Historical Places in India: 10 Places and Monuments That Shaped Indian History

Did you know the Great Wall of India at Kumbhalga is the second-longest continuous wall in the world, or that Bhimbetka rock shelters are among he oldest rock shelters in the world? These are historical monuments that have stood the test of time. Therefore, if you want to understand history, you need to know about the historical places in India. This blog covers some of the top historical places in India that have shaped the cultural heritage and continue to attract history enthusiasts worldwide. We have also included a list of some of the stunning architectural marvels that make India a unique place to live.

Top 10 Historical Places in India 

These are the top ten historical places in India that you must visit. These historical places will transport you back in time and let you learn about ancient history.

S.No.	Historical Places in India	When Was It Built	Who Built It	Where Is It Located
1	Bhimbetka Rock Shelters	Over 30,000 years ago	Early humans	Madhya Pradesh
2	Dholavira	Around 3000 BC	Indus Valley Civilisation	Gujarat
3	Bodhgaya	Around 6th century BC	NA (site of Enlightenment)	Bihar
4	Nalanda University	5th century AD	Kumaragupta I (Gupta Empire)	Bihar
5	Ajanta & Ellora Caves	Ajanta: 2nd century BC; Ellora: 7th century AD	Satavahana and Rashtrakuta dynasties	Maharashtra
6	Mehrauli Archaeological Park	12th century AD	Delhi Sultanate	Delhi
7	Mandu Fort	14th century AD	Malwa Sultanate	Madhya Pradesh
8	Hampi	14th century AD	Vijayanagar Empire	Karnataka
9	Kumbhalgarh Fort	15th century AD	Rana Kumbha (Mewar Kingdom)	Rajasthan
10	Old Goa	16th century AD	Portuguese Empire	Goa

1. Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, Madhya Pradesh

Bhimbetka Rock Shelters are one of the prominent historical places in India. Bhimbetka consists of one of the oldest Indian cave paintings. The paintings are as old as 30,000 years!. Moreover, these rock shelters were continuously used from the Stone Age to the medieval period. You can find paintings of animals, battles fought, and the daily life of people covering the walls in red pigment. Archaeologists were able to find even an ancient ostrich eggshell bead in this place.

2. Dholavira, Gujarat

Dholavira is another one of the historical places in India. It used to be a part of the Indus Valley Civilisation and showcases advanced urban planning. This place was built 5000 years ago, and has stone structures and huge water reservoirs. A signboard with a mysterious Indus script still stands at the entrance of the city. This signboard is one of the earliest examples of public signage. You can find the Dholvaira ruins in the desert of Kutch. 

3. Bodhgaya, Bihar

Bodhgaya is one of the most important historical places in India. It is the place where Siddhartha became Buddha under the Bodhi Tree.e In fact, the Mahabodhi Temple was the exact spot of his enlightenment. Therefore, pilgrims around the world come here to pay their respects. Cell phones are not allowed inside the temple. The existing bodhi tree here is a direct descendant of the original one.

4. Nalanda, Bihar

Nalanda, Bihar, is one of the top historical places in India, and for a good reason. Nalanda was one of the world’s first residential universities. The university has been open since the 5th century AD. Asian students studied religion, logic, and more here. On the other hand, Chinese monks like Xuanzang wrote accounts of this educational institution. Today, Nalanda is in ruins. However, you can visit the nearby museum for ancient statues, books, and coins.

5. Ajanta & Ellora Caves, Maharashtra

The Ajanta & Ellora Caves are some of the popular historical places in India. These rock-cut caves display Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain art. The Ajanta walls consist of beautiful paintings of Buddha. On the other hand, Ellora is known for its Kailash Temple, which is carved from a single rock. Both sides are UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Kailash Temple is the world’s largest monolithic rock excavation!

6. Hampi, Karnataka

Hampi in Karnataka is one of the most well-known historical places in India. This place was the capital of the mighty Vijayanagara Empire.. The palaces, temples, and markets still stand amid giant boulders. The highlights of the city are the Virupaksha and Vittala Temple. You will find scenes from the Ramayana inscribed into these temple walls. Although this place is in ruins, it is yet hauntingly beautiful. The stone chariot at Hampi inspired the INR 50 note design.

7. Kumbhalgarh Fort, Rajasthan

Kumbhalgarh Fort in Rajasthan is one of the top historical places in India. It was built around the 15th century and is popular for its massive walls. It has 36 km of walls. In terms of length, it is only second to the Great Wall of China. The Kumbhalgarh Fort is home to hundreds of Jain temples. During invasions, the Rajastani rulers used it as a haven. The great Maharana Pratap was also born here.

8. Mandu, Madhya Pradesh

Mandu in Madhya Pradesh is one of the top historical places in India. It is a hilltop fortress town. You can find stunning Afghan architecture here. Earlier, it was one of the romantic capitals of the Malwa sultans. The old water structures in Mandu, like step wells and tanks, are used even today. Mandu is also popular for having an early hospital. This shows the medieval healthcare facilities. The epic love story of Baz Bahadur and Rani Roopmati also unfolded here.

9. Old Goa, Goa

Old Goa is another popular historical place in India. You can visit Old Goa fr the grand churches. These churches were built during the Portuguese rule. For example, the Basilica of Bom Jesus holds the remains of St. Francis Xavier. These churches have a blend of European designs and Indian artistic elements. One of the must-visit historical places you need to visit here is the Sé Cathedral and the Church of St. Francis.

10. Agra and Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh

As you may already know, Agra is famous for the Taj Mahal. However, the city has more to offer. You can find the Itmad-ud-Daulah’s tomb or the baby Taj. This tomb is equally beautiful, You can also visit the nearby Fatehpur Sikri, which was the capital of Emperor Akbar. You can marvel at the Buland Darwaza and Salim Chishti’s serene white tomb. Did you know that Fatehpur Sikri was abandoned due to water shortages? 

Also Read: Fun Facts About Delhi You Won’t Believe Are True

Top 10 Historical Monuments in India 

These are the top historical moments in India. These monuments are a symbol of ancient architecture and some of the wonders of Indian history.

1. Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is one of the top historical places in India that you must visit. Located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, the Taj Mahal is one of the wonders of the World. It was built by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The Mahal was constructed with white marble and is decorated with precious stones. It took more than 22 years and around 20,000 workers to complete the architectural marvel. Today, the Taj Mahal is known as the symbol of love and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2. Qutub Minar 

Qutub Minar is one of the popular historical places in India. It is the tallest brick minaret in the world and is about 73 meters tall. The construction of the Qutub Minar started in 1192. It was built by Qutb-ud-din Aibak. The minaret is made up of red sandstone and marble that has Arabic inscriptions. The Minar has 5 storeys with balconies (although you may not be permitted to enter). It is located within the Qutub complex, which is home to ancient ruins.

3. Red Fort 

The Red Fort should be a must-visit destination. It is one of the historical places in India that was built in 1648 by the Emperor Shah Jahan. It was the main residence of the Mughal emperors for 200 years. The Red Fort is made up of red sandstone. The sandstone has intricate carvings that will leave you spellbound. The Red Fort is the place where the Indian Independence Day is celebrated each year. It includes gardens, royal hills, and even museums.

4. Mysore Palace

The Mysore Palace was the Royal Residence of the Wodeyar dynasty. This palace was built in the Indo-Saracenic architectural style. During the Dasara festival, the Place was lit up with 100,000+ bulbs. Its interiors consist of mirrors, stained glass, and royal furniture. The secret tunnels of the palace were used by the Royals during emergencies. Today, the Mysore Palace is one of the most visited historical places in India.

5. Khajuraho Temples 

The Khajuraho Temples are located in Madhya Pradesh. They are popular for their sculptures and architecture. The Khajuraho Temples were supposedly built by the Chandela dynasty (950 AD- 1050 AD). The temples represent love, life, and spirituality. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Out of the total temples, only 20-25 temples remain even today. This is one of the historical places in India that was re-discovered by a British officer in 1838 (as they were hidden in the forest).

6. Jantar Mantar

The Janatar Mantar is an ancient observatory that is one of the most popular historical places in India. The Jantar Mantar was built around 1724 by Maharaja Jai Singh II. This observatory was made to study time and celestial movements. The observatory has the world’s largest sundial. It has a total of 19 large instruments, like star trackers and sundials. For example, the world’s largest stone sundial. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

7. Gateway of India

The Gateway of India was built around 1924. This Gateway was built to welcome King George V and Queen Mary. This is an iconic landmark that overlooks the Arabian Sea and is made in the Indo-Saracenic architectural style by making use of yellow basalt. The Gateway of India is the starting point for boat rides to the Elephanta Caves. Today, the Gateway of India stands as the symbol of the arrival of the British and their departure from India.

 8. Konark Sun Temple 

The Konark Sun Temple was built around the 13th century. This is one of the popular historical places in India. The Konark Sun Temple was designed as a part of a giant chariot for the Surya or the Sun God. King Narasimhadeva I is credited with building the temple. The temple has 24 stone wheels, each a sundial. You can find carvings of mythology, daily life, and even nature. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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