We’ve all heard since childhood that India is incredible, but do we know what makes it marvellous? The answer is simple: its historical monuments reflect India’s rich & diverse culture.
India is diverse in culture & history; from the era of Ramayana & Mahabharata to British colonialism, India has witnessed many cultural changes and the construction of many epic architectural monuments. It’s so diverse that you may require at least 3-4 trips just to cover the famous historical places in India.
If you’re planning to visit India or looking to cover significant historical places in the country, check out this blog till the end. We’ve listed 15 incredible historical sites in India to visit at least once in your lifetime. Let’s begin our tour from Delhi!
Historical Places In Delhi
The capital of the country is home to many historical monuments built during the Mughal period. Apart from the main monuments, you can also visit the surrounding gardens and markets to enjoy the greenery & food. Here are the top 3 historical places to visit in Delhi.
Agrasen Ki Baoli
Maharaja Agrasen built the Baoli during the Tughlaq dynasty. The step-well is constructed from red sandstone and features a unique architectural design, with symmetrical steps leading down to the well. It contains 101 steps.
In addition to its architectural significance, Agrasen ki Baoli has also gained popularity as a haunted location, making it an even more exciting place to visit in Delhi.
Location: KG Marg, New Delhi
Entry Fee: Free
Timing: 7:00 am to 6:30 pm
Red Fort
The Red Fort is also known as Lal Qila. Mughal emperor Shah Jahan built the Fort in the 17th century. It served as the residence of the royal family for nearly 200 years. The Indian, Mughal, and Persian architectural styles inspired its architecture with intricate carvings and marble.
The surrounding area of the fort is well-maintained; it also features a small Meena Bazaar at the entrance. It contains different chambers where various important events and meetings occured. The place is culturally significant and a must-visit historical place in Delhi.
Location: Chandani Chowk, New Delhi
Entry Fee:
- Rs. 35 (Indian adults on weekdays)
- Rs. 20 (children on weekdays)
- Rs. 80 (Indian adults on weekends)
- Rs. 30 (children on weekends)
- Rs. 500 (Foreigners)
Timing: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm (closed on Monday)
Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory built during the 18th century by Maharaja Jai Singh II. It consists of 13 instruments used to measure time, the movement of stars and planets, and the position of celestial bodies.
It is the wonder of the 18th century; its architectural design is a blend of Indian and Mughal styles with intricate cravings & geometric patterns. Astonishingly, modern astronomers still use it for astronomical research.
Location: Connaught Place, New Delhi
Entry Fee:
- Rs. 15 (Indians)
- Rs. 200 (Foreigners)
Timing: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
Historical Places In Udaipur
Udaipur is known as the “City of Lakes” because of its picturesque lakes and water bodies. It is home to many royal palaces, history & culture. Whether you’re into history, architecture, or enjoying the scenic beauty, Udaipur is a must-visit destination.
City Palace
Located on the banks of Lake Pichola, the palace is one of the most iconic landmarks of Udaipur. Different rulers of the Mewar dynasty built this palace with intricately carved balconies, courtyards, and arches.
The palace complex has several palaces, gardens, and courtyards, including the Badi Mahal, Dilkhush Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, and Krishna Vilas. Its magnificent architecture reflects India’s great history making it one of the must-visit historical places in India.
Location: Old City, Udaipur, Rajasthan
Entry Fee:
- Rs. 300 (adults)
- Rs. 100 (children)
Timing: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
Saheliyo Ki Bari
Saheliyo ki Bari, or the “Garden of Maidens,” is one of the famous tourist destinations in Udaipur. Maharaja Sangram Singh built this garden in the 18th century for the women accompanying the royal ladies.
The garden is known for its lush greenery, stunning fountains, and beautiful marble art. It has several pavilions, lotus pools, and marble elephants, which add to its charm and beauty. It reflects Rajput architecture, and it is one of the magnificent gardens in Udaipur.
Location: Saheliyo ki Bari, Udaipur
Entry Fee:
- Rs. 10 (Indians)
- Rs. 50 (Foreigners)
Timing: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Jag Mandir
Jag Mandir is a palace built on Lake Pichola. Maharana Jagat Singh I built it in the 17th century as the summer resort for the royal family. It has several beautiful structures, including a central dome, pavilions, and courtyards.
One of the most impressive features of the palace is the marble elephant statues that guard the entrance. Its stunning beauty and architecture capture the mind. If you’re visiting Udaipur, you must visit Jag Mandir.
Location: Pichola, Udaipur
Entry Fee: Free for Palace
Boat ride: Rs. 300 (Adult), Rs. 100 (Child)
Timing: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Historical Places In Kolkata
Formerly known as Calcutta, the city has a rich and diverse cultural heritage, known for its colonial architecture, bustling markets, and delicious street food. The city is home to beautiful architecture and heritage.
Howrah Bridge
The construction of the bridge began in 1936 till 1942. It was named the New Howrah Bridge, but in 1965, it was renamed Rabindra Setu after the famous Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore.
It spans over the Hooghly River and connects the city of Howrah to Kolkata. The bridge is 1,500 feet long and 71 feet wide, with a clearance of 82 feet above the river at high tide. The bridge expresses the colonial history of Kolkata; and is one of the must-visit historical places in Kolkata.
Location: Howrah Bridge, Kolkata
Victoria Memorial
Victoria Memorial is a building dedicated to Queen Victoria. It was built between 1906 and 1921 and now serves as a museum for tourists and visitors. The museum displays various artefacts, paintings, sculptors, and manuscripts from Indian history & art.
Beautiful gardens surround the monument for visitors to relax and rejoice in the greenery. Also, the monument is illuminated in the evenings, making it a spectacular sight.
Location: Maidan, Kolkata
Entry Fee:
- Rs. 30 (Indians)
- Rs. 500 (Foreigners)
Timing: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Jorasanko Thakurbari
Jorasanko Thakurbari was built in the 18th century and served as the home of Rabindranath Tagore’s family for several generations, one of the most prominent families in Bengal. It’s now converted into a museum & showcases objects, manuscripts, scriptures etc., of the Tagore family reflecting the Bengali culture.
It symbolises traditional Bengali architecture with a central courtyard and several rooms arranged around it. If you’re a fan of Bengali history & culture, you must visit Jorasanko Thakurbari to learn more about Bengal’s culture & tradition.
Location: Raja Katra, Kolkata
Entry Fee:
- Rs. 20 (Indian adults)
- Rs. 10 (Indian students)
- Rs. 150 (Foreign adults)
- Rs. 100 (Foreign students)
Timing: 10:30 am to 5:00 pm (closed on Mondays)
Historical Places In Hyderabad
Hyderabad was founded in the late 16th century by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the fifth Sultan of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. It was known as a centre of arts, culture, and education, later taken over by the Nizams, who made significant contributions to the city’s architecture and development.
Here are some of the famous historical places to visit in Hyderabad.
Golconda Fort
The Golconda Fort, built by the Kakatiya dynasty in the 13th century, was later expanded and fortified by the Qutub Shahi dynasty in the 16th century. The fort is situated on a granite hill and covers an area of approximately 11 km².
It is known for its impressive architecture, which includes several gateways, palaces, mosques, and granaries. One of the most prominent features of the Golconda Fort is its acoustic system.
The fort has a series of hidden chambers and passages designed to amplify sound. This system was used to communicate with the army and to alert them in case of an enemy attack. Its beautiful architecture and prominent features make it one of the best historical places in Hyderabad.
Location: Ibrahim Bagh, Hyderabad
Entry Fee:
- Rs. 25 (Indians)
- Rs. 300 (Foreigners)
Timing: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm
Charminar
It was built in 1591 by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the fifth Sultan of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, to commemorate the end of a deadly epidemic. The architecture is adorned with several arches, balconies, and domes, making it a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture.
Surrounding the Charminar is the famous Laad Bazaar, a bustling market; known for its colourful bangles and traditional Hyderabadi jewellery. The market is a great place to shop for souvenirs and local handicrafts.
Location: Charminar, Hyderabad
Entry Fee:
- Rs. 5 (Indians)
- Rs. 100 (Foreigners)
Timing: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
Chowmahalla
Chowmahalla is one of the prominent historical places in Hyderabad. Built in the 18th century, Chowmahalla Palace was the official residence of the Nizams, where they held many grand ceremonies and state functions in the palace.
The palace has several other halls and rooms adorned with intricate carvings, colourful tiles, and exquisite artwork. Visitors can see Nizam’s collection of vintage cars, including a Rolls Royce Silver Ghost.
The palace reflects the rich culture of Hyderabad, making it a must-visit historical place in Hyderabad.
Location: Khilwat, Hyderabad
Entry Fee:
- Rs. 80 (Indians)
- Rs. 200 (Foreigners)
Timing: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Historical Places In Tamil Nadu
Located in the southern part of India, Tamil Nadu has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its beautiful temples, beaches, and hill stations. Some of the most famous temples in the state include the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, and the Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram.
Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai
The temple is dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi, believed to be an incarnation of the goddess Parvati, and her consort, Lord Shiva. It is famous for its marvellous architecture derived from the Dravidian style.
The temple has several halls and shrines dedicated to various deities, including Lord Vishnu, Lord Ganesh, and Lord Murugan. The main shrine is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Shiva, and it is known for its beautiful gold-plated vimana (tower).
If you truly want to understand and learn about Indian architecture, you must visit Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, one of the most beautiful temples in India.
Location: Madurai, Tamil Nadu
Timing: 5:00 am to 12:30 pm and 4:00 pm to 9:30 pm
Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur
The temple was built during the Chola dynasty in the 11th century. The temple is an architectural marvel because of the architectural skills of the Chola dynasty. The temple is truly dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings.
The central temple tower, or vimana, is over 65 meters tall and is constructed entirely of granite. It also includes several other smaller shrines and halls, each with its own unique architecture and design. Overall, it is one of the most iconic and impressive temples in India.
Location: Balaganpathy Nagar, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
Timing: 6:00 am to 12:00 pm and 4:00 om to 8:30 pm
Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram
The temple was built during the 8th century AD by the Pallava dynasty. The lead deity here is Lord Shiva. It is constructed on a rocky outcrop along the beach that led to its name as Shore Temple.
The temple complex consists of three temples, with the main temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and the other two dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temples are designed in the Dravidian style of architecture, adorned with beautiful carvings and sculptures.
The main temple has a tall shikhara (tower) and a small mandapam (hall) that houses a lingam (symbol of Lord Shiva). It is a UNESCO world heritage site and a must-visit historical place in Tamil Nadu.
Location: Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
Entry Fee:
- Rs. 10 (Indians)
- Rs. 340 (Foreigners)
Timing: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
Conclusion
That sums up our list of 15 incredible historical places to visit in India. It covers all the significant points and information about the historical places to check and plan accordingly. Check out the list & plan your next destination!
