10 Fascinating Historical Places in India

When you speak of historic places in India, the list is endless. Right from the north to the south, east and west, there are so many places that are rooted in India’s glorious and rich past. While all of them are worthy of a visit, there are some that are exceptionally interesting and beautiful.

From palaces to forts, temples and stunning monuments, there are plenty of opulent and historic monuments in India, making it to various international travel guides, TV shows and books. We’ve rounded up the best historical places in India that every foreign tourist and Indian should visit.

Historical Places in India: North India

1. Taj Mahal

Constructed by Shah Jahan as a symbol of love, he built the Taj Mahal for his late wife Mumtaz. This iconic structure is the crown jewel of India. Built using the finest marble, the Taj Mahal has interesting stories to tell.

For all the information, book a guided tour that costs around Rs. 200 for Indian tourists. For a great experience, visit the full moon Taj-viewing experiences; it is something truly worth experiencing.

• • Location: Agra

• Entry fee: Rs. 40 (Indians), Rs. 1000 (Foreigners)

2. Agra Fort

Although the Agra Fort was built under the watchful eyes of King Akbar, its final architecture and design is the result of construction by many different empires. Made of red sandstone and marble, the fort possesses an appealing aura and pleasant charm.

The only point of entry for tourists to the magnificent Agra Fort is the Amar Singh Gate. Once inside, you can visit the palaces and the courtyard. One of the famous spots inside the Agra Fort is the Jahangiri Mahal that has a deep pool with stone steps.

• • Location: Agra

• Entry fee: Rs. 40 (Indians), Rs. 500 (Foreigners)

Suggested to Read : The Most Amazing Places to See Near Agra

3. Qutb Minar Complex

The monuments inside the Qutb Minar Complex are historic and stunning. The first structures at the complex were built by the sultans of Mehrauli and later by the Mughals.

The highlight at the Qutub Minar Complex is the Qutub Minar. It is a tall tower built in Afghan architectural styles and it has verses from the Quran written on it.

• • Location: Delhi

• Entry fee: Rs. 30 (Indians), Rs. 500 (Foreigners)

4. Red Fort

Ask anyone in Delhi about a must-visit place and they will tell you to drop by at the Red Fort. Built by Shah Jahan, this fort is a testament to the glorious architectural pride of the Mughal Empire. Visit the fort and soak in the tremendous historic ambience.

There’s a lot to see at the fort and for the best experience hire a guide. If you are visiting in the evening, do not forget to sit down for the sound and light show that is narrated by the legendary Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan.

• • Location: Delhi

• Entry fee: Rs. 30 (Indians), Rs. 500 (Foreigners)

5. Humayun’s Tomb

Humayun’s Tomb was built in the mid-16th century by Haji Begum for the late emperor. Boasting of Persian and Islamic architecture, this historic attraction is known for its precise geometric construction.

A stand out feature of Humayun’s Tomb is the lack of décor when you compare it to other tombs in North India, this one is toned down.

• • Location: Delhi

• Entry fee: Rs. 40 (Indians), Rs. 510 (Foreigners)

6. Fatehpur Sikri

This was one of the first planned cities in the Mughal Era. Although it was short-lived, it still plays a crucial role in Mughal history. The city was once brimming with buzzing palaces and public buildings. Today, these are all tourist attractions.

In Fatehpur Sikri, don’t forget to browse through the many beautiful monuments with decorative artwork on their pillars.  

• • Location: Uttar Pradesh  

• Entry fee: Rs. 40 (Indians), Rs. 500 (Foreigners)

7. Victoria Memorial

The Victoria Memorial in Kolkata was built to commemorate Britain’s 25 years of rule over India. Made of white marble, the building is an epitome of grace and beauty.

The stand out feature of the Victoria Memorial is the sixteen-foot tall bronze statue of victory atop the building. The best time to visit is at night when the entire building is illuminated.

• • Location: Kolkata

• Entry fee: Free

Historical Places in India: West India

1. Hawa Mahal

The Hawa Mahal was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in the shape of a crown because he was a strong devotee of Lord Krishna. Also called the Palace of Winds, this towering building features many intricately designed windows.

Access to the top is permitted and you can catch stunning views of Jaipur’s skyline. When you visit, do not forget to drop by at the small museum inside the Hawa Mahal, which displays excellent paintings and artwork.

• • Location: Jaipur

• Entry fee: Rs.10 (Indians), Rs. 50 (Foreigners)

2. Amer Fort

To get to the fort, you have to either travel by jeep or on an elephant. Once you get to the top, marvel at the intricate carvings and stunning designs on the walls. There are many palace complexes inside the fort and getting to all of them can be time-consuming; your best bet is to take a guided tour.

• • Location: Amer

• Entry fee: Rs. 25 (Indians), Rs. 250 (Foreigners)

3. Ajanta Caves

The Ajanta Caves were believed to have been cut out of the rock by Buddhist monks. These historic caves are fine examples of ancient Indian art and expressive painting. The caves are also UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

There are 30 caves at the site, but not all are accessible to tourists. If you are visiting during the peak tourist season, entry to the caves are only allowed for 15 minutes per person, to avoid crowding.

• • Location: Maharashtra

• Entry fee: Rs. 30 (Indians), Rs.500 (Foreigners)

Although there are plenty, these are the best heritage and historical places in India that are ideal for tourists to visit. The best way to enjoy them is booking a guided tour at their respective locations.

Have you been to any site that is historic but not mainstream? Do let us know, we would love to hear about it from you. Write to us in the comments section.