I’m sure you must have studied Indian history in your school books, but let me tell you one thing the reality of Indian history is far more complex and nuanced. India is the gold mine of history, culture, and beliefs that have fascinated people for centuries. It seems to be a giant storybook filled with amazing historical places in India.
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Famous Historical Places in India
Indian history is like a big puzzle with many pieces in which historical places play a vital role. Every historical site hides some remarkable stories behind the monuments. Some of this story will take you back in time, so if you too are interested in exploring these historical places and discovering the mysterious story behind the monuments, this list can be more helpful in your journey. We have compiled most of the historical places in India to explore and dig the story behind them.
1. Taj Mahal, Agra
The Taj Mahal is one of the most famous historical places in India, it falls under the list of 7 wonders of the world. The real story behind the Taj Mahal is it was built by the fifth Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan in 1631 in memory of his third but most favorite wife Mumtaz, a Muslim Persian princess. She died while accompanying her husband in Burhanpur in a campaign to crush a rebellion after giving birth to their 13th child.
The Taj Mahal is considered the greatest architecture in India & it is believed that after the completion of the monuments, the Mughal emperor cut off the hands of the workers so that no one could build a similar monument ever again.
It’s been 371 years now and the beauty of the Taj Mahal is mesmerising.
Entry fee: for Indians- 40 INR & for foreigners- 1000 INR (No entry for children below 15 years of age)
Timing: 30 minutes before sunrise and closes 30 minutes before sunset
Must visit: Night time shows of the Taj Mahal
2. Agra Fort, Agra
If you want to get a sense of the rich history of the Mughal era, then the Agra fort is the best historical place in India to visit. The entire fort was built up of red sandstone in 1565 by Akbar. Mughal emperor Humayun was crowned at this fort. Later it was renovated by the Mughal emperor Akbar. It was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughals till 1638, when the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi.
The Agra Fort is one of the most beautiful places to visit in India and was used for shooting the popular movie Jodha Akbar, featuring Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai.
Entry fee: Indians- INR 40, Foreigners- INR 550
Timing: 6 am to 6 pm
Must visit: Jahangir Palace, Nagina Masjid, Moti Masjid, Mina Masjid and Zenana Mina Bazaar.
3. Red Fort, Delhi
The list of historical places in India is incomplete without Red Fort. This fort was constructed by Shah Jahan when the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi.
The Red Fort wasn’t originally red. The original color of Red Fort was white as it is made up of Lime Stones. But during the British era, they painted it red because the white limestone started chirping off. The fort was called “Qila-e-Mubarak” which can be translated to “The Blessed Fort”.
Before becoming the part of British crown the Koh-I-Noor Diamond belonged to the Fort’s royal family which was placed in Diwan-I-Khas of the Red Fort.
Entry fee: Indians- INR 10, Foreigners- INR 250
Open from: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm daily (closed on Monday)
Must visit: The Palace of Colors or the ‘Rang Mahal’ where the emperor’s wives, mistresses, and maids resided. This palace was located near the emperor’s Khas Mahal. Except for the king, no other males were allowed inside this palace.
4. Qutub Minar, Delhi
Qutub Minar is mentioned as one of the most historical places in India. Qutub Minar was built in 1192 by Qutb-ud-din Aibak after defeating the Hindu rulers. He was the first Sultan and the first Muslim ruler of Delhi.
It was built in three stages by three different rulers of Delhi. It is known that the construction of Qutub Minar was started by Qutab-ud-din Aibak. The ruler was able to build one story of the monument, while the rest were built by his successors Shams-ud-din Iltutmish, and finally Firoz Shah Tughlaq.
Inside the Qutub, you will find the famous Iron Pillar. The interesting fact behind this pillar is that it still stands tall without rusting for over 2000 years!
Entry fee: Indians- INR 10, Foreigners- INR 250
Open from: 7 am to 5 pm
Must visit: The Decorative Light Show is held every evening from 6:30 to 8 pm and the Qutub Minar Festival is held in October/November.
5. Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
Next on our list of Historical places in India is Hawa Mahal, which is noted for its princely palaces and gorgeous forts. Hawa Mahal is one of the most iconic heritage sites in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Hawa Mahal amazes every visitor with its amazing architecture and attractive pink color. The idea behind this stun construction is also quite interesting. Hawa Mahal was constructed for the royal women to observe the busy streets of the Johari Bazaar from the Jharokhas of the palace without being seen themselves. There are around 953 small windows called jharokhas. These jharokhas allow air to circulate and keep the interior cool even during the peak summers that’s the reason why Hawa Mahal is being called Hawa Mahal.
Entry fee: Indians- INR 10, Foreigners- INR 50
Open from: 9.30 am to 4.30 pm
Must visit: The intricate lattice work on the tiny windows.
6. Konark Sun Temple, Odisha
Konark Sun Temple is a 13th-century temple Dedicated to the sun god Surya. The temple is shaped like a colossal chariot built by King Narsimhadeva. At the entrance of the Konark Temple, you will find two lions at each side crushing an elephant. The lion represents power and the elephant portrays wealth. The whole symbol illustrates the major problems faced by man in his life- money and power.
Workers constructed the Konark Sun Temple mainly from three types of stones laterite, chlorite, and khondalite. These stones were brought into India from other countries
One of the mysterious facts about this temple is the sun idol was suspended in the air this is because the magnet is used in construction. When you enter the main temple you will notice a tall idol suspended in the mid-air.
Entry fee: Indians- INR 10, Foreigners- INR 250
There is no entrance fee on Fridays.
Open from: 10 am to 5 pm ( Closed on Fridays)
Must visit: The three statues of the sun gods where the sun’s rays fall at dawn, noon, and sunset.
7. Jallianwala Bagh, Punjab
The list of historical places in India is incomplete without Jallianwala Bagh, this place loudly proclaims its story. It is known for a tragic event that took place there in 1919. The story behind Jallianwala Bagh is one of sorrow and sacrifice.
During British rule in India, the British authorities were led by General Reginald Dyer. A peaceful gathering was organized at Jallianwala Bagh to protest against unfair British laws. The people, including men, women, and children, had gathered in the enclosed garden known as Jallianwala Bag to listen to speeches and voice their grievances. However, the British general saw the gathering as a threat to their rule.
Without warning they ordered their troops to fire on the unarmed Indians killing 379 people including men, women, and children while 1200 were injured in the indiscriminate firing. The incident shocked the whole nation and indignant against British rule. This was a turning point in India’s struggle for independence, fueling the freedom fighters to fight for their rights and liberty.
Today, Jallianwala Bagh stands as a memorial to the victims. The garden has been preserved as a historical site.
Entry fee: Free
Open from: 6:30 am to 7:30 pm
Must visit: The step well that took center stage during the massacre.