India is an ancient civilization. It has rich historical monuments. Impact of Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and Christian religion can be seen on the historical monuments. Tourists often limit themselves to Delhi, Agra and Jaipur but these are only tips of iceberg. Real historical heritage lies in other parts of India.
1. AJATSHATRU FORT | RAJGIR | 6TH CENTURY BC
Ajatshatru Fort in is an ancient fortress built by King Ajatshatru of the Magadha Empire in 6th Century BC. The fort is linked with the lives of Gautama Buddha and King Bimbisara, reflecting the political and spiritual vibrancy of early Magadha.
2. GREAT STUPA AT SANCHI | SANCHI| 3RD CENTURY BC
The Great Stupa of Sanchi is located in Madhya Pradesh, India. It was commissioned by Emperor Ashoka the Great in the 3rd century BC. It is one of the oldest structures in India.
3. AJANTA CAVES | AURANGABAD | 1ST CENTURY BC TO 6TH CENTURY AD
The Ajanta Caves are a complex of 30 ancient Buddhist rock-cut monuments near Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India. They are celebrated for their exquisite murals, sculptures, and architecture that trace Buddhism’s evolution from Hinayana to Mahayana traditions.
4. NALANDA UNIVERSITY | NALANDA | 6TH CENTURY
Nalanda University in Nalanda, Bihar, was an ancient university. It was a hub of Buddhist scholarship. People from several countries used to visit Nalanda for learning. It flourished for around 800 years but later burnt and destroyed by Islamic invaders.
5. MAHABALIPURAM SHORE TEMPLE | 700 -728 AD
The Mahabalipuram Shore Temple is an eighth-century historical monument standing on shore of Tamil Nadu. It was built under the Pallava dynasty.
6. KAILASA TEMPLE | ELLORA | 756–773 CE
The Kailasa Temple at Ellora in Maharashtra, India, is a rock cut temple carved from single stone. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is must visit site for everyone who visits India.
7.BRIHADEESWARA TEMPLE | THANJAVUR | 11TH CENTURY
Brihadeeswara Temple is 11th century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the greatest architectural achievements of the Chola dynasty.
8. QUTUB MINAR | DELHI | 12TH CENTURY
Qutub Minar is one of first monument built by Islamic invaders in India. This complex has several other Islamic monuments and must visit for anyone visiting Delhi.
9. TAJ MAHAL | AGRA | 1632 – 1653 AD
The Taj Mahal is one of the most visited historical monument. It was built by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. it is celebrated as one of the most exquisite examples of Mughal architecture.
10. RED FORT | DELHI | 1638–1648
The Red Fort is a 17th-century Mughal fortress complex located in Delhi, India. Built from red sandstone, it served as the main residence of Mughal emperors for nearly 200 years.
11. VICTORIA MEMORIAL | KOLKATA | 1906–1921
The Victoria Memorial is a grand historical monument in Kolkata dedicated to Queen Victoria. It is landmark monument of Kolkata and major tourist attraction.
12. INDIA GATE | DELHI | 1931
India Gate is a war memorial dedicated to soldiers who died in Second World War. It is central landmark located in the heart of administrative complex.
