Top 10 Historical Monuments to Visit in India

1. Taj Mahal (Agra, Uttar Pradesh)

A memorial of love and faith apart from being a fine specimen of great architecture, Taj Mahal, was built at the banks of Yamuna River by Shah Jahan as a tribute of love for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died during child birth. 

2. Qutub Minar (Delhi)

Modelled as a classical Minar from which Muezzin calls the faithful prayers, Qutub Minar, a red and buff sandstone tower is the highest tower in India. Qutb-u'd-Din Aibak laid its foundation in AD 1199. 

3. Red Fort (Delhi)

Built by Emperor Shah Jahan, this red sandstone edifice served as the center of the Mughal Empire for over 200 years. Its foundation was laid in 1640 and completed by 1648. 

4. Khajuraho Temples (Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh)

Once a great capital of Chandela Kings, Khajuraho temples, hold the attention of the visitors with their exquisite and intricate sculptural art. Perfect in execution and sublime in expression and having captured various facets and moods of life in stone, Khajuraho temples is indeed a dedication to womanhood. 

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5. Ajanta and Ellora Caves (Aurangabad, Maharashtra)

Dating back to the 5th century, Ajanta Caves contain paintings and sculptures of major life events of Lord Buddha. While the Ellora caves are over 10 centuries old and represent elaborate sculptures of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain religion. There are a total of 30 caves which was discovered in AD 1819. 

6. Elephanta Caves (Near Mumbai)

Anciently known as "Gharapuri" or the Fort Town, this green island of Konkan Mauryas, is a rock-cut cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was excavated sometime in the 8th century by the Rashtrakuta King and is famous for its colossal image of Maheshamurti with three heads each representing a different form. 

7. Charminar (Hyderabad)

Built by Quli Qutub Shah in 1591, this splendid piece of architecture has four graceful minarets, which soars to the height of 48.7 m each. It is often referred to as "The Arc de Triomphe of the East" and is a blend of 'Cazia' and 'Islamic' style of architecture. 

8. Agra Fort (Agra, Uttar Pradesh)

Situated on the right bank of Yamuna River, Agra Fort was constructed by the third Mughal emperor Akbar on the remains on an ancient castle site known as Badalgarh in AD 1565-75. Enclosed by a double battle-mented 70-foot wall of red sandstone, Agra Fort is irregularly triangular which runs about 2 km in perimeter. The Delhi Gate on the west side of the palace is the most impressive of its four gates. 

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9. Fatehpur Sikri (Agra, Uttar Pradesh)

The erstwhile capital of Mughal dynasty, this dignified city was built by Mughal emperor, Akbar the great, in honour of Saint Shaikh Salim Chisti on Sikri ridge in 1571. 

10. Humayun Tomb (Nizamuddin, Delhi)

Built by Humayun's widowed Queen Haji Begum in 16th century AD, this Mughal architecture is the tomb of several Mughal rulers.

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Incredible India, isn't it? It is easy to see why this is one of the most popular destinations in Asia! If our article has made you excited to visit, get prepared view our website for tips, grab your Indian Visa, search our tours in India or if you are looking for a unique experience view our volunteer programs in India or plan a gap year in India. 

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