10 Famous Historical Places in India: Discovering Timeless Heritage

The introduction is an exciting invitation to join a journey through time and explore the famous historical places in India, from the grandeur of the Mughal Era to the grand architecture of the British Raj, and the ancient Indus Valley Civilization.

Our blog is divided into three exciting sections:

• 1] The grandest sites from the Mughal Era,
• 2] The most iconic landmarks from the British Raj,
• 3] The most fascinating finds from the Indus Valley Civilization.

Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to discover the famous historical places in India!

Famous Historical Places from the Mughal Era in India

Taj Mahal:

Oh, the Taj Mahal is truly a sight to behold! It’s one of the most iconic and recognizable landmarks in India, and for good reason. The white marble structure is a masterpiece of architectural genius and a symbol of love that has stood the test of time.

It was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a tribute to his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who passed away during childbirth in 1631. They started building it in 1632 and it took them 21 years to complete it. It’s considered one of the best examples of Mughal architecture, which is a mix of Indian, Persian and Islamic styles. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it’s known as one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. To keep it looking fresh, they’ve done some restoration and preservation work on it in the past.

Entry fee: INR 45 (Indians), INR 1,050 (foreigners), INR 535 (SAARC and BIMSTEC), INR 200 (for every tourist who wishes to enter the mausoleum), FREE (for children below 15 years)

Timings: 06:00 a.m. to 06:30 p.m. (Closed on Fridays)

Best time to Visit: During winter

Unknown fact about Taj mahal: The Taj Mahal was not always white, but was originally a yellow color. The white marble was covered with a layer of lime plaster, which has been slowly eroding over time, revealing the yellow sandstone beneath.

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Agra fort:

Get ready to be transported back in time as we take you on a journey to one of the most famous historical places in India, the Agra Fort! Also known as the Red Fort of Agra, this grand fortress was built by the Mughal emperor Akbar in the 16th century, and later expanded by his grandson Shah Jahan.

It’s a true marvel of Mughal architecture, boasting intricate carvings, stunning architectural design, and a rich history. From the grand halls for the emperor’s audience to the mirrored palace, every inch of this 94-acre fort is packed with fascinating stories and features that will leave you in awe. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to discover one of the most iconic landmarks of India’s history!

Main attraction: The Sheesh Mahal- This palace has walls and ceiling made of mirrors and it is known for its intricate work and is a major tourist attraction.

Entry fee : INR 25 [Indians], INR 1080[foreigners]

Timings: 06:30am to 7:00 pm

Unknown fact about Agra fort: The Agra Fort was not only a palace but also a prison. Mughal emperors, including Shah Jahan, were imprisoned in the fort by their own sons. Shah Jahan was kept under house arrest in the fort’s Musamman Burj, where he could see the Taj Mahal from his window.

Red fort:

Embark on a journey through time as we guide you to discover one of the most renowned historical sites in India, the Red Fort!

Built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the mid-17th century, this grand fortress is a true marvel of Mughal architecture, boasting impressive architectural design, intricate carvings, and a rich history. From the grand halls for the emperor’s private audience to the palace for the royal ladies, every inch of this 254.67 acres fort is packed with fascinating stories and features that will leave you in awe. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to discover one of the most iconic landmarks of India’s history and where British announced the transfer of power to India on 15th august 1947!

Main attraction: Hayat Bakhsh Bagh, a garden with a large central canal, and the Mumtaz Mahal, a palace built for one of Shah Jahan’s queens.

Entry fee: Indians- INR 10, Foreigners- INR 250
Timings: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm daily (Closed on Mondays)

Unknown fact about Red fort: Red Fort was originally white in color, not red. It was painted red by British colonizers in the 19th century, which is how it gets its name. The original white marble was plundered by the British to build their own buildings in the colonial capital of Calcutta (now Kolkata).

Humayun’s tomb:

Step back in time to the grandeur of the Mughal era as you visit the breathtaking Humayun’s Tomb.

This 16th-century masterpiece, located in Delhi, India, was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent and served as inspiration for many other famous historical places from the Mughal era, including the iconic Taj Mahal. Built by the Mughal emperor Humayun’s wife, the tomb is a blend of Persian, Timurid and Indian architectural styles, and it is surrounded by a lush square garden complete with water channels and pathways. Not only the tomb of Humayun is a must-see attraction but also the surrounding tombs and monuments are architectural gems that should not be missed. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a true testament to the grandeur and elegance of the Mughal era, and it’s a must-see for any history or architecture enthusiast.

Entry fee: Indians- INR 40, Foreigners- INR 510

Timings: 7 am to 7 pm

Main attraction: The intricate geometric designs and inscriptions from the Quran: The interior of the tomb is decorated with intricate geometric designs and inscriptions from the Quran, which are the fine example of Mughal era’s architectural and artistic skills

Unknown fact about Humayuns tomb: The tomb is said to have been the inspiration for the design of the United Nations headquarters in New York City and it was also a main inspiration for the Taj mahal.

Buland Darwaza:

Get ready to be awed by one of the most impressive and grand monuments of the Mughal era, the Buland Darwaza! Located in Fatehpur Sikri, this towering gate stands at a staggering 53 meters tall and was built by Emperor Akbar to commemorate his victory over Gujarat. The gate is made of red sandstone and white marble, and it is decorated with intricate carvings and inscriptions.

As you approach the gate through a flight of steps and a long causeway, you’ll be struck by the fusion of Islamic and Hindu architectural styles, making it a true architectural masterpiece.

Experience history come alive as you step into the grandeur of the Buland Darwaza, a famous historical place in India from the Mughal era. A must-see attraction for any architecture or history enthusiast.

Entry fee: Indian- 35INR, Foreigners-INR 750

Timings: 8 am to 7 pm

Main attraction: The Architectural Style: The Buland Darwaza is an architectural masterpiece, and it showcases the finest elements of Mughal architecture, including the use of red sandstone, white marble, and intricate carvings and inscriptions. The gate is also an example of the fusion of Islamic and Hindu architectural styles, with elements of both present in its design.

Unknown fact about Buland darwaza: Buland Darwaza is one of the highest gates in the world, it stands at a height of 53 meters (174 feet)

Famous Historical Places from the British colonial Era in India

British rule in started in the early 18th century and went on until 1947. During this time, the British East India Company and later the British Raj were in charge of most of the Indian subcontinent.

And let me tell you, they left behind some pretty impressive architectural and cultural landmarks. You can find these historical places all over India, some of the most notable ones from the British colonial era include”

Victoria memorial:

The Victoria Memorial is a must-see attraction for anyone interested in the history of British India. This famous historical place from the British rule, located in Kolkata, is a grand marble building that serves as a museum and a popular tourist attraction. Built in memory of Queen Victoria, it houses an impressive collection of over 25,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures and manuscripts, providing a glimpse into the history and culture of the British colonial era in India.

With its Italian Renaissance architecture, 64 acres of gardens and an array of galleries displaying art and artifacts, it’s a must-see for anyone interested in the rich history of India

Entry fees: Indians- 10INR

Timings: 6am to 6pm

Main attraction: The Galleries-: The Victoria Memorial also houses several galleries, which display the art and artifacts in the collection. The galleries include The Royal Gallery, The Sculpture Gallery, The Calcutta Gallery, The Indian Gallery, and The European Gallery.

Unknown fact about Victoria memorial: The Memorial was also built using Indian labor and materials, and the funds were raised through a public subscription campaign in India. This was a deliberate attempt by the British to show that they were not just conquerors but also benefactors who were investing in the development of India.

Gateway of India:

The Gateway of India, one of the most famous historical places in India! This iconic monument, located in Mumbai, is a symbol of the colonial era and a must-see for any history or architecture enthusiast. Built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911, the Gateway of India is a grand basalt archway adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, offering a panoramic view of the Arabian sea and the Mumbai Harbour.

It also holds historical significance as it was the last point from which the British troops left India in 1948, marking the end of British colonial rule in India.

Entry fees : Free

Timings: Open throughout the day

Main attraction: The Location: The Gateway of India is located in the Apollo Bunder area, which was a major landing place for visitors to the city during the British Raj, and it offers a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea and the Mumbai Harbour.

Unknown fact about Gateway of India: The Gateway of India was originally planned as part of a grand complex that would include a hospital, a library, and a marketplace. However, these plans were never realized and only the Gateway of India was built.

St. George Fort:

Experience the rich history of British colonial India with a visit to the famous historical place, St. George Fort, also known as Fort St. George! This historic fort, located in Chennai, is the first British settlement in India, built by the British East India Company in 1644. It played a significant role in the history of British colonial India and is now a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India.

The fort offers a glimpse into the past with its several bastions, gateways, lighthouse, and historical buildings like St. Mary’s Church, Fort Museum, Wellesley House. Don’t miss your chance to explore this magnificent piece of history in person and walk through the path of the British East India Company in South India, and the development of the textile industry in South India

Entry fees: Indian – 10 INR, Foreigners – 300 INR

Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Main attraction: The St. Mary’s Church: The St. Mary’s Church, also known as the “Westminster Abbey of the East” is the oldest Anglican Church in India, and the oldest British building in India.

Unknown fact about St. George Fort : The Fort was initially built as a military stronghold, but it later served as an administrative and commercial center.

Raj bhavan Kolkata:

Raj Bhavan, also known as the Governor’s House in Kolkata! This grand palace, built in 1803-05, was originally the residence of the Governor-General of British India, and it is now the official residence of the Governor of West Bengal. It’s a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India and a popular tourist attraction.

The palace boasts a grand entrance, a central dome, a colonnaded verandah, and a large garden open to the public. It’s rich in history, has been the residence of many important historical figures, including Lord Curzon and served as the site of several important historical events, including the transfer of power from the British to the Indians in 1947.

Entry fees : No entry fee

Timings: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm

Main attraction: The architecture: The palace was built in 1803-05 in the neoclassical style, and it was designed by Captain Charles Wyatt, an architect of the East India Company. It has a grand entrance, a central dome, and a colonnaded verandah, it also has a large garden which is open to the public, and it is popular for morning walks.

Unknown fact about Raj bhavan Kolkata: The palace has hosted many international dignitaries and leaders, including Queen Elizabeth II, who visited the palace in 1961.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj terminus:

India is a land of rich history and culture, and boasts of some of the most famous historical places that are a true testament to its glorious past. One such place is the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai, a grand Victorian Gothic and Indian architectural masterpiece that was built in 1887 by the British and served as the headquarters of the Central Railways.

CSMT is famous for its intricate carvings, sculptures, and frescoes, as well as its magnificent clock tower, which is a replica of St Pancras Station in London. This grand railway station serves as a departure and arrival point for long-distance trains, as well as suburban trains and is a major transportation hub, making it an exciting destination to visit for history enthusiasts and architecture admirers alike.

Entry fee: Free [it is a railway station]

Timings: Open throughout the day

Main attraction: Its architectural beauty and rich cultural heritage

unknown fact about CSMT: The station was designed to handle over 350 trains and more than 1,50,000 passengers per day.

Famous Historical Places from the Indus valley Civilization

In this part of the blog we will take you on a journey through time to explore some of the most fascinating historical places that have been uncovered from this ancient civilization. From grand cities to hidden settlements, we will uncover the secrets of a society that flourished over 4,000 years ago.

Lothal:

Welcome to the ancient world of Lothal, one of the most famous historical places in India! This ancient city, located in Gujarat, was a part of the Indus Valley Civilization and flourished around 2500 BCE. Known for its advanced town planning, engineering, and dockyard- considered as one of the earliest known in the world, Lothal was an important center of trade and commerce.

The city was famous for its bead-making industry and was also a major center for the production of terracotta and ceramics. Not only that, Lothal had contact with other ancient civilizations such as Sumer and the Harappan Civilization, and was known for its metalworking, particularly the production of bronze and copper. The reasons for its decline are still not fully understood, but it’s an archaeological site open to visitors now.

Dholavira:

Dholavira, one of the most advanced and developed cities of the Indus Valley Civilization! Located in Gujarat, this ancient city was discovered in 1967 and excavations have revealed a well-planned layout, with a grid pattern of streets and a sophisticated water management system.

One of its unique features is its fortification wall, which surrounds the city on three sides and is one of the largest and most complex fortification systems of the Indus Valley Civilization.

Dholavira was an important center of trade and commerce, known for its advanced metallurgy and bead-making industry. Imagine the intricate seals and weights, and the metal objects produced in the city.

Kalibangan:

Kalibangan is an old site of the Indus Valley Civilization in northern Rajasthan state, northwestern India. The site, situated in the Hanumangarh locale, gets its name from the endless sections of climate stained earthenware bangles thronw over the outer layer of the site. The unearthing’s at Kalibangan uncovered the presence of two separate periods.

The prior time frame, known as Kalibangan I, was found to have been strengthened with mud blocks and had houses worked of mud blocks with a patio. The particular stoneware of this period was described by six textures. The later period, Kalibangan II, is related with the metropolitan culture of the Indus Valley Human progress. The proof from Kalibangan demonstrates that it was a common capital of the human progress

Rakhigarhi:

Rakhigarhi is an archaeological site in Haryana’s Hisar district. It is thought to be around 5000 years old and is one of the five largest Harappan civilization sites on the Indian subcontinent. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has excavated the site several times, uncovering important evidence indicating a link to the Harappan civilization.

Excavations have uncovered a walled village, semi-precious stone waste, and numerous artefacts such as seals and elephants. Furthermore, the ASI has discovered skeletal remains and DNA samples that point to a distinct origin for the inhabitants of the Harappan civilization.

Surkotada:

Surkotada is an archeological site situated in Rapar Taluka of Kutch area, Gujarat, India which has a place with the Indus Valley civilisation (IVC). It is a little, 3.5 section of land site upper east of Bhuj, in Gujarat. It was found and unearthed by Shri Jagat Pati Joshi of ASI somewhere in the range of 1964 and 1968. Close to the Rann of Kachchh, Surkotada is a little settlement with an elongated fortress mass of stone.

The hill has a typical level of five-to-eight meters (east-to-west) and was encircled by an external mass of mud-blocks. The site is found 160 km (99 mi) north-east of Bhuj

These are some of the questions asked about famous historical places in india

1] How many historical places are there in india?

ANSWER: India is home to a large number of historical places, including temples, forts, palaces, tombs, and monuments that span several millennia and various civilizations. It is hard to determine an exact number as new historical places are being discovered and added to the list regularly. Some estimates put the number of historical places in India in the thousands.

2] Which is the most famous historical place in india?

Answer: The most famous historical places in India is the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, and is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful buildings in the world.

3] Which is the biggest historical monument in india?

Answer: One of the biggest historical monuments in India is the Great Wall of India, also known as the Kumbhalgarh Fort. The fort is located in the Rajsamand district of Rajasthan, and it is spread over an area of 38 km.

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