India, the land of diversity is popular for showcasing its vibrant colors. The tourism has also flourished and thus has attracted tourists from all round the globe to visit India. Due to the magnificent past, there are numerous historical monuments dotted in varied regions of the country, thus, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of India. A visit to these attractions takes you to the ancient India. These monuments are also enlisted as the architectural marvels of India.
Statistics of India’s Historical Sites:
- Number of World Heritage Sites: 35
- Number of Tentative Sites: 33
Here are the top five historical sites of India that are listed as world heritage sites and are a great source of attraction for tourists from all across the globe.
Taj Mahal:
The beautiful Taj Mahal, on the bank of Yamuna River, is one of the sought-after attractions in India. This marble structure took about 22 years to complete and this has involved dedication and hard work of about 20,000 workers. This structure is said to be the symbol of eternal love. This was built in the memory of Mumtaz Mahal by his husband Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Apart from architectural marvel, the change in color with change in the light of the day also attracts tourists.
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- Inscribed in the year: 1983
- Opened: 1648
- Height: 561′ (171 m)
- Address: Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Architectural style: Mughal architecture
- Architect: Ustad Ahmad Lahouri
- Function: Monument, Mausoleum
Hampi:
Hampi, once the capital of Vijayanagar, is now a laid back village. The ruins date back to the 14th century. The entire complex is stretched over an area of 10 miles (25 km) and consists of about 500 monuments. This is an amazing historic place that exhibits the glimpses of rich cultural heritage of India.
- Inscribed in the year: 1986
- Origin: 1336 to 1565
- Address: Bellary, Karnataka
- Founder: Harihara and Bukkaraya
- Function: Cultural
Khajuraho Temples:
The unique architecture has attracted tourists from all across the globe to pay a visit. The detailed carvings on the walls and ceilings of the temples are very unique and intricate. There also are depictions of various erotic sculptures. Thus, the temple showcases glimpses of life, love and worship. The tourists could also find ancient Hindu faith as well as Tantric practices. Thus, the detailed carvings are the major attributes that attract tourists.
- Inscribed in the year: 1986
- Height: 283 m (928 ft)
- Address: Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh
- Function: Cultural
Ajanta and Ellora Caves:
There are about 29 caves at Ajanta and 34 caved at Ellora that are today considered as one of the world heritage sites in India. The architectures and existence since ages have attracted visitors from every nook and corner of the world to visit. The unique sculptures, paintings, etc., are some of the attractive features of this site. As these caves are hand carved, these have made this cultural site to be renowned as one of the popular tourist attractions in India. The extraordinary architecture makes Ajanta and Ellora caves worth visiting.
- Inscribed in the year: 1983
- Origin: Ajanta -2nd century; Ellora – 5th century and 10th century
- Address: Aurangabad
- Function: Cultural
Fatehpur Sikri:
Erstwhile capital of the Mughal Empire during the 16th century is today one of the world heritage sites of India. The city is also named as the Ghost City as the city has been abandoned due to scarcity of water. The entire palace complex is constructed using red sandstone. Thus, the visitors find themselves being shifted to the medieval times of India. This is also one of the finest specimens of Mughal architecture in India.
- Inscribed in the year: 1986
- Origin: 1569
- Architectural style: Mughal architecture
- Architect: Tuhir Das
- Function: Cultural
Neelam Talreja
Neelam Talreja is a Travel Writer with a keen interest in writing about incredible destinations. Her write-ups are detailed and comprising of all relevant details that could accommodate. All write-ups are written after thorough research with a blend of creative writing that will make you travel along.