India is a land of history and culture. From ancient temples to grand forts, every corner of India tells a story of its rich past. If you love exploring places that take you back in time, then this article is perfect for you. We bring you 10 most famous historical places in India with all the basic information you need—written in simple and easy-to-read language.
Let’s begin our journey into history!
1. Taj Mahal – Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Why It’s Famous:
The Taj Mahal is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It is a white marble tomb built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is a symbol of love and beauty.
Built in: 1632
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Entry Fee: ₹50 for Indians, ₹1100 for foreigners
Timings: Sunrise to sunset (closed on Fridays)
Quick Info:
Located on the banks of river Yamuna.
Made entirely of white marble.
UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. Qutub Minar – Delhi
Why It’s Famous:
Qutub Minar is the tallest brick minaret in the world. It shows the beginning of Islamic rule in India.
Built by: Qutub-ud-din Aibak in 1193
Height: 73 meters
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Entry Fee: ₹40 for Indians, ₹600 for foreigners
Timings: 7 AM to 5 PM
Quick Info:
Made of red sandstone and marble.
Surrounded by many ancient ruins and the Iron Pillar.
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. Red Fort – Delhi
Why It’s Famous:
The Red Fort is a symbol of India's independence. Every year, the Prime Minister hoists the national flag here on 15th August.
Built by: Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1648
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Entry Fee: ₹35 for Indians, ₹500 for foreigners
Timings: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM (closed on Mondays)
Quick Info:
Made of red sandstone.
Was the main residence of Mughal emperors for over 200 years.
Contains museums and light & sound shows in the evening.
Top 20 Historical Places in India
4. Hampi – Karnataka
Why It’s Famous:
Hampi was once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, one of the richest empires in Indian history. The ruins here are magical.
Best Time to Visit: October to February
Entry Fee: ₹40 for Indians, ₹600 for foreigners (Vittala Temple Complex)
Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
Quick Info:
Famous for stone temples, pillars, and carvings.
UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Best explored by walking or cycling.
5. Fatehpur Sikri – Uttar Pradesh
Why It’s Famous:
Fatehpur Sikri was the capital of Mughal Emperor Akbar. It is known for its mix of Islamic and Hindu architecture.
Built in: 1571
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Entry Fee: ₹50 for Indians, ₹600 for foreigners
Timings: Sunrise to sunset
Quick Info:
Home to the Buland Darwaza, the tallest gateway in the world.
Also famous for the tomb of Sufi saint Salim Chishti.
Abandoned due to water shortage.
6. Khajuraho Temples – Madhya Pradesh
Why It’s Famous:
Khajuraho is famous for its erotic sculptures and fine stone carvings. The temples show the brilliance of Indian art and culture.
Built by: Chandela Dynasty between 950 and 1050 AD
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Entry Fee: ₹40 for Indians, ₹600 for foreigners
Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM
Quick Info:
22 temples still remain out of the original 85.
Divided into Western, Eastern, and Southern groups.
UNESCO World Heritage Site.
7. Ajanta and Ellora Caves – Maharashtra
Why It’s Famous:
These are ancient rock-cut caves famous for Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain sculptures and paintings. They show the spiritual life of ancient India.
Ajanta Built Between: 2nd century BC – 6th century AD
Ellora Built Between: 6th – 10th century AD
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Entry Fee: ₹40 for Indians, ₹600 for foreigners
Timings: 9 AM to 5:30 PM (closed on Mondays)
Quick Info:
Ajanta has 30 Buddhist caves.
Ellora has 34 caves, including the world-famous Kailasa Temple.
Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Ajanta Caves
Ellora Caves
8. Konark Sun Temple – Odisha
Konark Sun Temple
Why It’s Famous:
This temple is shaped like a giant chariot and is dedicated to the Sun God. It is known for its amazing architecture and stone carvings.
Built by: King Narasimhadeva I in the 13th century
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Entry Fee: ₹40 for Indians, ₹600 for foreigners
Timings: 6 AM to 8 PM
Quick Info:
24 stone wheels represent hours of the day.
Horses pulling the chariot symbolize time.
UNESCO World Heritage Site.
9. Gateway of India – Mumbai, Maharashtra
Why It’s Famous:
It was built to welcome King George V and Queen Mary to India in 1911. Now, it is one of the most popular landmarks of Mumbai.
Built in: 1924
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Open all day
Quick Info:
Overlooks the Arabian Sea.
Nearby are the Elephanta Caves and the Taj Hotel.
Beautiful place for photos, especially at sunset.
10. Mysore Palace – Karnataka
Why It’s Famous:
This royal palace was the residence of the Wodeyar family and shows the rich culture of southern India (Karnataka).
Built in: 1912
Best Time to Visit: September to March
Entry Fee: ₹100 for Indians, ₹200 for foreigners
Timings: 10 AM to 5:30 PM
Quick Info:
Blends Hindu, Islamic, Gothic, and Rajput styles.
Famous for its Dasara (Dussehra) celebrations.
Lights up beautifully every Sunday night and during festivals.
Why Visit These Historical Places?
Learn about India's heritage and culture
See amazing architecture
Understand ancient traditions and beliefs
Feel proud of India's rich past
Perfect for photography and memories
Travel Tips for Visiting Historical Places in India
Plan your trip in the winter months (October to March) to avoid heat.
Carry water, sunglasses, and caps during the day.
Wear comfortable footwear as many places involve walking.
Respect the rules at each site.
Hire local guides if you want to know the stories behind the place.
Keep your camera ready, but make sure photography is allowed.
Buy tickets online when possible to avoid long queues.
Avoid littering—keep India clean and beautiful.
Travel light but smart—carry ID proof, sunscreen, and sanitizer.
Be polite and enjoy the moment.
Conclusion: Walk into the Past with Pride!
India is not just a country; it is an open museum of ancient wonders. Every state, every city has something historical waiting for you. These 10 historical places in India are just the beginning. There are many more that tell amazing stories—some of kings and queens, others of gods and devotion, and some of art and architecture.
So whether you are a traveler, a student, or just someone who loves exploring beautiful places, these historical sites will make your journey unforgettable.
Travel not just to see, but to feel. Travel not just to click pictures, but to collect stories.
