Home travel Majestic Indian Landmarks: Top 30 Famous Landmarks in India

Majestic Indian Landmarks: Top 30 Famous Landmarks in India

February 6, 2023

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Famous Landmarks in India — Source : Travel Dairy

India, a diverse country, is known for its rich cultural heritage, numerous architectural gems, wonderful natural sites, ancient cities, and various eye-catching tourist spots. From the Taj Mahal (one of the seven wonders), and Golden Temple (religious place) to 40 UNESCO world heritage sites, India has everything to attract tourists and visitors across the globe. There are numerous landmarks in India that make the county one of the most popular tourist destinations.

Table of Contents

Though it’s difficult to cover all the natural and historical landmarks of India in a single trip. Here are the top 30 Indian landmarks that you shouldn’t miss visiting.

Landmarks in India that should be in Your Bucket-List

1. Taj Mahal, Agra
2. Agra Fort, Agra
3. Qutub Minar, New Delhi
4. Red Fort, Delhi
5. Ajanta & Ellora Caves, Maharashtra
6. Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
7. Buddhist Monuments, Sanchi
8. Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
9. Swaminarayan Akshardham, New Delhi
10. The Golden Temple, Amritsar
11. Mehrangarh Fort, Rajasthan
12. Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi
13. Fatehpur Sikri, Agra
14. City Palace, Jaipur
15.Jantar Mantar, Jaipur
16. Victoria Memorial, Kolkata
17. Golconda Fort, Hyderabad
18. Living Root Bridges, Meghalaya
19. Gateway of India, Mumbai
20. Sun Temple, Konark
21. Mysore Palace, Mysore
22. Nalanda University, Bihar
23. Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa
24. Bara Imambara, Lucknow
25. Chittorgarh Fort, Chittorgarh
26. Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya
27. Amer Fort, Jaipur
28. Pangong TSO – Ladakh
29. Kumbhalgarh Fort, Rajasthan
30. Matrimandir, Auroville

1. Taj Mahal, Agra

The Taj Mahal, one of the most beautiful Indian architectures, was commissioned in 1631. Situated on the bank of river Yamuna, this famous monument houses the tomb of emperor Shah Jahan and his favorite wife Mumtaj Mahal. This tourist attraction in India is one of the seven wonders of the world and is famous as the symbol of love.

2. Agra Fort, Agra

Spreading over 380,000 square meters, Agra Fort has been a UNESCO world heritage site since 1983. Located a few miles away from the Taj Mahal, this ancient monument resembles a walled city. This red sandstone building has 2 mosques, numerous palaces, various audience halls, and beautiful gardens.

3. Qutub Minar, New Delhi

Qutub Minar, also known as the Victory Tower, was completed in 1193. This famous landmark in India was built by Qutb Ud-Din Aibak after defeating the last Hindu emperor. This 73-meter tall tower in New Delhi was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.

4. Red Fort, Delhi

Another gem in Delhi, Red Fort has a special place in Indian history and heritage. This Indian monument was built under Shah Jahan, a Mughal emperor, after changing his capital from Agra to Delhi. As the name suggests, this historical landmark is made using red sandstone. Every year, the Prime Minister of India unfurls the national flag on Independence Day at this landmark in India.

5. Ajanta & Ellora Caves, Maharashtra

This is one of the most ancient monuments in the world. These two unique hand-crafted caves in Aurangabad city are adorned with rock-cut paintings, sculptures, and frescoes. Ajanta caves are dedicated to the Buddhist faith whereas Ellora is a potpourri of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain caves. These caves will leave you stunned and make you appreciate art even more.

6. Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

One of the most famous landmarks in India is the Khajuraho Group of Monuments. It houses more than 25 medieval-era temples adorned with erotic carvings, sculptures, and Nagara-style architecture. Built between 950 and 1050, the finesse of these temples represents the finest artistry of that time.

7. Buddhist Monuments, Sanchi

Sanchi Stupa was built by Emperor Ashoka in the third century BC. Located on the hilltop of the town, this historical monument represents the cosmic mountain. The chhatraveli’ or ‘harmika’ on top symbolizes the three jewels of Buddhism – the Dharma, the Buddha, and the Sangha. This grand structure disseminates Buddhist philosophy and his way of living life.

8. Hawa Mahal, Jaipur

Known as the ‘Palace of Winds’, this pyramid-shaped five-story building is located in the pink city of Jaipur. Built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, this unique building was constructed for royal women to see the city life, festivals, and bazaars without going out of the palace. It comprises 953 windows and is made of red and pink sandstone.

9. Swaminarayan Akshardham, New Delhi

Located near the bank of the Yamuna river, Akshardham is the largest and most comprehensive Hindu temple in the world. This temple complex is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan. Sitting on 12 hectares of land, Akshardham temple is the best place to witness the priceless Hindu teachings and numerous devotional traditions.

10. The Golden Temple, Amritsar

Also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib, the Golden Temple is one of the most renowned and admired gurudwara in the world. This beautiful Sikh temple is the epitome of harmony, equality, and glory. The main attraction of this holy pilgrimage site is its gold-plated dome, divine pool, and langar prasad.

11. Mehrangarh Fort, Rajasthan

Representing Rajasthani’s rich culture and traditions, Mehrangarh Fort is located in Thar Desert, Jodhpur. It is one of the iconic landmarks in India and houses artifacts, textiles, paintings, and weapons from the Mughal era. The overlook of the Blue City, Jodhpur from the top of this fort is something that makes it impossible to miss.

12. Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi

Located right in the heart of the capital, Humayun’s Tomb was built in the 1570s. It was the resting place of the Mughal Emperor Humayun and is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in India. This landmark in Delhi is the first ‘garden tomb’ of the country and is a beautiful piece of architecture that exemplifies the Mughal style.

13. Fatehpur Sikri, Agra

Fatehpur Sikri is the former capital of the Mughal empire in the 16th century. Soon this planned city was abandoned due to the shortage of water supply. The city houses various courts, royal palaces, and mosques, and is the best tourist destination for a one-day trip.

14. City Palace, Jaipur

One of the most renowned tourist attractions in Jaipur is the City Palace built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh over 400 years. This complex has several buildings, courtyards, galleries, restaurants, and the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum inside its radius. It is the official residency of India’s last remaining royal family too.

15.Jantar Mantar, Jaipur

India is not only famous for its cultural sites, but it houses some of the great wonders too. Jantar Mantar, built in 1727-33 comprises 19 instruments made up of brass and stone. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has the world’s largest stone sundial. The instruments present here allow one to detect the position of planets using just the naked eye.

16. Victoria Memorial, Kolkata

Spread over 64 acres, Victoria Memorial houses numerous sculptures and statues in Kolkata. It was built to honor Queen Victoria. Currently, it is an official museum operated by the Indian Ministry of Culture.

17. Golconda Fort, Hyderabad

Situated only 5 miles away from the Hussain Sagar lake, Hyderabad’s Golkonda Fort is renowned for being home to the mighty Koh-i-Noor diamond. Fortified between the 14th and 17th centuries, this complex is one of the most well-preserved landmarks in India. The fort is made with great techniques. If you clap in the bottom part of the fort, people standing at the top of the fort can hear the echo clearly.

18. Living Root Bridges, Meghalaya

Living Root Bridges is one of the most beautiful natural landmarks in India. These bridges are made by the members of the Khasi tribe and can be seen throughout Meghalaya. These beautifully crafted bridges are weaved together with the thick roots of rubber trees. The best time to see the beauty of these bridges is in the monsoon season when the forests become entirely green.

19. Gateway of India, Mumbai

The most famous landmark in Mumbai, the Gateway of India was the arrival point of British Viceroys in the country. Situated over the gorgeous Arabian Sea, this famous monument in India is a great combination of Gujarat architecture and Islamic design. This is the best hangout place in Mumbai crowded with various street vendors, tea hawkers, street-food stalls, and more.

20. Sun Temple, Konark

Sun Temple is a gorgeous piece of architecture built in the 13th century. This temple is dedicated to the Hindu God Surya (The Sun) and resembles a gigantic chariot with 24 wheels. Odisha’s Sun Temple was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984. It is meticulously designed to strike sunrays at the entrance of the temple at the start of a new day.

21. Mysore Palace, Mysore

Mysore Palace is a famous historical landmark in India situated in Karnataka state. Initially, it was made of wood. After burning down during a wedding ceremony, it was rebuilt in 1912. This three-story building resembles different architectural styles like Hindu, Gothic, Muslim, and Rajput. This place looks marvelous in daylight. However, it looks heavenly in the dark after getting decorated with 100,000 beautiful light bulbs.

22. Nalanda University, Bihar

Located 62 km away from Bodh Gaya, Nalanda University is the first university in the world. All four Vedas, logic, grammar, medicine, rhetoric, etc were taught to students. Presently in ruins, Nalanda university is a remarkable heritage that shows the true side of India. It was the center for Hinduism, Sufism, and Jainism that reflects the unity in the past.

23. Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa

Located in Goa, The Basilica of Bom Jesus is the oldest church in the state. This beautiful and unique building is famous for housing the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. The interior of the church is marvelous, containing a marble mosaic and precious stones. It is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites that hold religious and cultural significance.

24. Bara Imambara, Lucknow

Another historical landmark in India, Bara Imambara is an incredible piece of Mughal architecture. Located in Lucknow, the City of Nawabs, this building houses a mosque, a maze, and other stately rooms. It is believed that this heritage site in India has 1,024 ways to enter but only two ways to go out.

25. Chittorgarh Fort, Chittorgarh

Covering a 2.8 km area and a height of 1,075 meters, Chittorgarh Fort is the largest fort in the country. This UNESCO World Heritage Site in Rajasthan is still an incredible piece of architecture after getting ruined by the Mughals.

26. Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya

There are four major holy places related to Lord Buddha and Mahabodhi Temple is one of them. It is the oldest Buddha temple in the world built under Emperor Ashoka. Spread over more than 5 hectares, this temple houses numerous stupas and a colossal statue of Lord Buddha.

27. Amer Fort, Jaipur

Though Jaipur is home to hundreds of landmarks, still, Amer Fort stands out as the grandest fort in the country. This majestic place in India was built in 1592 by Rajput rulers. Constructed with yellow and pink sandstone, Amer fort is an architectural masterpiece and a visual treat to the eyes.

28. Pangong TSO – Ladakh

Pangong Tso is the highest saltwater lake in the world. It was always a beautiful place to visit in India. However, it got more recognition after being featured in Amir Khan’s movie “3-Idiots”. This famous natural landmark in India is divided into five sub-lakes – 40% in Ladakh, India, 50% in Tibet, China, and the remaining 10 % is disputed between the 2 countries. One unusual thing about this lake is that it keeps changing color from blue to green to red depending on the time of the day.

29. Kumbhalgarh Fort, Rajasthan

Also known as the “Great Wall of India”, Kumbhalgarh Fort is the birthplace of the legendary king, Maharana Pratap. Being about 36 km long, it is the second-largest wall in the world. This fort was built in the 15th century AD by Rana Kumbha. It is the best place for a superb bird’s eye view of the surroundings.

30. Matrimandir, Auroville

Auroville, a town dedicated to peace and unity, is home to the Matrimandir temple. This temple resembles a large golden covered with golden desks. Also known as the soul of the city, Matrimandir resembles a spiritual significance for Auroville residents.

These are some landmarks in India that you can visit on your trip. We, at Indian Eagle, offer flights to India at reasonable prices. Check out the website, compare fares, and book tickets accordingly.