There are many reasons why India is such an exciting country to explore, whether you are an Indian or a foreign tourist. The rich history and heritage of our land are evident in the magnificent palaces, forts, minarets, temples and churches that pepper the length and breadth of this country. These architectural marvels speak volumes about India’s past, culture, beliefs, and of course, artistry. So, if you are a travel buff who wants to peek into the cultural and architectural history of our diverse subcontinent, you must visit these 25 popular monuments of India at least once in your lifetime.
1. Taj Mahal, Agra
Taj Mahal | #1 of 25 Best Monuments in India
Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, this intricately carved 17th-century white marble mausoleum grace the southern bank of the Yamuna River and is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Although the entry to the tombs is restricted, you can walk around the landscaped garden of this national monument of India and marvel at the beauty of the motifs on the mosque’s walls.
- Location – Dharmapuri, Forest Colony, Tajganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh
- How to reach –
- By Air: Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Airport in Agra is 12 km from the monument. Take an auto-rickshaw or cab from there.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Agra Cantt. at 6 km, from where you can hire a cab, auto-rickshaw or e-rickshaw.
- By Road: If you are travelling by road from Delhi NCR and other nearby cities, you can take a taxi or bus.
- Entry ticket prices (per person) –
- Indians: INR 45
- Foreigners: INR 1050
- SAARC and BIMSTEC: INR 535
- Additional: INR 200 for the mausoleum
- Free for children below 15 years of age
- Timings –
- Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.
- It is open from 6 AM to 6:30 PM. It is also open on a full moon night as well as two nights before and after the full moon.
- Important Facts –
- It is believed to have been built in the memory of Mumtaz Mahal, Shah Jahan’s third wife.
- Places to Stay: Hotels in Tajganj
2. Agra Fort, Agra
Agra Fort | #2 of 25 Best Monuments in India
If you are a history buff and a fan of Mughal architecture, Agra Fort is a must-visit. This 16th-century historical fort was essentially a walled city that was built during the reign of Emperor Akbar. It is among the most popular monuments of India as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It boasts intricate artwork on marble and sandstone walls and is a medley of different architectural styles.
- Location – On the right bank of River Yamuna in Rakabganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh
- How to reach –
- By Air: Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Airport in Agra is 11 km away. Hire a cab or auto-rickshaw from there.
- By Train: Agra Cantt. railway station (5 km away) is the main railhead. You can also reach Agra Fort railway station (1 km away) and take an auto-rickshaw or cycle-rickshaw.
- By Road: Different types of AC and non-AC buses connect Agra to the nearby cities. You can also book a cab.
- Entry ticket prices (per person) –
- Indians: INR 35
- Foreigners: INR 550
- SAARC and BIMSTEC: INR 35
- Free for children below 15 years of age
- Timings –
- It is open from 6 AM to 6 PM, 7 days a week.
- Important facts –
- Agra Fort is also known as Lal Qila.
- Places to Stay: Hotels in Rakabganj
3. Fatehpur Sikri Fort, Agra
Fatehpur Sikri Fort | #3 of 25 Best Monuments in India
An architectural gem in red sandstone, Fatehpur Sikri Fort’s credit goes to the great Mughal Emperor Akbar. Some popular things to see within its walled premises include Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid, Akbar’s residence, Panch Mahal, Ibadat Khana, and the famous courtier Birbal’s house. The lake on one side of the fort adds to its tranquil charm.
- Location – Buland Gate, Dadupura, FatehpurSikri, Uttar Pradesh
- How to reach –
- By Air: Fly to Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Airport (35 km from the fort) in Agra and take a cab or bus from there.
- By Train: Fatehpur Sikri has a small railway station which is about 300m from the fort. However, Agra Cantt. railway station (36 km away) is better connected to other parts of the country. Hail a cab or bus from there.
- By Road: The city is well-connected to Agra, Delhi, Noida and other places via different types of buses. You can also book a private taxi.
- Entry ticket prices (per person) –
- Indians: INR40
- Foreigners: INR 550
- SAARC and BIMSTEC: INR 20
- Free for children up to 15 years
- Timings –
- Fatehpur Sikri is open 7 days a week, from 6 AM to 6 PM.
- Important facts –
- This Indo-Islamic masterpiece is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
4. Qutub Minar, Delhi
Qutub Minar | #4 of 25 Best Monuments in India
Qutub Minar, also known as victory tower, is one of the tallest monuments in Asia and the tallest brick minaret in the world, at 72.5m. Featuring beautiful carvings and intricate designs on marble and red sandstone, this architectural wonder is a photographer’s delight.
- Location – Seth Sarai, Mehrauli, New Delhi
- How to reach –
- By Air: Fly to New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (14 km away) and then take a cab, bus or metro.
- By Train: New Delhi railway station is 14 km away, from where you can hire a taxi or take the bus or metro.
- By Road: Book a taxi or take a private or state transport bus to reach Qutub Minar from Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and other nearby places.
- Entry ticket prices (per person) –
- Indians: INR 10
- Foreigners: INR 250
- Free for children below 15 years of age
- Timings –
- Qutub Minar is open all 7 days of the week, from 7 AM to 5 PM.
- Important facts –
- This UNESCO World Heritage Site has 5 stories.
- Places to Stay: Hotels in Mehrauli
5. Jama Masjid, Delhi
An epitome of calmness and serenity amidst Delhi’s hustle and bustle, Jama Masjid is a must-visit for those seeking spiritual bliss and historical enlightenment. This architectural extravagance by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan is constructed with red sandstone and white marble. The focal points of the monument are its tall minarets, arched gateways, wide staircases, and a huge courtyard for prayers.
- Location – Jama Masjid Rd, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi
- How to reach –
- By Air: Indira Gandhi International Airportin New Delhi is 20 km away. Take a cab, bus or metro from there. Jama Masjid has a namesake metro station.
- By Train: Reach Delhi Junction (3 km away) and take anauto-rickshaw or cab from there.
- By Road: If you are travelling from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab or any other nearby place, you can take a taxi or bus.
- Entry ticket prices (per person) –
- Free entry for all
- INR 200 for cameras
- Timings –
- It is open 7 days a week, from 7 AM to 12 PM and 1:30 PM to 6 PM.
- Important facts –
- It is also known as the Mosque of Friday.
- Places to Stay: Hotels in Jama Masjid
6. Red Fort, Delhi
Red Fort | #6 of 25 Best Monuments in India
Constructed during the reign of Shah Jahan in the 17thcentury, Red Fort or Lal Qila is one of the most popular historical buildings of India. The main highlights are its massive red sandstone walls, Mughal-style architecture, geometrical gardens, projecting balconies, and the grand palaces and entertainment halls.
- Location – Netaji Subhash Marg, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi
- How to reach –
- By Air: New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport is 20 km away, from where you can take a cab, bus or metro. Chandni Chowk metro station is 2 km away.
- By Train: On reaching Delhi Junction (3 km away), take an auto-rickshaw or cab.
- By Road: You can get a taxi or bus from Punjab, Haryana, Jaipur, Shimla and other places.
- Entry ticket prices (per person) –
- Indians: INR 35
- Foreigners: INR 500
- Video Camera: INR 25 extra
- Light and sound show:
- Adults: INR 60 on weekdays and INR 80 on weekends
- Children: INR 20 on weekdays and INR 30 on weekends
- Timings –
- Red Fort timings are 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. It is closed on Mondays.
- Important facts –
- Red Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- It is a politically significant monument where Independence Day celebrations are held every year.
- Places to Stay: Hotels near Red Fort
7. Lotus Temple, Delhi
Lotus Temple | #7 of 25 Best Monuments in India
Lotus Temple, also known as Baha’I Lotus Temple or Kamal Mandir, is an architectural marvel shaped like a white lotus flower. You can connect with your spiritual self here, through prayer and meditation, and also take a stroll around the lush green gardens bursting with colourful flowers and featuring nine reflecting pools.
- Location – Lotus Temple Road, Bahapur, Kalkaji, New Delhi
- How to reach –
- By Air: Fly to Indira Gandhi International Airport (16 km from the temple), and take a cab, bus or metro. Kalka Metro Station is 450m away.
- By Train: New Delhi railway station is 15 km away. Cabs, buses and metro trains are popular modes of transport from there.
- By Road: Delhi is well-connected by a network of roads and national highways. Hence, you can take a taxi or bus and reach the city.
- Entry ticket prices – Free entry for all
- Timings –
- The temple is open from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM in winters and from 9 AM to 7 PM in summers.
- It is closed on Mondays.
- Important facts –
- People from all religions and races can visit the temple.
- Places to Stay: Hotels near Lotus Temple
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8. India Gate, Delhi
India Gate | #8 of 25 Best Monuments in India
This iconic sandstone-granite arch gate is among the largest war memorials in the country. The beauty of this important monument is accentuated by the verdant lawns that surround it. India Gate is undoubtedly one of the most famous landmarks in India.
- Location – Rajpath, India Gate, New Delhi
- How to reach –
- By Air: Fly to New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (14 km away) and then take a bus or taxi. You can also take the metro to Central Secretariat metro station (3 km away) and then board an auto-rickshaw.
- By Train: New Delhi railway station is 5 km away, from where you can take an auto-rickshaw or taxi.
- By Road: When travelling from a nearby city, you can book a taxi or take a private or state transport bus.
- Entry ticket prices – Free entry for all
- Timings –
- India Gate is open to visitors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Boat timings are from 2 PM to 9 PM and light show timings are from 7 PM to 9: 30 PM.
- Important facts –
- It has a children’s park and boat club.
- Places to Stay: Hotels near India Gate
9. Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi
Humayun’s Tomb | #9 of 25 Best Monuments in India
Popularly known as the first garden-tomb in the Indian subcontinent, this 16th century monument was built by Emperor Humayun’s wife in memory of her husband. It slavish double-storied gateway and 4 gardens with “Humayun ka Maqbara” in the centre make for an elegant statement.
- Location – Mathura Road, Opposite Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia Dargah, Nizamuddin, New Delhi
- How to reach –
- By Air: Indira Gandhi International Airport is 17 km away. Take a cab, bus or metro from there. The nearest metro station is 3 km from the tomb.
- By Train: After reaching New Delhi railway station (7 km away), hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw.
- By Road: Take a taxi or bus for economical travel from Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, or Rajasthan.
- Entry ticket prices (per person) –
- Indians: INR 30
- Foreigners: INR 500
- SAARC and BIMSTEC: INR 30
- INR 25 for video filming
- Timings –
- It is open 7 days a week, from 6 AM to 6 PM.
- Important facts –
- Humayun’s Tomb is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The entire complex contains around 150 tombs.
- Places to Stay: Hotels near Nizamuddin Dargah
10. Golden Temple, Amritsar
Golden Temple | #10 of 25 Best Monuments in India
Also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib, this beautiful religious place of the Sikh community is all about tranquillity, humanity and brotherhood. The two-storied structure has a unique domed architecture, with its top half clad in pure gold and the other half built with white marble.
- Location – Golden Temple Rd, Atta Mandi, Katra Ahluwalia, Amritsar, Punjab
- How to reach –
- By Air: Shri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport is 12 km from the temple. Take a taxi or auto-rickshaw from there. A free shuttle bus also runs between the airport and Golden Temple.
- By Train: Reach Amritsar Junction (2 km away) and take a taxi or auto-rickshaw.
- By Road: You can take a taxi or a private or government-run bus from Delhi, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Shimla, or Jammu.
- Entry ticket prices – Free entry for all
- Timings –
- Golden Temple is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Important facts –
- Some major things to see in the temple complex are Akal Takht, Sikh History Museum, Clock Tower, ber trees, Teja Singh Samundri Hall, and Guru Ram Das langar.
- Places to Stay: Hotels near Golden Temple
11. Amer Fort, Jaipur
Amer Fort | #11 of 25 Best Monuments in India
Built in the 16th century by Maharaja Man Singh, Amer Fort is one of the most ancient monuments in India. The intricately carved walls and ceilings, four courtyards, beautifully designed entry gates in the Amer palace, and vibrant paintings of Rajput rulers on the palace walls are the chief attractions here.
- Location – Devisinghpura, Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan
- How to reach –
- By Air: Jaipur International Airport is 22 km away. You can take a cab or bus from there.
- By Train: On reaching Jaipur Junction (13 km away), take a cab or bus to the fort.
- By Road: You can take a bus or taxi from Delhi, Udaipur, Ajmer, or Ahmedabad.
- Entry ticket prices (per person) –
- Indians: INR 25
- Foreigners: INR 550
- Indian Students: INR 10
- Foreign Students: INR 100
- Light Show: INR 200 (English) and INR 100 (Hindi)
- Timings –
- The fort is open every day, from 8 AM to 5:30 PM and from 7 PM for light and sound show.
- Important facts –
- Amer Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The fort also has a museum and garden, a multi-cuisine restaurant, and hosts dance programs and puppet shows.
- Places to Stay: Hotels near Amer fort, Hotels in Jaipur
12. Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer Fort | #12 of 25 Best Monuments in India
Standing tall and proud in northwest Rajasthan, Jaisalmer Fort is one of the largest forts in the world. The main attraction of the fort is its sprawling yellow sandstone walls that shine bright like gold during daytime. This “living fort” houses close to a quarter of the population in the old city and boasts numerous buildings with palaces, temples, and houses, with the quintessential Rajasthani architectural touch.
- Location – Near Gopa CHOCK, Khejar Para, Manak Chowk, Amar Sagar Pol, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
- How to reach –
- By Air: Jaisalmer Airport is 15 km away, from where you can hire a taxi.
- By Train: Jaisalmer railway station is only 2 km away. You can take an auto-rickshaw or cab from there.
- By Road: Many deluxe and regular buses connect the city with Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, and Ahmedabad. You can also take a taxi.
- Entry ticket prices (per person) –
- Indians: INR 50
- Foreigners: INR 250
- INR 50 for camera
- INR 100 for video camera
- Timings –
- It is open 7 days a week, from 9 AM to 6 PM.
- Important facts –
- The fort is also known as Sonar Qila and Golden Fort.
13. City Palace, Udaipur
City Palace | #13 of 25 Best Monuments in India
An enchanting blend of European, Medieval and Chinese architectural styles, City Palace is among the most popular tourist attractions in Udaipur. It has beautiful courtyards, pavilions, corridors, rooms and hanging gardens. The 11 palaces with antique furniture, unique paintings, and dazzling mirrors and ornamental tile work will leave you amazed.
- Location – On the banks of Lake Pichola in Old City, Udaipur, Rajasthan
- How to reach –
- By Air: Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur is 30 km away. Take a cab or bus from there.
- By Train: Reach Udaipur railway station (3 kmfrom the palace) and then take a cab or auto-rickshaw.
- By Road: Different national highways connect Udaipur to Mumbai, Delhi, and other states and cities in India. Hence, you can easily take a cab or bus.
- Entry ticket prices (per person) –
- Adults: INR30
- Children: INR 15
- INR 200 for camera
- Timings –
- City Palace is open from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, 7 days a week.
- Important facts –
- It is one of the most important heritage monuments of India and offers panoramic city views from the hilltop on which it is built.
- Places to Stay: Hotels near City Palace, Hotels in Udaipur
14. Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
Hawa Mahal | #14 of 25 Best Monuments in India
A prominent landmark in Jaipur, Hawa Mahal is an 18th century 5-storey building overlooking the busy streets of the city. It is a wonderful blend of Rajput, Islamic and Mughal architectural styles, which makes it totally Insta-worthy. Hawa Mahal offers stunning views of the City Palace and Jantar Mantar from the top too.
- Location – Hawa Mahal Rd, Badi Choupad, J.D.A. Market, Pink City, Jaipur, Rajasthan
- How to reach –
- By Air: Jaipur International Airport is 12 km away. Take a cab or bus from there.
- By Train: Jaipur Junction is at a distance of 6 km. Auto-rickshaws and cabs are easily available outside.
- By Road: If you are travelling from a nearby city, you can hire a taxi or take a private or state transport bus.
- Entry ticket prices (per person) –
- Indians: INR10
- Foreigners: INR 50
- Timings –
- Hawa Mahal is open 7 days a week, from 9 AM to 4:30 PM.
- Important facts –
- Visit it early in the morning and head to one of the rooftop cafes for a breathtaking view.
- Places to Stay: Hotels near Hawa Mahal, Hotels in Pink City
15. Khajuraho Group of Monuments, Chhatarpur
Khajuraho Group of Monuments | #15 of 25 Best Monuments in India
Khajuraho is popular for its spectacular Hindu and Jain temples depicting intricate Indian architecture. There are a total of 85 temples in three complexes. The exotic rock carvings portraying passion, dance, music and eroticism are the focal points here. The temples date back to the 12th century.
- Location – In the Bundelkhand region of Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh
- How to reach –
- By Air: Khajuraho Airport is around 7km away, from where you can take a cab.
- By Train: Reach Khajuraho railway station (6 km away) and take a cab or auto-rickshaw.
- By Road: Satna, Jhansi, Indore, Bhopal and other nearby places are well-connected to Khajuraho via national highways.
- Entry ticket prices (per person) –
- Indians: INR 40
- Foreigners: INR 600
- SAARC and BIMSTEC: INR 40
- Free entry for children below 15 years
- Timings –
- They are open 7 days a week, from 6 AM to 6 PM.
- Important facts –
- This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
16. Gateway of India, Mumbai
Gateway of India | #16 of 25 Best Monuments in India
This unique landmark is one of the most important monuments of India. It was constructed in the 20th century and has an Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. Apart from photographing the majestic gateway, you can enjoy the cool sea breeze, relish some delectable street foods or go for a leisurely ferry ride. Also Read – Gateway of India
- Location – Apollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- How to reach –
- By Air: Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is 25 km away. Take a cab, bus or metro from there.
- By Train: Reach Mumbai Central (7 km from the gateway) and take a cab, auto-rickshaw or bus from there.
- By Road: Take a bus or taxi from nearby cities.
- Entry ticket prices – Free entry for all
- Timings –
- It is open for visitors all day.
- Important facts –
- It was built to commemorate the landing of King-Emperor George V and Queen-Empress Mary at Apollo Bunder in December 1911.
- Places to Stay: Hotels in Colaba, Hotels in Mumbai
17. Charminar, Hyderabad
Charminar | #16 of 25 Best Monuments in India
Built in the 16th century, this popular mosque is a brilliant combination of Indo-Islamic architecture and subtle Persian elements. The arches, minarets and domes with stucco decorations lend a distinctive look to the monument and make it a major tourist attraction in the city.
- Location – Charminar Rd, Char Kaman, Ghansi Bazaar, Hyderabad
- How to reach –
- By Air: Rajiv Gandhi International Airportis 24 km away. Take a bus, taxi or town car from there.
- By Train: Hyderabad Deccan railway station is at 5 km, from where you can take a cab or auto-rickshaw.
- By Road: The city has good road connectivity with Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, and Hampi.
- Entry ticket prices (per person) –
- Indians: INR 5
- Foreigners: INR 100
- SAARC and BIMSTEC: INR 40
- Free entry for children below 15 years
- Timings –
- The monument is open all days of the week, from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
- Important facts –
- It looks beautiful when illuminated in the evening for some time.
- Places to Stay: Hotels near Charminar, Hotels in Hyderabad
18. Group of Monuments, Hampi
Hampi Monuments | #18 of 25 Best Monuments in India
The popularity of Hampi as an ancient, heritage village lies in the fact that it dates back to the 14th century, when it was the capital city of the great Vijayanagar Empire. It lies in the Deccan heartland and has about 500 monuments and other attractions in Hampi, including Hindu and Jain temples, an archaeological museum, the Hampi Bazaar, Queen’s Bath and Lotus Mahal.
- Location – On the southern bank of Tungabhadra River, Vijayanagar district, Karnataka
- How to reach –
- By Air: Hubballi Airport (at 168 km) is the nearest airport. Take a bus from there or a train via HubliJunction.
- By Train: You can reach Hospet Junction and then take a cab, auto-rickshaw or local bus.
- By Road: Many normal and AC buses connect Hampi to important cities. You can also book a taxi.
- Entry ticket prices (per person) for Vitthala Temple and Zanana Enclosure –
- Indians: INR 30
- Foreigners: INR 500
- SAARC and BIMSTEC: INR 30
- Free entry for children up to 15 years
- Timings –
- The monuments are open from 6 AM to 6 PM, 7 days a week.
- Important facts –
- This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
19. Brihadishwara Temple, Thanjavur
Brihadishwara Temple | #19 of 25 Best Monuments in India
Also known as Periya Kovil, this ancient Hindu temple in Tamil Nadu is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This all-granite temple, depicting Dravidian architecture, is one of the largest temples in the country. The 66m high temple tower or Vimana is among the tallest in the world.
- Location – Membalam Rd, Balaganapathy Nagar, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
- How to reach –
- By Air: Tiruchirappalli International Airport is 59 km from the temple. Take a taxi or bus from there.
- By Train: Thanjavur Junction is 3 km away. Hire a taxi or auto then.
- By Road: Thanjavur has a well-developed road network and is well-connected to the major towns and cities nearby.
- Entry ticket prices: Free entry for all
- Timings –
- The temple is open 7 days a week, from 6 AM to 12:30 PM and 4 PM to 8:30 PM.
- Important facts –
- The Kumbam or the bulbous structure on the top is carved out of a huge rock weighing about 80 tons.
- The Nandi statue is also carved out of a single rock.
20. Mysore Palace, Mysore
Mysore Palace | #20 of 25 Best Monuments in India
Mysore palace steals the show with its grand Indo-Saracenic architecture, complete with turrets, domes, arches, and colonnades. It has now been converted into a museum, so you will find many paintings, souvenirs, royal costumes, jewellery and more here. The light and sound show conducted in the evenings is a crowd-puller especially.
- Location – SayyajiRao Rd, Agrahara, Chamrajpura, Mysore, Karnataka
- How to reach –
- By Air: Reach Mysore Airport (11 km away) and take a cab or bus. For international flights, Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore is the nearest option.
- By Train: Mysuru Junction is 2 km away. Take an auto-rickshaw or taxi from there.
- By Road: Mysore has well-maintained expressways and highways, so you can take a bus or taxi when travelling from a nearby city.
- Entry ticket prices (per person) –
- Adults (Indians and Foreigners): INR 70
- Children (Indians and Foreigners): INR 30 (10-18 years)
- Educational tour for students: INR 10
- Children below 10 years: Free
- Timings –
- The palace is open all days of the week, from 10 AM to 5:30 PM.
- The sound and light show is held from Monday to Saturday, from 7 PM to 7: 40 PM.
- The palace is illuminated from 7:40 to 7:45 PM on weekdays and 7 PM to 7:45 PM on Sundays, state festivals and national holidays.
- Important facts –
- The palace faces the Chamundi Hills in the east.
- Places to Stay: Hotels in Mysore, Budget Hotels in Mysore, Couple Friendly Hotels in Mysore
Suggested Read: Things to do in Mysore.
21. Sun Temple, Konark
Sun Temple | #21 of 25 Best Monuments in India
Dedicated to the Sun God, this temple stands out for its Oriyan form of architecture. Konark Sun Temple was built in the 13th century and is shaped like a massive chariot with stone wheels, walls and pillars. The shrine has a beautifully carved statue of the Sun God, and the walls have images of giraffes, elephants and other animals.
- Location – Konark, Puri district, Odisha
- How to reach –
- By Air: Bhubaneswar’s Biju Patnaik Airport (62 km away) is the nearest airport, from where you can take a taxi or bus.
- By Train: You have to reach Puri railway station (36 km away) and take a bus or taxi from there.
- By Road: Take a private or state-run bus or a taxi from the nearby cities.
- Entry ticket prices (per person) –
- Indians: INR 40
- Foreigners: INR 600
- SAARC and BIMSTEC: INR 40
- Timings –
- The temple is open on all days, from 6 AM to 8 PM.
- Important facts –
- It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- It offers a delightful view during sunrise.
- Places to Stay: Hotels in Puri
22. Sanchi Stupa, Sanchi
Sanchi Stupa | #22 of 25 Best Monuments in India
Dating back to the 3rd century BCE, this Buddhist monument is one of the oldest in the country. The simple yet unique Buddhist-style of architecture is its main highlight. Apart from being a popular tourist attraction, Sanchi Stupa, with its 54 feet tall dome, is also an important Buddhist pilgrimage site.
- Location – On the hilltop of Sanchi town, Raisen district, Madhya Pradesh
- How to reach –
- By Air: Fly to Bhopal’s Raja Bhoj International Airport (at 55 km) and take a taxi or bus.
- By Train: Sanchi railway station (2 km away) is the nearest railway station. However, Bhopal railway station (46 km away) is better connected to major cities.
- By Road: Take a taxi or bus from other towns of Madhya Pradesh.
- Entry ticket prices (per person) –
- Indians: INR 30
- Foreigners: INR 500
- Timings –
- It is open 7 days a week, from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM
- Important facts –
- It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
23. Victoria Memorial, Kolkata
Victoria Memorial | #23 of 25 Best Monuments in India
Constructed in the honour of Queen Victoria, the Victoria Memorial is an iconic white marble structure, Kolkata’s most popular attraction. It is surrounded by a beautifully maintained garden with many statues and sculptures. The building has been converted into a museum that houses an extensive collection of paintings, artefacts, and manuscripts.
- Location – Queens Way, Maidan, Kolkata
- How to reach –
- By Air: Fly to Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (22 km away), and then take a taxi or bus.
- By Train: Reach Sealdah (6 km away) or Howrah (7 km away)railway station and take a taxi, auto-rickshaw or bus.
- By Road: The city has a good network of roads and national highways, so you can take a taxi or bus from New Delhi, Ranchi, or Darjeeling.
- Entry ticket prices for Victoria Memorial gallery (per person) –
- Indians: INR 30
- Nationals of SAARC countries: INR 100
- Nationals of other countries: INR 500
- Free entry to school students and army personnel
- Entry ticket prices for Victoria Memorial gardens (per person) –
- Daily ticket: INR 20
- Annual rate for morning walkers: INR 1000 for senior citizens and INR 2000 for others
- Timings –
- The museum is open from 11 AM to 5 PM and the gardens are open from 6 AM to 5 PM.
- It is closed on Mondays and national holidays.
- Important facts –
- The Angel of Victory figurine on top of the central dome is 16 feet high.
- Places to Stay: Hotels near Victoria Memorial
24. Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Aurangabad
Ajanta and Ellora Caves | #24 of 25 Best Monuments in India
These ancient rock-cut caves are among the most popular tourist attractions in Maharashtra as well as India. Ajanta Caves proudly bear testimony of the earliest Buddhist architecture, paintings and sculptures, while Ellora Caves contain rock carvings, Buddhist monasteries, and Hindu and Jain temples. Kailasha Temple (cave no. 16) is the chief attraction among the devotees of Lord Shiva. have a look on near by attractions on Aurangabad
- Location – Ellora Cave Rd, Ellora, Maharashtra
- How to reach –
- By Air: Fly to Aurangabad Airport and take a bus or taxi to Ajanta (104 km away) and Ellora (36 km away). You can also take a flight to Jalgaon Airport for Ajanta Caves (47 km away).
- By Train: Jalgaon Junction is 58 km from Ajanta Caves, while Aurangabad railway Station is 29 km from Ellora Caves. Take a bus or taxi from either of the stations.
- By Road: The caves are well-connected to the nearby cities via numerous bus services. You can also book a taxi.
- Entry ticket prices (per person) –
- Ajanta Caves:
- Indians: INR 10
- Foreigners: INR 250
- Free entry for children below 15 years
- Camera: INR 25
- Ellora Caves:
- Indians: INR 30
- Foreigners: INR 500
- Camera: INR 25
- Ajanta Caves:
- Timings –
- Ajanta Caves are closed on Mondays, while Ellora Caves are closed on Tuesdays.
- Ajanta Caves are open from 9 AM to 5 PM, while Ellora Caves are open from 6 AM to 6 PM.
- Important facts –
- Both Ajanta and Ellora are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Suggested Read: Daulatabad Fort, Aurangabad
25. Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa
Basilica of Bom Jesus | #25 of 25 Best Monuments in India
Being the oldest church in Goa, this one is a major tourist-puller. Constructed in the 17th century, this Roman Catholic Church holds the mortal relics of St. Francis Xavier. Apart from the beautiful Baroque architecture, the church boasts some of the largest art galleries in Asia.
- Location – Old Goa Rd, Bainguinim, Goa
- How to reach –
- By Air: Goa International Airport is 27 km away, and from there, you can take a bus or cab.
- By Train: Reach Vasco daGama railway station and take a cab or bus.
- By Road: A network of roads and national highways connect Goa to nearby states. You can take a bus or taxi from Mumbai, Bangalore and other cities.
- Entry ticket prices – Free entry for all
- Timings –
- The church is open from Monday to Saturday from 9 AM to 6:30 PM and on Sundays from 10:30 PM to 6:30 PM.
- Important facts –
- It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Places to stay: Hotels in Goa, Budget Hotels in Goa
So, now you have a fair idea about the must-visit monuments of India with names and pictures. How many have you visited already and how many are you still dying to see? The next time you plan a vacation with your loved ones, make sure you visit some of these monuments to make your trip an amazing one.
Suggested Read : Places to visit and things to do in Goa.
This post was last modified on 12-Apr-2024
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This was so awesome and helpful actually 😻