India – A land of rich culture and diversity where you can live and feel all aspects of life and death along with one of the finest and majestic historical monuments of India. These historical monuments of India are well-known all over the world for their unique architecture and enthralling stories behind these monuments of India. These monuments of India are also listed by UNESCO World Heritage sites and are named as best monuments in the world by many authors and historians.
India is a complete package where tourists can witness beautiful lakes, majestic mountains, rivers, dense forests, magnificent forts and palaces, ancient temples and many more. The main reason because of which India attracts lakhs of tourist from all over the world is the historical monuments of India which are well-known all over the globe. Some of these monuments in India are the best way to get the insight about Hinduism and other religious beliefs of our rich culture and traditions.
Being one of the oldest civilisations in the world, these historical monuments of India is the example of some of world’s known artisans and architectural designs which are used to make these famous monuments of India. These monuments leave a royal spark and impact on the tourist with the charm and beauty of these historical buildings of India.
Custom Tours India is here to take you on a short trip of famous and top most historical monuments in India which are known for their unique and one-of-a-kind architecture and great tales. We would love to arrange a customized tour of India covering these famous historical monuments in India.
Top 13 Most Famous Monuments in India
Taj Mahal – One of the seven wonders of the world – Taj Mahal is the most visited historical monument in India that is located on the banks of Yamuna River which was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the loving memory of his favourite and third wife – Mumtaj Mahal. This marvellous monument was built using white marble in the year 1648 which currently houses the tomb of both Shah Jahan and Mumtab Mahal. The name of this monument is derived from Persian language which means Taj as “Crown” and Mahal as “Palace”. It took almost 22 Years and 20,000 workers to build this beautiful monument. Book your Golden Triangle Tour now to visit Delhi, Agra & Jaipur.
- Timing – 6:00am to 6:30pm (Closed on Fridays)
Jama Masjid – Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India which is situated in Old Delhi. After the death of Shah Jahan’s wife, the emperor shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi and laid the construction work of this mosque in 1644. This historical monument of India and mosque is built using red sandstone and marble. The mosque is built at an elevation of 10m which can accommodate 25,000 devotees at one time. As the mosque is situated inside the old city you can get splendid view of the bustling bazaars and the narrow streets of ChandiChawk.
- Timing – 7:00am to 12:00pm and 1:30pm to 6:30pm
Qutub Minar – Qutub Minar is the world’s tallest brick minaret which is standing at a height of 73 foot from the ground. This famous monument of India is one of the oldest structures built in the history of Delhi which was commissioned by Qutub-Ud-Din-Aibak in 1192 AD. However, due to the sudden death, the monument was later completed by his successors. This minaret has 5 storeys in which the first three storeys are built using red sandstone and the remaining two storeys are built using marble and sandstone. One of the major attractions of this monument is the Iron Pillar which was laid by Ashoka the great of Mauryan Empire dated 4th century.
- Timing – 7:00am to 5:00pm
Hawa Mahal – Hawa Mahal or “Palace of Winds” was built in the year 1799 by Sawai Pratap Singh. This famous monument of India was built for the royal women where they used to sit to see the daily life of local people and the bazaars. This building consists of 953 small windows with lattice work which helps the royal ladies to sit freely and see down however, blocking the view from outside so that local people could not see inside the windows. The best place to click some extremely beautiful pictures of this palace is from one of the cafe’s setups at front side of the palace.
- Timing – 9:00am to 5:00pm
Mehrangarh Fort – Mehrangarh Fort is one of the cleanest and largest forts in India which is known for its exquisite lattice art work on the windows, architecture, carved panels and beautiful palaces within the fort for various purposes. This historical building of India was built by Rao Jodha in 1459 on a high sand hill of 120 m and spread over 5kms. The fort was attached by Mughals as well so you can still see the marks of cannon balls on the thick walls of the fort.
- Timing – 9:00am to 5:00pm
Temples of Khajuraho – Khajuraho is a city in the India state of Gujarat which is well-known all over the world for its fascinating and beautifully carved erotic sculptures on the walls and pillars. These temples have turned out to be one of the popular historical monuments in India which are known as “Kamasutra Temples” all over the globe due to its unique architecture and historical tales which goes back to the 10th and 12th century. In the present time, only 20 temples out of 75 temples are secured from the invaders who took all the precious gold and sculptures from these temples. These temples were built using fine sandstone and are dedicated to various gods and goddess of Hinduism and Jainism. These historical monuments of India are a group of temples and complex sculptures which are also listed under UNESCO Heritage Sites. The main attraction amongst these temples is the Kandariya Mahadev Temple which is also the largest temple in the city. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and have a beautiful shrine which has 800 women images engraved on it making it unique and different from other remaining temples.
- Timing – 8:00am to 6:00pm
Sanchi Stupa – Sanchi is known as “Land of Stupas” which is located in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. Sanchi is India’s most well-preserved Buddhist sites and one of the oldest historical monument in India present in Central India. The site of Sanchi is a cluster of monuments and building which consists of various historical stupas, ancient temples are ruined palaces which are dated back to 2nd and 1st century BC. The main attraction of this place is the – Sanchi Stupa which was built by Great Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC. This place is one of the best places to witness the artwork and religious significance of Buddhism. You will be amazed to see the front gateway pillars which are uniquely carved with a set of four lions, elephants, birds and various faces of Lord Buddha.
- Timing – 8:30am to 5:30pm
Hampi – Hampi a UNESCO Heritage site which is located in the Indian State of Karnataka and once the 2nd largest city in the world in the late 1500 AD. Hampi is well known all around the globe for its ancient and enthralling group of 500 monuments including ruined temples, monolithic sculptures. Bastions, destroyed bazaars and treasury buildings of Vijaynagar Empire. Hampi lost its charms and beauty gradually after 1500AD and now the remain attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world and has become a part of one of the oldest monuments in India. There are many boulders present surrounding Hampi from where you can have a lovely panoramic view of this place. The main attraction of this place is Virupaksha Temple which is dedicated to lord Virupaska, incarnation face of Lord Shiva.
- Timing – 9:00am to 5:00pm
Mahabalipuram – Mahabalipuram is located at a distance of 56 kms from Chennai, the capital city of Indian State of Tamil Nadu. Mahabalipuram was once the port capital of Pallava Kingdom which is famous for the group of monuments that are built and carved between 6th to 9th century. These historical monuments in India consists of rock cut-cave temples, monolithic Ratha temples, enthralling sculptures and many more historic sites which are worth visiting. These monuments are the perfect example of ancient Indian architecture which showcases the high quality of craftsmen ship which was there around 6th century. Mahabalipuram was emerged as a centre of great art and craft by this time, however not only these monuments, Mahabalipuram has one of the finest beaches in India which are less crowded and have pure white sand. The waves are quite and best place to witness the morning sun and the red highway on the sea.
- Timing – 8:00am to 6:00pm
Mysore Palace – Mysore Palace is the oldest palaces in India which is located in the Indian State of Karnataka. The foundation of this palace was laid in the early 14th century using wood which was struck by fire and lightning destroying the major part of the palace. Later, the palace was completely rebuilt and renovated by the successors to pay homage to the family and their fore fathers in the year 1912. The palace has one of the most beautiful pavilions, huge halls for common and private people of the royal family, magnificent architecture, colossal courtyards, lush green gardens and captivating looks which leave a huge impression on the tourists. Today, this palace is the second most visited monument in India after the Taj Mahal by the locals and the international guests.
- Timing – 10:00am to 5:30pm
These are the some of the most important historical monuments in India which are well-known all over the world and hold a great significance and history about the foundation and survival from foreign invaders. Custom Tours India is here to arrange a fully customized group tours of India covering these monuments and other nearby sites. Please reach out to us if in case you have a query about these famous monuments of India and if you want to witness the beauty of these monuments.