13 Famous Historical Places of India A History Buff’s Guide to India:
There are few countries in the world with as rich of a history as India, and nowhere more so than its cities.
If you’re an avid traveler or history buff looking to add some learning to your wanderings, consider these 13 famous Historical places of India.
13 Famous Historical Places of India
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Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum located in Agra, India, that was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
Construction began in 1632 and took approximately 20 years, finishing in 1653. It is regarded as the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of world architecture.
Nowadays, over 6 million tourists visit it every year. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.
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Agra Fort
Built in 1565 by Emperor Akbar, Agra Fort was a symbol of power. Visiting it on your trip to Agra is an excellent way to gain a better understanding of Mughal culture and history.
Not only will you experience a fascinating time capsule; but you’ll also be rewarded with spectacular views of the Taj Mahal, one of seven wonders of the world.
The famous monument can be seen from anywhere within its walls; if you have time, a closer look is certainly worth it.
Must Read Famous Historical Hill Forts in Rajasthan you must visit
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Qutb Minar Complex
The Qutb Minar Complex, located in Delhi, is one of India’s most famous places for historical tourism. Built by Qutb al-Din Aibak (ruler of Delhi from 1206-1210), it was named after a Sufi saint, Khwaja Qutb al-Din Bakhtiar Kaki.
Its tower soars high above everything in sight and offers beautiful views of Delhi’s surrounding landscape.
The complex also houses tombs dedicated to Muslim saints as well as remnants of an ancient mosque and madrasah (school).
For history lovers looking to learn more about some of the most fascinating aspects of Indian history, Qutb Minar Complex is an essential destination.
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Red Fort
The Red Fort (Lal Qila) is listed under 13 Famous Historical Places of India and is one of Delhi’s most iconic buildings and a must-see for history buffs. Named after its massive red walls, it was built in 1648 by Shah Jahan, who also commissioned its famous white marble mausoleum.
It has been home to some of India’s most powerful kings including Shah Jahan himself, but its connection with Indian independence is what makes it truly important.
The fort was a key location during the 1857 uprising against British rule which resulted in an end to their East India Company-led rule over India and led directly to Queen Victoria taking control as Empress of India.
5) Khajuraho – Temple Town of Love
Khajuraho is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as Temple Town of Love. The popular temples are famous for their erotic sculptures and carvings.
Some of the depictions are downright pornographic, but others show tenderness and love between man and woman or with Lord Shiva (the Hindu God of Gods).
Visit Khajuraho during your trip to explore its unique architecture, sculptures, and history.
6) Udaipur – Land of Lakes and Palaces
Udaipur is a popular tourist destination in Rajasthan and is listed under 13 Famous Historical Places of Indiafamed for its lakes and palaces. The city has many sites of historical interest, including Agra Vilas Palace and Lake Pichola, which was built by Maharana Fateh Singh in memory of his wife.
Tourists can also visit Jag Mandir Palace and Jagdish Temple, which are important religious centers in Udaipur.
Some other notable places include Jagdish Temple, Nahargarh Fort, City Palace Museum, and Albert Hall Museum.
The city’s cultural festivals such as Janmashtami celebrations at Janaki Temple are also worth witnessing during your tour to Udaipur.
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Victoria Memorial
Built in 1906, Victoria Memorial is one of Kolkata’s most recognizable landmarks. The memorial was designed by Sir Aston Webb, who also designed Queen Victoria’s tomb at Windsor Castle and London’s iconic Alexandra Palace.
In addition to being a beautiful architectural piece, it also has a museum that celebrates Indian history and culture.
This museum has artifacts from as far back as 300 BCE, including costumes worn by royal family members dating back centuries.
At 42 acres, Victoria Memorial is almost a city unto itself and worth seeing even if you aren’t interested in Indian history.
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Hawa Mahal
More commonly known as the Palace of Winds, Hawa Mahal is a series of pink marble palace buildings in Jaipur.
It was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh as a gift to his favorite wife. The name translates roughly into English as Palace of Winds.
The purpose was twofold: provide privacy from prying eyes and provide natural ventilation during the summer months.
Today, it remains one of Jaipur’s most popular tourist destinations, offering visitors an insight into Indian history and culture.
If you can time your visit correctly, be sure to see a cultural show featuring live music and dance performances!
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Amer Fort
Amer Fort is Listed under 13 Famous Historical Places of India, Located on a hilltop in Rajasthan, Amer Fort is famous for its tall gateways, or pol, that lead visitors into a series of temples and palaces.
The fort was constructed around 1560 by Rajput ruler Man Singh I as a strategic defense against invaders from northwest India.
The fort was under royal control until 1818 when British forces gained control of it during their campaign against Tippu Sultan of Mysore.
It is now protected by Indian authorities and managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Important historical sites within Amer Fort include Shri Govind Dev Temple, Naulakha Pavilion, and Krishna Temple.
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Ajanta Caves
The Ajanta Caves are a series of rock-cut cave monuments which date from 200 B.C. to 650 A.D. and were created by Buddhist monks and their patrons.
The caves are located on Ellora, in Maharashtra State, around 100 kilometers east of Mumbai. This complex is one of several sites making up the Ellora Caves.
The Ajanta caves were originally sponsored by wealthy merchants as places of worship, according to Vrindavan Das, author of The Hindu Religious Tradition.
They were later converted into Buddhist viharas or monasteries in 600 A.D., following an invasion by Brahmin rulers that conquered Buddhism out of these regions for a time.
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Sanchi Stupa, Madhya Pradesh
Located about 40 miles from Bhopal, Sanchi is famous for its Buddhist stupas that date back almost 2,000 years. It’s an excellent place to learn about early Buddhist traditions and architecture; your visit will be a moving experience.
Perched on a hilltop in a wonderful rural setting, Sanchi makes an excellent day trip. But don’t feel rushed while you’re there; explore every nook and cranny of these ancient structures before visiting one of Bhopal’s many restaurants or markets.
It might be your last chance to get up close and personal with a masterpiece like this.
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Konark Temple, Odisha
Among all temples, the Konark temple is exceptional because of its intricate carvings on sandstone. It has been a national monument since 1950 and is dedicated to Sun God Suryanarayana.
The uniqueness of the Konark temple lies in its architectural beauty which was created by master sculptors of that time known as the Kalingan School.
Constructed in the mid-13th century, it’s a marvel built with balanced symmetry and design. The main reason why you should visit here is that it’s listed among New7Wonders of the World and under 13 Famous Historical Places of India.
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Charminar, Hyderabad, Telangana
Hyderabad has a rich history of Mughal architecture, with several historic sites and monuments spread around.
Many of these are located in Old City and include mosques, tombs, mausoleums, and palaces. Charminar is one such monument, a 16th-century Islamic architecture built by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah.
It is designed as a triumphal arch to celebrate his victory over Hindu rulers in the region.
This Concludes the Tropic on 13 Famous Historical Places of India.
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