Top 10 Landmarks of India to Explore

India is not only known for its rich culture but also rich with the heritage left its history. This country has been ruled by Mughals, Turks, Tughlaks, shakas, British, and the list goes on. These emperors not only ruled the region but also mixed their culture with the natives. Along with the culture, they built many of the monuments which have historical value along with the attraction of tourists, historians, archaeologists and explorers.

Let’s dive right in and talk about the top 10 monuments in India.

1. Taj Mahal

Location: Agra, Uttar Pradesh

Taj Mahal is knowns as the symbol of love. In 1632, it was made of ivory white marbles by then-emperor Shahjan in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaj. Along with that, is one of seven wonders in the world recognised by UNESCO.

Around Taj Mahal: Mehtab Bagh, Agra Fort, Taj Museaum, Jama masjid.

How to Reach: The nearest airport is Agra from where Taj Mahal is about 13km far. Taxies and other modes of transport are available. It is less than 6km away from Agra Railway station.

When to Visit: November to February

Weather

Mansoon: 25C to 35C
Summer: 32C to 45C

2. Gateway of India

Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra

Gateway of India was built in early 20th century in the welcome of the first British monarch George V and Queen Mary. It’s about 26 meter in hight and stand guard at the bank of Arabian Sea which was recognised as monuments at the departure of British.

Around Gateway of India: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Jahangir art gallery, Flora Fountain, Elephanta caves, Handing garden, Kamala Nehru Park.

How to Reach: A taxi could be opted to reach from CST airport the nearest railway station is Churchgate from where it only has a walking distance.

When to Visit: October to March

Weather

Mansoon: 29C to 32C
Summer: 30C to 48C

3. Konark Sun Temple

Location: Konark, Puri, Orrisa

Based in a holy place of Hindus called Puri, this temple is dedicated to Hindu god Sun. This 100ft high temple with chariot and big wheels including perfect carving art in stones, this temple was attributed to Narasingh Deva in 1250.

Around Konark Sun Temple: Ramchandi beach and temple, Konark ASI museum, Ma Mangala temple, Balukhand Konark.

How to Reach: The nearest airport is Agra from where Taj Mahal is about 13km far. Taxies and other modes of transport are available. It is less than 6km away from Agra Railway station.

When to Visit: September to March

Weather

Mansoon: 29C to 32C
Summer: 30C to 48C

4. Ajanta Cave

Location: Aurangabad, Maharashtra

This Buddhist structure was made by carving the rocks of a cave in 2nd century BCE based in Maharastra, Aurangabad. It has many memories of Chinese and Buddhist travellers in the medieval era. Different Buddhist ancient monasteries and worship-halls are carved in more than 75 meters inside that cave.

Around Ajanta Cave: Bhokardan Caves, Ellora Caves, Waterfall, Daultabad Fort, Bibi ka maqbara.

How to Reach: The closest airport to Ajanta Cave is Jalgaon which is about 50Km away. Ellora caves are 100km far from Ajanta cave and Aurangabad is the closest city. Taxi, trains and buses are available to reach there.

When to Visit: June to March

Weather

Mansoon: 29C to 32C
Summer: 30C to 48C

5. Qutub Minar

Location: Mehrauli, Delhi

This 73-meter high tower has been recognised as world heritage by UNESCO based in Mehrauli, Delhi. Around 14 meters in diameter, this tower has five stories. A popular place to visit including India Gate, and Red Fort while you are in Delhi.

Around Qutub Minar: Imam’s Tomb, Humayu Tomb, India Gate, Iron Pillar, Alai Minar, Red Fort, Zafar Mahal.

How to Reach: Taxi, Bus and Metro trains are available from the nearest airport India Gandhi International Airport. Qutub Minar is less than 14 Km away from the airport.

When to Visit: September to November and February to March

Weather

Mansoon: 29C to 32C
Summer: 30C to 48C

6. Statue of Unity

Location: Vadodara, Gujrat

This statue was made in the memory of Independent activist Sardar Ballabh Bhai Patel which is 182 meters high. This has been recognised as the highest statue in the world located in Gujrat at the bank of Narmada river.

Around Status of Unity: Nilkanthdham Swaminarayan Temple, Kuberbhandarishiva Temple, Nilkanthdham, Swaminarayan Temple, Shruti Mandir Ashram, Shrikalianraiji Mandir, Sayajibaug.

How to Reach: The nearest airport and railway station is Vadodara which is about 100km away from the Statue of Unity. Buses, local trains and taxis are available from both the airport and the metro station.

When to Visit: October to March

Weather

Mansoon: 29C to 32C
Summer: 30C to 48C

7. Sanchi Stupa

Location: Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

The is one of the oldest monument available which was made by the great emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century when he became the follower of Gautam Buddha after the Kalinga War to spread the Buddhist philosophy. The carving at the stones will make you open-mouthed as you visit.

Around Sanchi Stupa:Udaygiri Caves, Sanchi Museaum, Ashoka Pillar, Eastern and Southern gate, Great Bowl, Gupta Temple.

How to Reach:Raja Bhoj Airport in Bhopal is the nearest airport from where Sanchi Stupa is about 55kM. You can reach here within an hour or so by taxi. Buses are also available as public transport.

When to Visit: September to March

Weather

Mansoon: 29C to 32C
Summer: 30C to 48C

8. Khajuraho

Location:Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

Khajuraho depicts the finest art of stone carving and one of the most famous tourist places in Madhya Pradesh. The temples and statues show wrestling, spiritual teachings, and meditation which shows the rich culture of ancient India including exceptional architectural skill.

Around Khajuraho:Kandariya Mahadev Temple, Chaturbhuj Temple, Parshvanath Temple, Panna National Park.

How to Reach: This place is only less than 5 minutes away from the airport based in Khajuraho. From other railway stations, this heritage site is well connected via trains, buses and other modes of transport.

When to Visit: October to February

Weather

Mansoon: 29C to 32C
Summer: 30C to 48C

9. Rajghat

Location: Indraprashta, New Delhi

Rajghat was made on the black marbles at the cremation place of Mahatma Gandhi. Based on the bank of river Yamuna, this place will remind you of the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi including the cremation place of many other great politicians like Jawahar Lal Nehru, Rajendra Prasad.

Around Rajghat: Red Fort, India Gate, Jama Masjid, Feroj Shah Kotla, Purana Qila, Humanyu Tomb.

How to Reach: The nearest airport is Agra from where Taj Mahal is about 13km far. Taxies and other modes of transport are available. It is less than 6km away from Agra Railway station.

When to Visit: September to November and February to monarch

Weather

Mansoon: 29C to 32C
Summer: 30C to 48C

10. Vivekanand Rock Memorial

Location: Kanyakumari, Taminadu

This is one of the most famous tourist places in the southern part of India. This is where the great philosopher Swami Vivekanand attained enlightenment. Based in Kanyakumari, in a small island of Tamilnadu, this place is also known to be a spiritual place of goddess Kumari.

Around Taj Mahal: Sunset View Point, Thiruvalluvar Statue, Padmanabhapuram Palace, Kanyakumari Beach, Thanumalayan temple - Sthanumalayan Kovil.

How to Reach: The nearest metro station is Trivandrum from where this is almost 67km away. Taxi and bus could be availed to reach. Also, Ferries are available from 8AM to 4PM.

When to Visit: September to April

Weather

Mansoon: 29C to 32C
Summer: 30C to 48C