India is a motherland of rich culture and heritage, and the iconic monuments that stand as a testament to this history are essential to its identity.
From the iconic Taj Mahal to the monumental Qutub Minar, India is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking and iconic monuments. Here are 20 of the most iconic monuments to see in India.
1. Taj Mahal
Agra, Uttar Pradesh: The iconic white-marble mausoleum is an architectural marvel and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Built-in, in the 17th century by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, the Taj Mahal is a symbol of love and devotion.
2. Qutub Minar
New Delhi: Built in the early 13th century, the Qutub Minar is one of the tallest minarets in the world, standing at the height of 72.5 meters. The monument is a classic example of Indo-Islamic architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. Charminar
Hyderabad, Telangana: One of the most iconic monuments in India, the Charminar is a four-storeyed mosque in Hyderabad with a minaret at each corner. The monument was built in 1591 by Sultan Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah and is an essential landmark in the city.
4. Red Fort
New Delhi: The Red Fort is an iconic monument in India that represents the country’s rich history. Built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 1648, the Red Fort is a symbol of India’s freedom struggle and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
5. Hawa Mahal
Jaipur, Rajasthan: Another iconic monument in India, the Hawa Mahal, is a five-storeyed palace in the city of Jaipur. The Hawa Mahal was constructed in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh and is an architectural masterpiece.
6. Gateway of India
Mumbai, Maharashtra: Built in 1924, the Gateway of India is an iconic monument in Mumbai. The monument was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to the city and is a popular tourist attraction.
7. Sanchi Stupa
Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh: Sanchi Stupa is an ancient Buddhist monument in Madhya Pradesh. Built in the 3rd century BC, the Sanchi Stupa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists.
8. Brihadeeswarar Temple
Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu: Built in the 11th century by the Chola dynasty, the Brihadeeswarar Temple is an iconic monument in India. The temple is an architectural marvel and is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.
9. Golden Temple
Amritsar, Punjab: The Golden Temple is an important religious site in India and an iconic monument in Amritsar. Built in the 16th century, the Golden Temple is a symbol of the Sikh faith and is a popular tourist attraction.
10. Sun Temple
Konark, Odisha: The Sun Temple is a 13th-century temple dedicated to the Hindu god Surya. The temple is an architectural masterwork and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
11. Victoria Memorial
Kolkata, West Bengal: The Victoria Memorial is an iconic monument in Kolkata, West Bengal. Built in 1921, the monument was built in memory of Queen Victoria and is a popular tourist attraction.
12. Konark Sun Temple
Konark, Odisha: The 13th-century Konark Sun Temple is a magnificent example of temple architecture. The temple is committed to the Hindu god Surya and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
13. Jantar Mantar
Jaipur, Rajasthan: Built in 1734, the Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory in Jaipur. The monument is a classic example of Indian architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
14. Ellora Caves
Aurangabad, Maharashtra: The Ellora Caves are a group of 34 ancient caves in Aurangabad. The caves are an important pilgrimage site and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
15. Mahabodhi Temple
Bodh Gaya, Bihar: The Mahabodhi Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the city of Bodh Gaya. The temple is associated with the life of Gautama Buddha and is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists.
16. Lotus Temple
New Delhi: The Lotus Temple is a Baha’i House of Worship in New Delhi and is an iconic monument in India. The temple is an architectural marvel and is a popular tourist attraction.
17. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
Mumbai, Maharashtra: The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is an iconic railway station in Mumbai. Built in the 19th century, the station is an example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
18. Gol Gumbaz
Bijapur, Karnataka: The Gol Gumbaz is an iconic monument in Bijapur, Karnataka. Built in the 17th century, the monument is a mausoleum dedicated to Mohammed Adil Shah and is a popular tourist attraction.
19. Ajanta Caves
Aurangabad, Maharashtra: The Ajanta Caves are a group of 30 ancient caves in Aurangabad. The caves are an important pilgrimage site and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
20. India Gate
New Delhi: The India Gate is an iconic monument in New Delhi. Built in 1931, the monument commemorates the Indian soldiers who died in World War I and is a popular tourist attraction.
Final Word
India is home to some of the most iconic monuments in the world. From the majestic Taj Mahal to the majestic Red Fort, these monuments are a symbol of India’s rich culture and history. Visiting these monuments is a must for any traveler, as they offer a glimpse into the country’s past, while still providing a unique experience. So if you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, make sure to add some of these iconic monuments to your travel list!
