Must visit top 21 heritage and monuments sites in India

The Taj Mahal is a world-renowned monument located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. It was built in the 17th century by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is widely considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the world, and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
 
The Taj Mahal is a stunning example of Mughal architecture, with its symmetrical design, use of white marble, and intricate carvings and inlays. The monument is surrounded by lush gardens and reflective pools, which add to its serene beauty.

Visitors to the Taj Mahal can explore the main mausoleum, which houses the tombs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, as well as several other structures on the grounds, including a mosque and guesthouse. The monument is open to visitors from sunrise to sunset, and is closed on Fridays for prayers.
In addition to its architectural and historical significance, the Taj Mahal has also become a symbol of love and devotion.
 
Today, the Taj Mahal is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India, attracting millions of visitors from around the world each year. Its stunning beauty and rich history continue to inspire and awe visitors to this day.
 
Location: Agra Uttar Pradesh
Best time to visit : October to March

The Red Fort is a world-renowned monument located in Delhi, India. It was built in the mid-17th century by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and served as the palace for the Mughal emperors for nearly 200 years. The Red Fort is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most iconic monuments in India.

The Red Fort is known for its imposing red sandstone walls, which surround the complex and are over 30 meters high in places. The complex includes a number of buildings and structures, including the Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), the Rang Mahal (Palace of Colours), and the Mumtaz Mahal, among others. The complex also features beautiful gardens and fountains, which add to its charm.

Visitors to the Red Fort can explore the various buildings and structures within the complex, including the museums which house various artifacts and exhibits related to the history of the Mughal empire.
The Red Fort is an important symbol of Indian history and culture, and is a popular tourist destination in Delhi.

Location: Delhi
Best time to visit : October to March

Qutub Minar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Delhi, India. It is a towering minaret that stands at a height of 73 meters and is one of the most iconic landmarks in India. The monument was built in the 12th century by Qutub-ud-din Aibak, the founder of the Delhi Sultanate, and is known for its impressive architecture and intricate carvings.

The Qutub Minar is made of red sandstone and marble, and is adorned with intricate carvings and inscriptions. The structure is divided into five levels, each with a balcony that offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The top level of the minaret is accessible via a spiral staircase that winds around the tower.

In addition to the Qutub Minar, the complex also includes a number of other historic structures, including the Iron Pillar of Delhi, which is over 1,500 years old and is known for its rust-resistant properties.

Visitors to the Qutub Minar can explore the various structures and learn about the history of the monument through the various exhibits and displays. The complex is surrounded by lush gardens and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.
It remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in Delhi and continues to inspire and awe visitors to this day.

Location: Delhi
Best time to visit : October to March

The Ajanta and Ellora Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Maharashtra, India. The caves are a complex of rock-cut temples and monasteries, and are known for their stunning architecture and intricate carvings.

The Ajanta Caves date back to the 2nd century BC and consist of 29 caves, which are cut into the side of a cliff. The caves feature beautiful murals and sculptures, which depict various scenes from the life of Buddha and other important figures in Buddhist history.

The Ellora Caves, on the other hand, were built between the 6th and 10th centuries AD and consist of 34 caves, which are cut into the side of a hill. The caves at Ellora are a mix of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain temples, and feature stunning architecture and intricate carvings.

Visitors to the Ajanta and Ellora Caves can explore the various caves and learn about the rich history and culture of the region. The caves are a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike, and offer a fascinating glimpse into the religious and artistic traditions of ancient India.

They remain one of the most popular tourist destinations in Maharashtra and continue to inspire and awe visitors to this day.

Location: Maharashtra 
Best time to visit : October to March

The Khajuraho Temples are a group of Hindu and Jain temples located in the Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh, India. They were built between the 9th and 11th centuries AD by the Chandela dynasty, and are known for their stunning architecture and intricate carvings.

The temples at Khajuraho are divided into three groups: the Western group, the Eastern group, and the Southern group. The Western group is the largest and most famous, and includes some of the most iconic temples, such as the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, the Chausath Yogini Temple, and the Devi Jagadambi Temple.
The temples at Khajuraho are known for their intricate carvings, which depict various scenes from Hindu mythology and everyday life. The carvings are incredibly detailed and showcase the skill and craftsmanship of the artisans of the time. 

Visitors to the Khajuraho Temples can explore the various temples and learn about the rich history and culture of the region. 

Location: Madhya Pradesh
Best time to visit : October to March

The Konark Sun Temple is a 13th-century Hindu temple located in the coastal town of Konark, in the Indian state of Odisha. The temple is dedicated to the sun god Surya, and is known for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings.

The Konark Sun Temple was built by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty in the 13th century, and is a magnificent example of ancient Indian architecture. The temple is designed in the shape of a chariot, with 24 intricately carved wheels and a team of seven horses pulling it.

The temple is known for its stunning carvings, which depict various scenes from Hindu mythology, as well as everyday life in ancient India. The carvings are incredibly detailed and showcase the skill and craftsmanship of the artisans of the time. The temple also features beautiful sculptures and statues, which are a testament to the artistic and religious traditions of ancient India.

The Konark Sun Temple is an important symbol of India's rich cultural heritage  and the temple was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.

Location: Odisha
Best time to visit : November to March
 

Fatehpur Sikri is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Agra district of Uttar Pradesh, India. It was built in the 16th century by the Mughal emperor Akbar, and served as the capital of the Mughal Empire for 14 years before being abandoned due to water shortage.
The complex at Fatehpur Sikri is a stunning example of Mughal architecture and design, featuring a mix of Hindu, Islamic, and Persian styles.

 

The site includes a number of palaces, mosques, and public buildings, including the Buland Darwaza, a massive gate that is one of the tallest in the world.

The buildings at Fatehpur Sikri are known for their intricate carvings and beautiful architecture, which reflect the artistic and religious traditions of the Mughal Empire. The site is a popular destination for tourists, who come to marvel at its beauty and learn about its rich history and cultural significance.

Location: Agra Uttar Pradesh
Best time to visit : October to March

Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Bellary district of Karnataka, India. It was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire from the 14th to the 16th century, and is known for its stunning ruins and ancient temples.
The ruins at Hampi include a number of palaces, temples, and public buildings, many of which are still in remarkably good condition despite being centuries old. The site is also home to a number of giant boulders, which add to its unique and otherworldly beauty.

Hampi is a popular destination for tourists and history buffs, who come to explore its ruins and learn about the rich cultural and religious traditions of the Vijayanagara Empire. The site is also of great significance to the local community, who consider it a sacred place and continue to practice their religious and cultural traditions there.

 

Hampi is an important symbol of India's rich cultural heritage and a testament to the skill and creativity of the architects and artisans of the Vijayanagara Empire. It remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in Karnataka, its stunning ruins, ancient temples, and natural beauty make it a truly unique and unforgettable place to visit.

Location: Karnataka
Best time to visit : November to March

Amber Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located near Jaipur in the state of Rajasthan, India. It was built in the 16th century by Raja Man Singh I and is known for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings. This herotage monuments of India is a treat to the eyes. 

The fort is located on a hill and is surrounded by a large moat. Visitors can enter the fort through a series of gates and courtyards. Fort's main attraction is the Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors), which is decorated with thousands of tiny mirrors that reflect light and create a dazzling effect.

Other notable features of the fort include the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), which features beautiful frescoes and carvings, and the Jai Mandir (Hall of Victory), which is decorated with delicate mirror work and features stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Amber Fort is an important symbol of Rajasthan's rich cultural heritage and a testament to the skill and creativity of the architects and artisans of the Mughal Empire. It remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in Jaipur and continues to inspire and awe visitors from around the world.

Location: Rajasthan
Best time to visit : October to March
 

Elephanta Caves is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on Elephanta Island in Mumbai, India. The caves are known for their intricate rock-cut temples and sculptures, which are believed to date back to the 5th century AD.

The caves are accessed by a short ferry ride from Mumbai, and visitors can explore the various chambers and temples that make up the complex. The most famous feature of the caves is the main temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and features a towering statue of the deity, as well as intricate carvings and sculptures depicting various scenes from Hindu mythology.

The caves also include several smaller shrines and temples, as well as a number of rock-cut sculptures and inscriptions.
 Visitors can explore the site on foot, taking in the stunning views of Mumbai Harbor and the surrounding landscape.
Elephanta Caves are an important cultural and historical site in India, and a must-see destination for anyone interested in the country's rich heritage.

Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Best time to visit : October to March

Sanchi Stupa is an ancient Buddhist monument located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is considered one of the most important and well-preserved Buddhist monuments in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The stupa was built during the Mauryan period in the 3rd century BCE and has been expanded and renovated over the centuries. It is believed to contain the relics of the Buddha himself, making it a sacred pilgrimage site for Buddhists around the world.

The stupa is surrounded by several other smaller stupas, temples, and monasteries, making it a complex of Buddhist monuments. Visitors can explore the various structures and admire the intricate carvings and sculptures that adorn them.

The Sanchi Stupa is an important cultural and historical site in India, and a testament to the country's rich Buddhist heritage. Its stunning architecture, intricate carvings, and historical significance make it a must-see destination for anyone interested in India's rich cultural history.

Location:Madhya Pradesh
Best time to visit : October to March

Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, is a coastal town located in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is famous for its group of ancient monuments, which are collectively designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The monuments at Mahabalipuram date back to the 7th and 8th centuries and are a testament to the creativity and skill of the Pallava dynasty that ruled the region during that time. The monuments include rock-cut temples, monolithic shrines, and bas-relief sculptures, among others.

One of the most famous monuments at Mahabalipuram is the Shore Temple, which is located on the shore of the Bay of Bengal. The temple is made of granite and features intricate carvings and sculptures that are representative of the Pallava style of architecture.

Location: Tamil Nadu
Best time to visit : November to March
 

Sarnath is a small town located in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sarnath is the place where the Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, making it a sacred site for Buddhists around the world. The town is home to several ancient Buddhist structures, including the Dhamek Stupa, which is believed to mark the spot where the Buddha delivered his sermon.

Visitors to Sarnath can explore the various Buddhist temples and monasteries, as well as the nearby Deer Park where the Buddha is said to have spent his first monsoon retreat. The town also has a museum that houses a collection of Buddhist artifacts and relics.

 

Golconda Fort is a historic fortress located in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad, Telangana. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist attraction in the region.
Built during the reign of the Kakatiya dynasty in the 13th century, the fort was later expanded by the Qutb Shahi dynasty in the 16th century. The fort served as the capital of the Qutb Shahi dynasty and was known for its diamond mines, which produced some of the world's most famous diamonds, including the Koh-i-Noor and the Hope Diamond.

The fort's architecture is a blend of Hindu and Islamic styles, and it features several gateways, bastions, and palaces. The fort also has a sophisticated water supply system and an intricate network of underground passages.

Visitors to Golconda Fort can explore the various structures, including the impressive main gate, the Qutb Shahi tombs, and the Durbar Hall. The fort also offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the city of Hyderabad and the nearby hills.

Golconda Fort is an important historical and cultural site in India and a must-see destination for anyone interested in the country's rich history and architecture.

Location:Hyderabad Telangana
Best time to visit : September to March