Explore India's Rich Historical Heritage








Taj Mahal, Agra
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is considered a masterpiece of Mughal architecture and attracts millions of visitors annually.Qutub Minar, Delhi
This 73-meter tall minaret is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the tallest brick minaret in the world. Built in 1193 by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, it marks the beginning of Muslim rule in India.Red Fort, Delhi
Constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1648, the Red Fort served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors. It is known for its massive enclosing walls and is a symbol of India’s rich history.Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi
A precursor to the Taj Mahal, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was built in 1570 and houses the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun. The architecture is notable for its Persian influence.Jantar Mantar, Jaipur
Built by Maharaja Jai Singh II in 1734, Jantar Mantar is a collection of nineteen architectural astronomical instruments. It is one of the largest and best-preserved observatories in the world.Amber Fort, Jaipur
This majestic fort, located on a hilltop, was built by Raja Man Singh I in 1592. It showcases a blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture and is famous for its artistic elements.Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
Also known as the Palace of Winds, it was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. Its unique five-story exterior is akin to the honeycomb of a beehive, with 953 small windows.City Palace, Udaipur
A grand complex built over nearly 400 years, the City Palace is located on the banks of Lake Pichola. It showcases a fusion of Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles.Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur
One of the largest forts in India, Mehrangarh was built in 1459 by Rao Jodha. It stands 400 feet above the city and houses a museum with a rich collection of artifacts.Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer
Known as the Golden Fort, it was built in 1156 AD by Rawal Jaisal. The fort’s massive yellow sandstone walls take on a golden hue during the day, blending with the desert surroundings.Sanchi Stupa, Sanchi
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Great Stupa at Sanchi was commissioned by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. It is one of the oldest stone structures in India and a significant Buddhist monument.Khajuraho Temples, Madhya Pradesh
Famous for their erotic sculptures, the Khajuraho Group of Monuments were built between 950 and 1050 AD. These temples represent a unique artistic heritage and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra
These 29 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments date from the 2nd century BCE to about 480 CE. They are renowned for their exquisite frescoes and sculptures and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Ellora Caves, Maharashtra
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ellora features 34 rock-cut temples and monasteries dating from 600 to 1000 CE. The site represents Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain religions.Gateway of India, Mumbai
Built in 1924, this arch monument commemorates the landing of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911. It is an iconic symbol of Mumbai and a major tourist attraction.Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Mumbai
This historic railway station, formerly known as Victoria Terminus, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Completed in 1888, it is an outstanding example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture in India.Konark Sun Temple, Odisha
Built in the 13th century, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a stunning example of Kalinga architecture. The temple is designed as a colossal chariot with intricately carved stone wheels, pillars, and walls.Jagannath Temple, Puri
One of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, this temple was built in the 12th century. It is famous for its annual Rath Yatra, where the deities are taken out on giant chariots.Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram includes rock-cut temples, monolithic structures, and cave sanctuaries from the 7th and 8th centuries. They showcase the Pallava dynasty’s architectural prowess.Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur
Also known as the Big Temple, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was built by Raja Raja Chola I in the 11th century. It is an outstanding example of Chola architecture and features a massive towering vimana.Mysore Palace, Karnataka
The official residence of the Wadiyar dynasty, Mysore Palace was completed in 1912. It is known for its Indo-Saracenic architecture and its annual illumination during the Dasara festival.Hampi, Karnataka
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th century. It is renowned for its ruins, which include temples, palaces, and market streets.Golconda Fort, Hyderabad
Built in the 13th century, this fortress was the capital of the medieval Golconda Sultanate. It is famous for its acoustics, palaces, and the stunning Fateh Rahben gun.Charminar, Hyderabad
Constructed in 1591, this iconic monument is a symbol of Hyderabad. The Charminar features four grand arches and is a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture.Rani ki Vav, Gujarat
This stepwell, built in the 11th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is renowned for its intricate carvings and sculptures, depicting the Dasavatara and other themes.Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, Gujarat
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this park includes a concentration of largely unexcavated archaeological, historic, and living cultural heritage properties. It represents a blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture.Sarkhej Roza, Ahmedabad
A complex of tombs and a mosque built in the 15th century, Sarkhej Roza exemplifies early Islamic architectural styles influenced by Persian and indigenous designs.Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad
This ashram served as one of the residences of Mahatma Gandhi. It was from here that Gandhi led the Dandi March in 1930, a significant event in India’s struggle for independence.Ranthambore Fort, Rajasthan
Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Hill Forts of Rajasthan, Ranthambore Fort was built in the 10th century. It offers stunning views of the surrounding national park and is home to ancient temples.Chittorgarh Fort, Rajasthan
The largest fort in India, Chittorgarh Fort has a history of Rajput valor and sacrifice. It features several palaces, gates, temples, and two prominent towers.Jama Masjid, Delhi
Commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1656, this is one of the largest mosques in India. It is an exquisite example of Mughal architecture with its grand domes and minarets.Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fatehpur Sikri was the capital of the Mughal Empire under Akbar. It is known for its well-preserved palaces, courtyards, and mosques.Buland Darwaza, Fatehpur Sikri
This grand gateway was built by Akbar in 1601 to commemorate his victory in Gujarat. Standing 54 meters tall, it is the highest gateway in the world.Rumi Darwaza, Lucknow
Built under Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784, this imposing gateway is a fine example of Awadhi architecture. It is often referred to as the Turkish Gate due to its resemblance to gateways in Istanbul.Victoria Memorial, Kolkata
Completed in 1921, this white marble building was dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria. It now serves as a museum and is a prominent tourist attraction in Kolkata.Howrah Bridge, Kolkata
Commissioned in 1943, the Howrah Bridge is a cantilever bridge that spans the Hooghly River. It is an engineering marvel and a symbol of Kolkata.Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this temple marks the location where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment. It is one of the holiest sites in Buddhism.Nalanda University, Bihar
Dating back to the 5th century CE, Nalanda was a renowned center of learning and a Buddhist monastery. It is one of the oldest universities in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Kumbhalgarh Fort, Rajasthan
Built in the 15th century by Rana Kumbha, this fort has the second-longest continuous wall in the world. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Hill Forts of Rajasthan.Rajasthan, Jaipur
An opulent palace complex, the City Palace houses museums and the residence of the Jaipur royal family. It showcases a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture.Jantar Mantar, Delhi
Built by Maharaja Jai Singh II in 1724, this astronomical observatory features 13 architectural instruments. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Lothal, Gujarat
One of the southernmost cities of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, Lothal was a vital port town. It is renowned for its well-planned dockyard and drainage system.Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Known as the “Yoga Capital of the World,” Rishikesh is famous for its ashrams and temples. It is a major pilgrimage site and a gateway to the Himalayas.Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this national park is renowned for its meadows of endemic alpine flowers. It is also home to rare and endangered animals.Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram
One of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, this temple is known for its longest corridor among all Hindu temples. It is a fine example of Dravidian architecture.Somnath Temple, Gujarat
This temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. It has been destroyed and rebuilt several times, symbolizing the resilience of faith.Kailasa Temple, Ellora
Part of the Ellora Caves, the Kailasa Temple is an enormous rock-cut temple dedicated to Shiva. It is a testament to ancient Indian engineering and artistry.Elephanta Caves, Maharashtra
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, these rock-cut caves date back to the 5th to 8th centuries. They are renowned for their intricate sculptures depicting Hindu deities.Meenakshi Temple, Madurai
An architectural marvel, this historic Hindu temple is dedicated to Meenakshi, a form of Parvati, and her consort Sundareswarar, a form of Shiva. It is known for its towering gopurams (gateway towers).Ranakpur Jain Temple, Rajasthan
This 15th-century temple is a stunning example of Jain architecture, dedicated to Tirthankara Adinatha. It is renowned for its intricate marble carvings and 1,444 uniquely carved pillars.