"Places You Need to Visit In India"
With more than 30,000 years of history, India is the birthplace of numerous cultures and religions making it one of the most important tourist destinations in the world. Being ruled over various dynasties and kingdoms before being established as a republic in the 20th century, India has more than thousand tourist attractions and several World Heritage Sites. Listed below are some of the most extravagant places you can visit in India.
1. The Red Fort, Delhi
2. The Taj Mahal, Agra
The name Taj Mahal, translates to the ‘Crown Palace’ and is one of the most famous and marvelous buildings in India. Located in the city of Agra, Taj Mahal is actually a mausoleum built to house the remains of Mumtaz Mahal, the wife of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The building is known for its extensive use of white marble and was completed in the mid-17th century.
3. Pangong Lake, Ladakh
4. Valley of Flowers, Nainital
5. Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer
Located amidst the golden sands of the Thar Desert, the Jaisalmer Fort was built by the Bhati Rajput King Rawal Jaisal. It remained an important trade center during the medieval era before the popularity of maritime trade centers such as Bombay and Calcutta. Today, it is one of the important tourist centers in Rajasthan known for its exquisite Rajput Architecture and scenic beauty.
6. Ruins of Hampi, Karnataka
7. Ghats at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Also known by the names Kashi and Benares, Varanasi is said to have been continuously inhibited since the 11th century BC and is known to be the spiritual capital of India. The city is also known for its Ghats located on the banks of the Ganges River and were mostly built during the 18th century. Today, the Ghats are known to attract a large number of devotees and tourists who visit Varanasi to Pradeep Kumbhashi seek spiritual salvation.
8. Backwaters, Kerala
The Backwaters of Kerala are essentially a group of 5 lagoons that are linked by natural and manmade canals. These waterways were mainly used for trade during the older times and are known for their scenic beauty and a rich variety of flora, fauna, avi-fauna and marine life.
9. Old Goa, Goa
10. Umaid Bhavan Palace, Jodhpur
A marvelous example of the Indo-European architecture, the Umaid Bhavan was built during the 1920’s and is known as one of the largest private residences in the world. The palace was criticized for its expensive architecture but also helped the citizens of Jodhpur to sustain their living during a 3 year famine. It was commissioned by the 37th Rathore King Umaid Singh.
11. Jama Masjid, Delhi
Known formally as ‘Masjid-i-Jahan-Numa’, the Jama Masjid was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the mid-17th century. The mosque is built in a majestic Indo-Islamic style mainly in Red Sandstone and marble. Jama Masjid has three gateways, 2 minarets and four towers that provide it with an imposing look.
12. Akshardham Temple, Delhi
Inaugurated in 2005, the Akshardham temple in Delhi is known as one of the major Hindu temples in India. The structure of the temple is made from sculpted sandstone and took almost 7000 artisans to complete. The entire complex is decorated with sculpted pillars, sculptures depicting deities, sadhus and animals along with scenes from the Hindu mythology.
13. Old Bombay, Mumbai
Before it was ceded to the British, the port city of Mumbai was a group of 7 islands, which were connected into a single landmass through land reclamation around the late 18th century. Since then the city was developed as a major port town in India after the construction the Suez Canal. The old town is known for its historic architecture and various tourist attractions in Mumbai.
14. Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Aurangabad
Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Aurangabad are rock cut Buddhist caves that date back as far as the 2nd century BC to 800 AD. The Ajanta Caves mainly consist of rock cut monuments dedicated to the ancient Buddhist traditions, while Ellora cave contain Hindu, Buddhist and Jain monuments built during the Rashtrakuta Empire.
15.The Golden Temple, Amritsar
16. Charminar, Hyderabad
The Charminar or 4 Minarets is a historical monument that was built by the Qutub Shahi Dynasty during the late 16th century. Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah who was the ruler of Golkonda built the monument to commemorate the founding of the city of Hyderabad an important trade route. The structure is known for the signature 4 minarets, which are built in a marvelous Indo-Islamic style. The second floor of the structure also houses a mosque, which is also a remarkable work of medieval architecture.
17. Amber Fort, Jaipur
The medieval town of Amer was the former capital of the Kachwaha Rajputs, with the fort serving as their seat till the 18th century. The Amber fort is not only one of the most majestic monuments in India but its scenic location and preservation makes it a major tourist attraction in Jaipur.
18. Rashtrapati Bhavan, Delhi
Known during the British Raj as the Viceroy’s House, Rashtrapati Bhavan is known as the seat and residence of the President of India. The structure is built in a vast area that encompasses 320 acres of land, in a marvelous style that incorporates styles from Indian and European architecture.
19. Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya
The Mahabodhi Temple is one of the major pilgrim site for the Buddhists as it the place where Lord Buddha received enlightenment. The temple is located at a distance of 96 kilometers from Patna and is also the sight of the Bodhi Tree, the exact spot where Siddhartha Gautama meditated in around 589 BC.
20. Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai
Dedicated to the Hindu deities Parvati and Lord Shiva, Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai is a typical Dravidian style temple, with a prominent Gopuram that reaches almost 50 meters high. The current structure was built during the 17th century, although the temple has existed since ancient times.
21. Khajuraho Temples, Chattarpur
Located at around 175 kilometers from Jhansi, the Khajuraho Group of Temples is a UNESCO World Heritage Site built around the 1st century AD by the Chandela Rajputs. The construction of the temples is a remarkable example of the Hindu Nagara style architecture and is also famous for its sculptures depicting various deities, animals, mythical creatures and erotica.
22. Elephanta Caves, Mumbai
The Elephanta Caves are located on the Elephanta Island, at a short distance of 11 kilometers from the Apollo pier in Mumbai. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Caves are famous for their ancient rock cut temples dedicated to the Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
23. City Palace, Udaipur
After leaving Chittor due to its strategic disadvantage, the Sisodiya Rajputs established their new kingdom as the city of Udaipur and made it the capital of Mewar. The construction of the City Palace was started in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh and was improved by his successors for the next 300 years. The palace is one of the most visited monuments in India and is known for its opulent Hindu Rajput Architecture.
24. Havelock Island, Andamans
Havelock islands are located in the Andamans at a short distance of 57 kilometers from Port Blair. The island is one of the largest in the Andamans and is known for its exquisite beaches and white sands. The shoreline is strikingly different from most other beaches found in India and is one of the few must visit exotic locations in the country.
25. Tirupati, Chittoor
Dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara, a form of the Hindu deity Lord Vishnu, Tirupati is regarded as the richest Hindu temple in the world and is known for its remarkable Dravidian architecture. The temple is also located atop the Tirumala hill at an elevation of 853 meters above sea level.
26. Tawang Monastery, Tawang
Known as the largest monastery in India, Tawang Monastery was founded in the 17th century, under the orders from the 5th Dalai Lama of the Tibetan Buddhist sect. The building is located at an elevation of 3000 meters above sea level and is known for its scenic views and remarkable architecture.
27. Kaziranga National Park, Assam
The Kaziranga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known to be one of the last few strongholds of the one-horned rhinoceros. It is spread around an area of 430 sq. kilometers and is known for its varied terrain and vegetation that houses a large number of wildlife species.
28. Kesaria Stupa, Kesaria
Located in Bihar, Kesaria Stupa is one the largest Buddist stupas in the world. It was built around the 2nd and 7th century AD and stands more than 300 feet in height. The stupa was also known to be visited by Lord Buddha and is also mentioned in the writings of Chinese traveller Heiun Tsang that signifies its historical importance.
29. Palitana Temples, Bhavnagar
The Jain temples of Palitana are located in the Bhavnagar district of Gujarat and are known for its marvelous rock sculpted exteriors. The group of temples is known to be one of the most holy pilgrimage sites for the Jain community and is located at an elevation of 603 meters, accessible through climbing around 4000 steps.
30. City Palace, Jaipur
The city of Jaipur was established as the new capital of the Kachwaha Rajputs and the City palace is located in the heart of the walled city. Constructed during the 18th century, the palace is a remarkable example of Rajput architecture and combines traditional Hindu architecture with European elements. The building houses a museum and a portion is still used by the erstwhile royal family as their residence.
31. Sun Temple, Konark
Sun temple of Konark was built during the 13th century by the kings of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty. Known for its remarkable architecture and antiquity, the temple is built by carving large boulders of rock and resembles a large stone chariot. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is believed to be the exact spot where Lord Krishna’s son Sambha meditated to cure his leprosy.
32. Rani Ki Vav, Patan
Constructed by the king of the Solanki Dynasty in Gujarat, Rani Ki Vav in Patan, is a stone step- well that is known for its intricate carvings and architecture. The construction of the place dates back to the 11th century AD and is one of the largest step-wells in India.
33. Chaturbhuj Temple, Orchha
The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and was constructed by the Bundela Rajputs of Madhya Pradesh around the 16th century AD. Chaturbhuj temple of Orchha is known for its remarkable architecture with tall spires, which give them an imposing look. The interiors and exteriors have also been extensively adorned with stone carvings depicting flowers, petals and geometric patterns.
34. Cellular Jail, Port Blair
The Cellular Jail or Kala Pani is a historic Jail that was used to incarcerate political prisoners during the British Rule in India. The construction of the prison complex dates back to the late 19th century as a response to the revolt of 1857. The jail was also designed keeping in mind that the prisoners weren’t allowed to communicate amongst themselves.
35. Borra Caves, Vishakhapatnam
The Borra Caves in Vishakhapatnam are arguably the deepest cave in India that goes to a depth of 80 meters. The caves are covered with stalagmites and stalactites due to the limestone content in the walls. The caves are also a revered Hindu pilgrimage spot due to the presence of several stalagmite lingams, the representation of Lord Shiva.
36. The Ridge, Shimla
If you are on your visit to the enchanting city of Shimla, then you must visit ‘The Ridge’. The place is a large open area, located in the centre of Shimla and is the heart of all its commercial and tourist activities and connects several places of interest in Shimla.
37. Tso Moriri Lake, Ladakh
The Tso Moriri is another enchanting glacial lake, located in the high mountain escapades of Ladakh at a height of 4522 meters above sea level. The lake is accessible from Leh and can be reached easily from the Pangong Tso. The place is known for its pristine blue waters and views of the surrounding Himalayas.
38. Mysore Palace, Mysore
The Mysore palace was built between 1897 and 1912, by the Wodeyar Kings of Mysore and is known for its remarkable architectural design, receiving more than 6 million visitors each year. The design of the palace beautifully combines elements from Hindu, Mughal and Gothic architecture decorated with ornamental designs.
39. Bangalore Palace and Grounds, Bangalore
One of the few buildings in India to be built in Tudor Style, the Bangalore Palace was constructed by the Maharaja of Mysore during the early 20th century and is one of the must visit places in Bangalore. The palace was initially started as the residence for the principal of the Central High School, but the site was later bought by the Maharaja. The grounds of the palace are known for hosting various cultural events and appearances by music icons such as Deep Purple, Rolling Stones, Metallica, Aerosmith, Mark Knopfler, Roger Waters and Elton John etc.
40. Gwalior Fort, Gwalior
Although the fort has seen a large number of various dynasties and empires, it was said to have been constructed by Suraj Sen Kachwaha during the 5th century. Gwalior fort in Gwalior comprises of two main palaces and several temples that are dedicated to Hindu, Buddhist and Jain traditions.
41. Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, Raisen
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Bhimbetka Rock Shelters are known to be one of the oldest archeological sites in the world. Believed to have been used since the time of Homo erectus, the caves contain an extant number of ancient cave drawings that date back to more than 30,000 years old.
42. Victoria Terminus (Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus), Mumbai
One of the finest examples of Indo-Gothic Revival architecture, Victoria Terminus or Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus is one of the busiest railway stations in India. The construction was completed in 1888 and the design of the building is attributed to Fredrick William Stevens. The station has become an icon of the city of Mumbai and is one of its most recognizable landmarks.
43. Jagannath Temple, Puri
The site of the temple has been used for worship since the ancient times, but the existing structure was built by the Kings of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty during the 12th century AD. Jagannath Temple in Puri is known as a major Hindu pilgrimage site and is also a part of the Char Dham pilgrimage in Hindu traditions.
44. Lingaraja Temple Complex, Khurda
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Lingaraja Temple is one of the largest Hindu temples in Bhubaneswar and was built during the 11th century. The temple is also one of the few remaining specimens of the Kalinga style architecture and was built by the rulers of the Ganga dynasty.
45. Udayagiri Caves, Bhopal
The Udayagiri Caves are known to be some of the oldest Hindu structures in India and were said to have been constructed by the Gupta Empire around the 5th century AD. The caves are one of the most visited tourist destinations in Bhopal. They are known for their rock cut depictions of various Hindu deities and their incarnations.
46. Qila Mubarak, Bhatinda
Known to have been built by the Kushan Emperor Kanishka during the 1st century AD, The Quila Mubarak is one of the oldest forts in India. The fort is notable for being the final resting place of Razia Sultan, the first female monarch of Delhi who was incarcerated here.
47. Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar
One of the major sites of the Indian struggle for Independence, the Jallianwala Bagh is a monument of National importance. It was here that the British officials opened fire on a rather peaceful Indian crowd including women and children. The garden is spread across an area of 6.5 acres and still contains several bullet marks left by the British.
48. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalay, Mumbai
The building was initially built as the residence to the Prince of Wales who visited India in 1904. After his departure, the building was turned into a museum to promote the arts and crafts of India. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalay is one of the largest museums in India and is known for its extant collection of artifacts and archeological findings that provide a view of the country’s history.
49. Lake Palace, Udaipur
Marketed as one of the most romantic luxury hotels in India, Lake Palace was constructed by Maharana Jagat Singh II of Mewar in the mid-18th century. The palace derives its name from its remarkable location, right in the middle of the enchanting Lake Pichola. The monument can only be reached via a speed boat that operates from a nearby jetty.
50.Ghats and Old City of Pushkar, Pushkar
The holy town of Pushkar is one of the most revered places by the Hindus and is often called as the ‘King of pilgrimage sites’. The lake is said to have been created by the blessings of Lord Brahma and the surrounding city is one of the oldest in India. The city of Pushkar is also known for its Brahma temple, one of the few sites in the world dedicated to the Hindu god of creation.
51. Ranakpur Jain Temple, Ranakpur
One of the finest examples of the Maru-Gurjara Architecture, The Ranakpur Jain Temple is located in Pali district of Rajasthan. The temple was constructed in 1437, under the patronage of the Maharana of Mewar. The temple is constructed entirely in white marble and adorned with elaborate carvings.
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