Hey, let’s go on a trip! One sentence can excite an individual no matter their age. Well, even before knowing the number of people accompanying us on a trip, the first thing to cross our mind is, ‘which place should we visit?’
India, with its rich culture, diversity, and heritage sites, never fails to give tourists spell bounding experiences. So let us check out the top 10 famous buildings in India, rich with ancient architecture, to be visited during your vacation.
Table of Contents
Taj Mahal, Agra
One of the Seven wonders of the world is The Taj Mahal. It is in the city of Agra and stands out for both—amazing architecture and history.
What Makes It So Unique?
Catching the eyes of people on the right bank of the river Yamuna. The white marble monument was built to house the tomb of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan’s favourite wife, Mumtaz Begum. Regarded as one of the best architectures from the Mughals, the Taj Mahal attracts millions of visitors every year.
This beauty took approximately 20,000 artists and 10 years to be built. Along with its magnificent architecture, Taj is considered a symbol of love and has been enlisted by UNESCO’s world heritage site.
You can tag along with other interesting places in this location that might include – Agra Fort, Mehtab Bagh, Itmad-ud-Daula, Taj Museum, and many more. No traveller would want to finish his journey in just one place, right?
Gateway Of India, Mumbai
Facing the vast Arabian Sea and being the prime tourist attraction, the Gateway Of India is located in one of the most crowded metropolitan cities—Mumbai! It was built in the 20th century to mark the landing of Emperor George V and Queen Mary in Bombay (now Mumbai).
Reasons To Visit The Gateway Of India
It was through this monument the last British troop left India following independence. Not to sidetrack the beautiful Taj Mahal Palace and Tower hotel located opposite the monument.
The place is a hub for locals, vendors, travellers, and photographers. Even if you visit Mumbai for all the Bollywood Actors you love, this place is recommended!
Mysore Palace, Mysore
Mysore Palace (Amba Vilas Palace) is located in Namma Mysuru, commonly known as the City Of Palaces. Tipu Sultan rebuilt the palace multiple times after taking over the Waodeyar Dynasty.
Why So Special?
The visit inside the palace will leave you spellbound, seeing the large carvings and extremely beautiful interiors. It is famous for its serene beauty, aesthetics, lovely paintings, spacious hall, huge gardens, and attractive architecture.
Managed by the Government of Karnataka, the place preserves various valuables of the Wodeyar, including everything from costumes to weaponry. You can also visit collections of traditional dolls (The Gombe Thotti, Golden Hawda, Maharaja’s golden Elephant Seat, Kalyana Mantapa, Elephant Gate, Wrestling Courtyard, Ambavilasa.
The prime attraction here is the light and sound show held in the evening, which you do not want to miss on your visit at any cost.
Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
Hawa Mahal, also known as Palace Of Winds, is situated in Jaipur, Rajasthan, a place known for its rich tradition and beauty.
What Makes It Unique?
Maharaja Swai Pratap Singh built the palace using red and pink sand and had 953 small windows, i.e. Jharokhas. As fascinating as it sounds, it was built for the ladies of the royal household to enjoy processions and moments of the local crowd.
The palace architecture looks like a Honey Comb, and the exciting fact is that it does not have a direct entrance. There are no stairs to climb; instead, they have ramps to reach the top floor.
Charminar, Hyderabad
One of the most magnificent mosques located in Hyderabad is Charminar (4 minarets). Popularly known for its busy local markets, it is a site for numerous festival celebrations too.
Explore The Real Architecture
It is known for its intricate architecture and different shops located surrounding the monument, like the Chudi Bazaar and the Laad Bazaar.
A visit to Chowmahalla palace, mecca masjid, and Tahniyat Mahal would give you an extra experience in this city.
Sanchi Stupa, Sanchi
Constructed by Emperor Ashok, Sanchi Stupa is a Buddhist Monument in Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh. It is considered to be living proof of Indian architecture.
Why So Special?
It was built to spread Buddhist philosophy and the way of life. UNESCO’s world heritage site enlisted the monument.
The Stupa is a massive and beautiful dome-like structure. The structure, in fact, represents 5 elements of the earth—the base as earth, the dome as water, the conical spire as fire, the lotus parasol and crescent moon represent air, the sun, and the dissolving point as wisdom.
Red Fort, Delhi
The heritage site, Red Fort, is situated at the centre of India’s capital Delhi. For all history lovers, this is a must-see place to visit. (Best time – Independence day celebration)
Reason To Ride The Red Fort
Built by the Mughals, the fort is known for its massive enclosing red walls, and the time required to build this massive monument was 10 years.
With a mixture of old and new traditions, Delhi is undoubtedly one place you can visit and explore to the fullest.
Golden Temple, Amritsar
Locally known as “Harmandir Sahab” (Abode of God), the Golden Temple is situated in Amritsar, Punjab. Destroyed several times over the years, the temple was built with copper in the 19th century and then covered with gold foil in 1830 by Maharaja Ranjith Singh.
Get A Golden Experience
Famous for its Golden Dome, the temple is the most sacred pilgrim spot for Sikhs. It is here that Sage Rishi wrote Ramayana. The temple is also well known for the feast served.
Guru Ka Langar is the community that offers free food to people who visit the temple. It is the largest free kitchen serving simple meals. The temple was built as a place of worship for all religions.
Sun Temple, Konark
Located in the small town of Konark on the east coast of India is the Sun Temple. Dedicated to the sun God Surya, the temple was built by King Narsimhadeva in the 13th century.
Why So Special?
Even though the temple has been destroyed (due to unknown reasons), it is praised for its mesmerising architecture. There are unique geometrical patterns and carved wheels depicted as sundials.
This temple is even depicted on the back of currency notes in India. It remains one of the most visited pilgrim places in India. UNESCO’s world heritage site enlisted the temple.
Rani Ki Vav, Gujarat
A massive step well located in the town of Patan, Gujarat, is Rani Ki Vav. The mesmerising structure is built on the banks of the Saraswati river, which was commissioned by Udayamati, the spouse of King Bhima I.
Why So Special?
The massive complex was found during excavation during the 1980s. It serves both as a well and an inverted temple. It is also depicted in the currency of India.
It showcases the excellent craftsmanship of that era with more than 800 sculptures, mainly on the Vishnu avatar. UNESCO’s world heritage site enlisted the step well since 2014
Final Words
For the longest time, India has been known to follow “Athithi Devo Bhava “, which means “Guest Is God”, and I’m sure anyone who visits the country will have a memorable time.
India is one of those places which welcomes everyone with homely warmth and love. These are the top 10 Famous Buildings in India. Make sure you visit these whenever you get a chance.
Also read: 10 Hindu Temples Near Chicago That Every Indian Must Visit