India with its rich varied heritage and ancient cultural bearing is home to some of the most majestic and mystical places. The beauty of the monumental sites, majestic forts, beautiful palaces, wildlife parks and dense jungles are attracting millions of tourists to India every year. Let us explore 5 best historical monuments in India.
- Taj Mahal
The white marble wonder structure known as Taj Mahal is one of the most fascinating historical jewels of India. The world heritage monumental glory is located in Agra on the holy banks of Yamuna River. It showcases Persian, Mughal and Turkish architectural model design. According to historical facts, this famous mausoleum was constructed way back in the 16th century marking Emperor Shah Jahan’s wife final resting place. The entire structure was built in a span of 16 years out of pristine marble. The quality of the marble is such that the whole monument appears to transform its colour from dazzling white, pinkish tone to dull waxen colour, according to the changing daylight.
- Fatehpur Sikri
As an enthusiastic tourist, do not miss out on a whole bygone city that is now a UNESCO world heritage site called Fatehpur Sikri. On an Agra Fatehpur Sikri tour you can experience the opulence of this ancient township that was founded in 1569 in Agra region of Uttar Pradesh State by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. The walled city was constructed within a span of 15 years and includes wondrous palaces, royal harem, holy mosque, garden courts, utility buildings and exquisite royal chambers. Fatehpur Sikri is touted as one of the best maintained architectural compilation in Indian history.
The mastery of craftsmanship by architects Druv and Tuhir Das is quite evident all throughout. They have successfully used a fusion of Jain, Hindu, Persian and Mughal architecture. The prime building material used is the red sandstone along with white, black marbles, tough stonework and glazed glassworks. Some of the famous structures worth seeing in the Agra Fatehpur Sikri Tour are Buland Darwaza, Jama Mosque, Chishti Tomb, Diwan-i-Aam Hall, Ibadat Khana, Ornamental Talao or pool, Birbal House and Panch Mahal.
Waytoindia.com a tour operator in India recognised by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India offers useful and pertinent information on Agra Fatehpur Sikri tour on the link www.waytoindia.com/agra-fatehpur-sikri-tour which can be referred to plan a one day Agra Fatehpur Sikri Tour.
- Gateway of India
Mumbai City houses the famous Gateway of India, located at the Mumbai Port region of South Mumbai. It is an 85 feet archway that was constructed to honour British Royals who visited Mumbai in the year 1911. The Gateway is one of the main entry and exit access point to India via the sea. Built by Scottish architect, the structure is a combination of Hindu and Roman architecture. The construction materials used were yellowish basalt rock and hard concrete. Halls big enough to hold around 600 people were built on either sides of the archway. Take a historical walking tour to this stylish monumental memento in India.
- Konark Sun Temple
Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO world heritage site, is dedicated to the powerful Surya God. It is designed as a colossal chariot with intricate stone carvings on the pillars, wheels and walls of the structure. The sun shrine is located at Konark Town of Odisha. This 13th century marvel has 12 pairs of wheels carried by seven stone horses. The temple was sullied during the 17th century by Mughal envoys and later again in the 19th century. The Sun Temple is part of the Kalingan Temple architecture.
- Sanchi Stupa
Your tour of historical monuments in India is incomplete without visiting the grand Sanchi Stupa, a Buddhist monument situated in the Sanchi Township of Madhya Pradesh. This well preserved Buddhist stupa is a 3rd century relic specially designed during the reign of Asoka The Great. The large domelike structure with a central chamber is surrounded and protected by four carved archways.
With great architectural marvels adorning every part of India, the list is virtually endless. But, if you are constrained by time, do not miss on these most important historical monuments that India boasts of.