India is an Asian country loved for its ancient culture. The art and architecture of this largely populated country are a testimony to its diverse and beautiful heritage. One of the famous monuments of India is amongst the seven wonders of the world. Here is a countdown of the best 10 monuments of India.
1. Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is a world wonder because of its sophisticated structure. It is one of the 5 monuments of India everyone knows about. Many people visit this beautiful monument for photography and yoga. When considering the best 5 monuments of India with pictures, you wouldn’t want to miss the Taj Mahal on your list.
The structure combines architectural cues from different cultures. When the Mughal Emperor thought about constructing this complex building, I doubt he ever thought it would become so recognizable across the globe. Shah Jahan’s main concern was to immortalize his wife. This historic and endearing construction took over two decades to complete, showing the amount of skill and commitment invested in its creation.
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2. India Gate
The India Gate is one of the five monuments of India that I would vouch for. The monument is an acknowledgment of Indian soldiers who died during the First World War.
One of the notable things about this structure is an eternal flame that has never gone off since its construction. The flame commemorates the Indian soldiers who fought in the First World War. If you are a history enthusiast, the India Gate will impress you.
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3. Agra Fort
No fan of Mungal architecture would ever want to miss the opportunity to see the Agra Fort. Emperor Akbar constructed this monument at the heart of India during his tenure, and it is now considered a historical monument of great significance for the nation. No wonder why it became a world heritage site.
The structure is also called Lal Quila. The main feature of this fort is the intricate artwork on its marble walls and sandstone. A double-battlemented wall of red sandstone encloses the fort. The fort’s walls are also 70 feet high and 2 kilometers in perimeter.
Many rulers have owned the Agra Fort in the past. Furthermore, it has been the envy of many, which explains why it has undergone many changes over time. It started in the mid-14th century during the first battle of Panipat between Lodi and Babur. When Babur won the fight, he constructed the fort. Later on, he built a huge step well inside.
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4. Golden Temple
The Golden Temple is a sacred place for believers who seek solace or want to meditate. Therefore, this is the place to be if you are looking for this sensation on your trip to India. As the name suggests, gold is what makes up this temple.
The structure is among the most important monuments in India because of its design and religious significance. Inside it lies the most sacred book in Sikhism. The Guru Granth Sahib sets out precepts on how to relate with others most lovingly.
It is interesting to note that half of the Golden Temple is made up of gold. The temple is also home to a community kitchen, the Langar, the world’s largest. In this kitchen, volunteers serve meals to the visitors.
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5. Qutub Minar
When historians discuss tall monuments, they will most likely mention Qutub Minar. This construction has elements of Indian and Islamic architecture, and it is the world’s tallest brick minaret. Therefore, you should brace yourself to be awed by this giant construction.
Its construction finished in 1215, and it took a significant amount of time and resources. The tower features many inscriptions that show it has been repaired several times. Some refer to this historic monument as the Victory Tower.
One of its amazing features is artwork on marble and red sandstone. Qutub Minar is also among the Indian monuments considered a world heritage site.
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6. Victoria Memorial
Victoria Memorial is one of the ten monuments of India I would recommend. This historic structure is specifically dedicated to Queen Victoria. Therefore, this museum is a significant tourist attraction. The structure has one thing in common with the Taj Mahal: the source of the marble used in its construction. The builders got the marble for the two monuments from the same quarry.
The image of the Angel of Victory is one of the things that will grab your attention at the Victoria Memorial. The statue is of bronze and is 16 feet high. In addition, the entrance hall contains marble statues of royal figures.
Another exciting feature of this monument is its rich history. The Victoria Memorial contains historic pieces dating back to the British era. For example, the decorations on the walls have paintings showing scenes from Queen Victoria’s life. The interior rooms also have a vast collection of sculptures, books, artifacts, manuscripts, and paintings from this classic period.
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7. Gateway of India
The Gateway of India Maharashtra is another historic monument of India. This 26-meter-long structure is a work of a British architect. Initially, it was an entry point for British tourists, but currently, it is accessible to the general public.
The Gateway of India is of Indo-Sarenic architecture. The monument’s design includes artwork carved on stones. The yellow basalt stones in its construction make it stand out. Many believe the monument was a form of acknowledgment for the first British monarchs to come to India, Emperor George V, and his wife, Queen Mary.
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8. Red Fort
As the name suggests, the Red Fort is a monument featuring massive red sandstone walls, grand places, entertainment walls, projecting balconies, geometrical gardens, and Mughal. The building was constructed during the reign of Shah Jahan and is one of the historic constructions you should watch out for in India.
The Red Fort is in New Delhi and appears featured on India’s Rs.500 note. The monument covers a vast area of land. The main entrances to the Red Fort are the Delhi and Lahori gates. Many individuals enjoy taking photographs at this iconic location, while others visit it to shop and indulge in meals.
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9. Hampi
There are references to Hampi as a thriving and stunning city while going through the historical accounts of the Vijayanagar kingdom. This walled city was established in the 14th century and comprises an enormous area of over 40 sq km that houses numerous architectural wonders collectively known as the Group of Monuments.
Hampi is also a world heritage attraction. The area features temples, treasury buildings, bastions, and street markets. You can expect to experience classic architectural styles and aesthetics at this wondrous location.
One of the main attractions in this area is the Virupaksha Temple. The construction has a magnificent statue of Lord Shiva within its premises. Some of the other attractions to watch out for include elephant stables, a queen’s bath, and the Vijaya temple. The Vijaya temple is a notable historic site for its pillars. These stone pillars are capable of producing musical notes, which is an architectural marvel that many people cannot explain.
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10. Ajanta and Ellora Caves
When you think about caves, ancient man’s history comes to mind. However, caves like Ajanta and Ellora can be an object of art. Additionally, they are among the largest in the world.
These caves feature paintings and sculptures that depict the Buddhist religion, playing a critical role in the growth of art in India at the time. The caves are also of volcanic lava design, which is another fascinating fact.
Ajanta mainly features beautiful paintings on its walls that depict Buddhism, whereas Ellora is mostly about architecture and sculpture.
The Ajanta caves have a horse-shoe-like shape. Four of the caves were used as prayer halls, while the rest were for residential purposes. Another interesting feature of these caves is the Kailasa temple. It is considered the largest rock-cut temple in the world. The temple honors Lord Shiva, a renowned Hindu deity.
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Bottom Line
If you are looking for famous monuments in India, you are now spoilt for choice with all the options we have given you here. However, this top ten list consists only of some of the most popular monuments. Whatever monument you choose will help you learn about the rich Indian culture, but don’t forget that there are many more fascinating structures in this culturally rich country for you to discover. Whether you want to go to India on vacation or are a fan of art and history, this top ten list of monuments in India will appeal to you.
