Top 10 Historical Places in India: Filled with diverse cultures and rich history, India is one of the few countries in the world that has received the status of a civilizational state. Today in this article we are going to learn about India’s Historical Sites. These sites define today’s India with the brilliance of the country’s ancient civilizations, royal dynasties and architecture. From the iconic Taj Mahal, a symbol of love, to the timeless ruins of Hampi that echo the grandeur of the Vijayanagara Empire, from Emperor Ashoka’s pillars to Buddha’s stupas and famous temples, India has many historical sites, which we will discuss one by one.
Top 10 Historical Places in India
The history of India has been culturally and religiously very wonderful. Today in this article we are going to tell you about the Top Historical Sites of India or Historical Place of India.
- Ashoka Emblem, Sarnath
- Taj Mahal
- Red Fort
- Ajanta and Ellora Caves
- Gateway of India
- Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
- Victoria Memorial
- Khajuraho Temple
- Mahabodhi Temple
- India Gate
1. Ashoka Emblem, Sarnath

The Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath is a symbol of the reign of Emperor Ashoka and one of the most oldest historical sites in India. It was built by Great Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. This pillar, located in Sarnath in Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh, India, is where Lord Buddha first taught religion. This pillar is famous for its lion-peak, which has four lions facing different directions. The royal emblem of India is also taken from this pillar.
2. Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is one of the 7 wonders of the world, built by Shah Jahan in memory of his Begum Mumtaz Mahal. Its construction began in 1632 and it is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Mainly white marble has been used in its construction, which was brought from Rajasthan. It has been built in Persian, Islamic and Indian architectural style. Every year lakhs of people come here to visit. Its height is 73 meters, dome, 4 minarets, garden, guest house and mosque are located in its center.
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3. Red Fort
The Red Fort is a magnificent example of Mughal architecture. It was built in 1648 by Shah Jahan and was the residence of the Mughal emperor. It is built of red stones and reflects Mughal, Persian, Timurid and Indian architecture. Spread over 254 acres, the fort includes Diwan-I-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas, Mumtaz Mahal, Rang Mahal and Moti Masjid. Jawaharlal Nehru gave his first famous Independence Day speech here on 15 August 1947.
4. Ajanta and Ellora Caves

Ajanta and Ellora Caves are 2 significant historical sites of India located in Maharashtra, which reflect the rich cultural and religious history of India. Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These caves were built by cutting rocks in the 2nd century BCE and 6th CE. The paintings made in Ajanta are based on Buddha and Jataka tales. Ellora caves are 100 km away from Ajanta, here Buddhist, Hindu and Jain temples can be seen, the most famous is the Kailash Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
5. Gateway of India
The Gateway of India, located in Mumbai, Maharashtra, was built in the colonial era. It was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India and is 26 meters high. The architectural style of the Gateway of India is an amalgamation of Indo Saracenic design and is designed by George Wittet. The Gateway of India is the place from where the last British soldiers left India.
6. Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
Hawa Mahal is a wonderful example of architecture located in Rajasthan, India. This is why it is one of the Top 10 Historical Places in India. It was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh Kushwaha and designed by Lal Chand Ustad. This five-story building is made of red sandstone and has about 953 small windows. Hawa Mahal was built for Rajput women who lived in veil so that they could watch the festivals and everyday life on the street without being seen by anyone.
7. Victoria Memorial

The Victoria Memorial was built between 1906 and 1921 in memory of Queen Victoria. It was built with white marble stones. Designed by Sir William Emerson, this structure is a great example of British and Indian architecture. It is one of the top India’s Historical Sites. The monument is surrounded by lush gardens and has a museum that houses artifacts, paintings and papers.
8. Khajuraho Temple
Khajuraho Temple located in Madhya Pradesh is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is known for its architecture and erotic sculptures. These temples were built by the kings of the Chandela dynasty between 950 and 1050 AD. There were a total of 85 temples then but now only 25 temples are left. The temple is divided into three groups, Western, Eastern and Southern temples.
9. Mahabodhi Temple
The Mahabodhi Temple is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Buddhists around the world. It is located in Bodh Gaya, Bihar and is the place where Prince Siddhartha Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree around 500 BC. The structure dates back to the 5th-6th century and has been renovated several times. The temple’s spire is 50 meters high and is a great example of ancient Buddhist styles.
10. India Gate
India Gate located in the capital of India, New Delhi, is dedicated to the 82,000 soldiers who died in World War 1 and the Anglo-Afghan War. It was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and inaugurated in 1931. The names of 13,300 soldiers are inscribed on its surface. Below the arch is the Amar Jawan Jyoti, burning in memory of the unknown brave soldiers.
FAQs
What is the significance of the Ashoka Pillar of Sarnath?
It marks the reign of Great King of the World Emperor Ashoka, and is the place where Buddha first taught.
Why is the Taj Mahal famous?
Taj Mahalis a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
What makes Ajanta and Ellora Caves unique?
They feature ancient rock-cut caves with intricate Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain artworks.