubtedly, is one of those places you cannot miss during a tour of Rajasthan. It’s built with red and white sandstone and is an example of ancient Indian architecture. The fort is home to numerous buildings like the Diwan-i-Khas, Diwan-i-Aam, and Sheesh Mahal. The carvings on the ceiling and the walls are simply marvelous.

Several paintings depict hunting and portrait of illustrious Rajput rulers. The fort has a series of gates, each with a unique architectural and structural element. A unique experience at the Amer Fort is the elephant ride which takes you to the Suraj Pol (sun gate).

Do you know? At the entrance to the main palace grounds lies the Sila Devi Temple. This is where the Rajput kings worshipped, right from Maharaja Man Singh in the 16^th century until the 1980s, when the animal sacrifice was completely stopped.

Don’t miss: The greatest attraction in the Amer Fort is the Sheesh Mahal (mirror palace). With its mirror mosaics and colored glasses, it’s definitively a crowd-puller.

Timings: You can visit the Amer Fort from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Charminar, Hyderabad

There are many theories attributed to the building of the Charminar. According to one of them, Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah had this monument built in 1591 to express his reverence for Allah. According to another theory, Charminar was built to celebrate the end of the plague in the city. Legend also has it that there is a secret tunnel running from this incredible monument to Golconda Fort.

Whatever the reason, one cannot deny that this architecture is elegant, stylish, and exquisite. It’s called Charminar because its four pillars measure almost 20 meters from the side. They also open to balconies that circle them. These minarets never fail to captivate onlookers and passers-by. Any visit to Hyderabad is incomplete without visiting the Charminar.

Do you know? An amusing sight at the Charminar is a cat’s head seated on one of the arches to scare away rats that had once almost destroyed Hyderabad.

Don’t miss: Laad Bazaar is situated near the Charminar. You can look for unique artifacts and several food joints in the market.

Timings: Charminar is open to tourists from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm.

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Mysore Palace, Mysore

You cannot fathom the greatness of the Mysore Palace unless you come face to face with it. The grandness of its proportions would have you believe that the palace had sprung out of a fairytale. It was built by the British architect Lord Henry Irwin in 1912. Mysore Palace was built in Indo-Saracenic style and featured intricate interiors.

The interiors of the palace are adorned with ornate ceilings, jeweled corridors, stained glass windows and open mandaps. You also come across several Wadiyar memorabilia, including the jeweled throne. Mysore Palace also hosts the festivities of Dasara festival. Explore Mysore tour packages.

Do you know? The golden palanquin, which once served as a seat for the Maharajas, is now occupied by the idol of Goddess Durga.

Don’t miss: Mysore Palace during the Dasara festival is a spectacular sight. During this occasion, the entire palace is illuminated with over 1,00,000 lights.

Timings: Mysore Palace remains open from 10:00am to 5:30pm. It remains closed on Sundays and government holidays.

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Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Maharashtra

Another of the most famous historical places in India are the Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Maharashtra. Both of them are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and draw tourists in impressive numbers. The sculptures and artifacts in the caves belong to three different religions: Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism. There are 12 Buddhist, 17 Hindu, and 5 Jain caves.

It was in these caves, which were in fact Buddhist monasteries that the monks prayed, studied and meditated. The credit for discovering these famous caves goes to the British officer John Smith who stumbled upon these historic sites while on a tiger hunt in 1819. The artifacts in the caves depict the past lives and rebirths of Gautam Buddha.

Do you know? Buddhist monks were prohibited from venturing out during the monsoons. They utilized this time by sitting and carving sculptures in the Ajanta caves, which are also counted among the top tourist places to visit in Maharashtra.

Don’t miss: One of the major attractions in the Ajanta caves is Cave no. 26, which houses the exquisite Chaitya hall with a stupa. In Ellora, the main attraction is the “Cavern of the Ten Avatars” which was built under the reign of Krishna I.

Timings: The caves remain open from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm. (Ajanta caves remain closed on Mondays, while Ellora caves remain closed on Tuesdays.

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The Great Chola Temples, Tamil Nadu

The Great Living Chola Temples in Tamil Nadu are a group of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the epitome of artistic and architectural excellence. They are one of the top historical places in India that were built by the kings of the Chola Empire, a powerful empire that stretched all over South India and the neighboring islands. The three great temples are Brihadeshwara Temple at Tanjore, Airavateshwara Temple in Darasuram, and Brihadeshwara Temple in Gangaikonda Cholapuram.

Every one of these temples reflects the outstanding achievements of the Chola Empire in sculpture, architecture, painting, and bronze casting. One of the examples of that is the 24meters vimana and a stone image of Shiva at Darasuram. The incredible gopurams of these temples along with the sculptures inside them really win one’s heart.

Do you know? It is believed that Raja Raja Chola got the inspiration to build the Brihadeshwara Temple at Tanjore from his visit to Sri Lanka.

Don’t miss:  During your visit to Brihadeshwara Temple, check out the portrait, which depicts Raja Raja Cholan paying obeisance to Lord Nataraja.

Timings: You can visit the temples from 6:30 am to 8:30 pm. The temples, however are shut from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

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Also Read: Explore The Incredible Destinations Across Tamil Nadu

Hampi, Karnataka

The ruins of Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated in Karnataka, is undoubtedly one of the 15 historical places in India that you can’t miss. Hampi is a place that seems to be stuck in time, waiting for daily life to resume, on its streets, in its temples, and its halls. In every corner here, you come across something worthy of being admired. Every stone tells a story of the past. Hampi was built by the great ruler Deva Raya II of the Vijaynagara Empire.

This is a paradise for art and history lovers, as it is for those wanting to explore the achievements and glories of the past ages. One of the great attractions in Hampi are the sculptures of Lord Shiva carved in stone. Besides this, other attractions include chariot structures, elephant stables, and gopurams. Visitors are immensely fascinated by the beauty of the Virupaksha Temple. Hampi is also where mint, Vijaynagara’s main coin, was minted.

Do you know? This place also recorded the first instance of human settlement which dates all the way back to 1 CE.

Don’t miss: Hampi contains several carvings on sculptures that date back all the way to the 14^th century.

Timings: You can visit the ruins of Hampi in Karnataka from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

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Gateway of India, Mumbai

One of the most popular historical places in India is the Gateway of India. One of the most iconic landmarks in the country, it was built by the British in 1924. It was actually built as an entry and exit point during the British period, and inaugurated by the Viceroy, the Earl of Reading. Today, however, it has become a favorite picnic spot for locals and tourists alike.

On any given day, one can spot dozens of street vendors serving tasty snacks along with balloon sellers, lending a happening vibe to the entire place. The Gateway of India has been reinforced repeatedly over the years with yellow basalt and concrete. In addition, the turrets are decorated with delicate lattice work.

Do you know? From the Gateway of India, the last British ships set sail from England in the 20^th century.

Don’t miss: Behind the Gateway of India, some steps allow you to visit Elephanta Island.

Timings: The Gateway of India remains open from 12:00 pm to 12:00 am.

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Konark Temple, Odisha

And there stands the Konark Temple in Odisha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in all its resplendent glory and fame. One wonders what artistic passions must have led to this marvel’s creation. King Narasimhadeva built it I, the great ruler of the Ganga dynasty, along with 1200 artisans in stone. The temple, devoted to the Sun God “Surya”, leaves everyone enchanted with the fabulous Kalinga architecture.

The crowd pullers are undoubtedly the gigantic chariot, pillars, and walls that lend the temple an authentic touch of Odisha. European sailors famously referred to this structure as the “Black Pagoda”. Another remarkable feature of the temple is found at its gate, where there is a depiction of two lions crushing elephants, along with a human body lying at the foot of the elephant.

Do you know? The 12 wheels found at the base of the temple are sundials that accurately measure and denote time.

Don’t miss: An incredible sight awaits you at the Konark Temple when the sun’s rays fall down on the three statues of the sun gods.

Timings: The Konark Temple in Odisha remains open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (closed on Fridays).

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Khajuraho Temples, Madhya Pradesh

If you want to see the most artistic expression of human sensuality, then the Khajuraho Group of Monuments in Madhya Pradesh is where you should head to. Located in the small and quiet town of Khajuraho, the Khajuraho Temples are included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

These beautiful temples are adorned with brilliantly carved statues and sculptures that reflect the various aspects of Kama Sutra. However, there are other attractions inside these temples besides the sensual sculptures. These marvelous temples built by the Chandelas are a group of Hindu and Jain temples. They also reflect the acceptance of religious diversity during that period of history.

Do you know? Khajuraho, which is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Madhya Pradesh, is so-called because it is adorned with date palms since “Khajura” means date palms in Hindi. This is also why this place was called “Khajjurpura” in ancient times.

Don’t miss: A particular attraction here is the sound and light show depicting the Chandela dynasty’s tale.

Timings: Khajuraho temples in Madhya Pradesh is open from sunrise to sunset.

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