Top 10 Monuments of India

India is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, traditional freedoms, and captivating ancient history. It is the birthplace of several major world religions and, once known as the land of kings, has seen the rise of remarkable architectural marvels throughout its various civilizations. Buddhism has gifted us with stunning monasteries and stupas, while Hindu rulers and Rajputs have contributed numerous architectural wonders and hill forts. Talking about the structural brilliance, India is filled with a copious number of architectural beauties ranging from forts, monuments, temples palaces and what not. Though India has a never-ending list of architectural beauties, we have compiled the top 10 Monuments of India, that needs your visit at least once in your lifetime.

I couldn’t keep myself from including it in the Top 10 Monuments of India. I mean just look at it, Its beauty can be witnessed from the image itself. This heavenly Hotel was built in the 18th century under the direction of Maharana Jagat II of Udaipur, Rajasthan. It was earlier known as Jag Niwas after the name of its founder. It used to be the summer resort for the then rulers who used to held their durbars in the courtyards lined with the column, pillared terraces, fountains, and gardens. This romantic picturesque beauty has 83 rooms spread over a vast area of 4 acres. Currently owned by Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, This epic architectural marvel is definitely a One time stay at least.

It might not look like a university at the first instant but it really holds a lot of Historical importance within it. Located in Rajgir, Near Nalanda, Bihar. It was the Buddhist Centre of Learning. It is believed that the library of Nalanda University was so big that it burned for three months after the Invaders set it to fire. Once ransacked, Nalanda has begun its new academic session from 1st September 2014 with 15 students including five women. The government has proposed to modernise the campus by 2020.

It is probably the most astounding looking temple one can find in all of India. Contradicting to the predefined image of temples in India, this Bahai’s Temple is in the shape of a lotus and is the centre of Attraction of city, Delhi. Opened to all religions the temple is made up of 27 free-standing marble clad “petals” arranged in clusters of three to form its nine sides, with a height of slightly over 40 metres and the ability to hold a capacity of 2,500 people has bagged Lotus Temple with numerous architectural awards too. So, if you are touring India then don’t miss to visit this majestic monument.

Talking of beauty, This large marble building in Kolkata is one of a Kind, It was Built (between 1906-1921) in the Memory of Queen Victoria. It is now a museum and the centre of attraction for all the tourists visiting the city. Maintained by the Ministry of Culture, it is one of the best museums in the city with an assortment of Victoria memorabilia, British Raj paintings and many other beautiful displays. It is made from the same Makrana Marble with which Taj Mahal is also built and also echoes the Taj Mahal with its dome, four subsidiaries, octagonal-domed chattri, high portals, terrace, and domed corner towers. If you ever visit the city of joy, don’t forget to pay a visit to this beauty too.

It is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in all of the India owing to the majestic paintings of Ajanta and carved sculptures of Ellora caves. It is a collection of 29 caves and was listed among the list of world heritage sites by UNESCO. The panoramic beauty compounded with the tranquillity of flora and fauna makes it on of the most exotic caves exemplifying sheer brilliance in architecture. You must never miss this engineering brilliance if you are touring India specially Maharastra.

One of the most popular tourist sites of Orissa, this Hindu temple is dedicated to the Sun God.  The temple is in shape of a gigantic chariot having elaborately carved stone wheels, pillars and walls. Though a large part of the temple is now a ruin, the temple still takes a spot in UNESCO World Heritage Sites and has been featured in Seven Wonders of India. It is located in village Konark, 35km North of Puri on the coast of Bay of Bengal. The wheels of the temple can be used to calculate the time accurately to the minute. This historic marvel should always be on your list for at least one time Visit.

Talk about being large, This fort in the Jodhpur city of Rajasthan is one of the biggest forts in India. Built in around 1460 by Rao Jodha, the fort is almost 125m above the city and is enclosed by thick walls. The fort has seven gates built by then rulers to commemorate their victories across different territories. With one of the most well-stocked museums inside the fort, this historic beauty is always at least one-time visit for anyone who is touring Rajasthan.

The city of Mysore is known as the city of palaces, and no doubt the reason is here. The Palace of Mysore is one of the most historic palaces of southern India. It was the official abode of Wodeyars, who ruled the princely state of Mysore from 1399-1950. With Two durbar halls (for the ceremonial meeting of the royal court) and an array of gardens, courtyards and buildings Mysore Palace is one of the most famous tourist attractions of India after Taj Mahal, with 6 million or more visitors annually. So, don’t forget to visit it, if you are in Mysore.

We couldn’t end the list of “Top 10 Monuments of India” without the inclusion of this Holiest Gurudwara of Sikhism from Amritsar, Punjab. Built in 1577 by Sikh Guru, Guru Ram Das is also known to Sikhs as Harmandir Sahib. The focus of attention is the sacred tank surrounding the gleaming central shrine – Amrit Sarovar and ringed by a marble walkway. It is believed that the tank has healing powers, and people from all across come to bathe in it. The temple itself is a beautiful occurrence of Islamic andHinduu architecture. Never miss visiting this sacred beauty whenever you are in Punjab.