24 Famous Landmarks in India You Shouldn’t Miss
Most Beautiful Landmarks in India Everyone Needs to See!
With a total area of more than three million square kilometers, India is the seventh-largest country in the world. Accordingly high is the number of sights and places which are worth seeing.
No matter if you start your journey through India in the north with cities like New Delhi, Jaipur or Udaipur.
Or you decide to explore southern India and begin your trip in the lovely state of Karnataka with the bustling cities Bangalore and Mysore.
Impressive monuments such as religious temples and breathtaking palaces can be found everywhere!
With the size of this country, it’s hard to see all the nice places on your own though.
Especially if your time here is limited.
Since I’ve only been to India once, I asked more than 20 other travel lovers and experts to help me compile this comprehensive list of the best landmarks in India.
The result: 24 of the most beautiful Indian landmarks including highly popular ones like the Taj Mahal and a bit lesser-known ones like Fatehpur Sikri near Agra and Kamakhya Temple in Assam.
Enjoy this virtual journey through India!
(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking.)
Famous Landmarks in New Delhi
1. Lotus Temple
Recommended by Gabi of Under Flowery Sky
The Lotus Temple in New Delhi, one of the more modern landmarks in India, represents the Baha’i House of Worship with the purpose to unite all religions.
Built in 1986 from white marble, the wonderful shape of the lotus flower creates a stunning attraction in the city.
The temple consists of 27 petals shaping around nine doors and nine ponds. A tranquil path full of greenery leads to the temple.
The design belongs to the Iranian architect Fariborz Sahba, who now lives in California. It can accommodate around 1,300 people.
The elegant symbol of New Delhi is open to all. Exploring it inside doesn’t take much time, about 40 minutes. The entrance is free of charge.
It’s open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm every day, except Monday. Easily reachable from Kalkaji Mandir metro station, Lotus temple lies near Nehru Place in southern Delhi.
The Interior doesn’t hold any altars, statues or pictures. Instead, it is a place of tranquility that got many architectural awards.
Tours you might find interesting:
2. Qutab Minar
Recommended by Suzanne of Suzanne Wanders Delhi
The Qutub Minar is one of the oldest monuments in Delhi, built around 1192. It is a wonderful example of Indo-Islamic-Afghan architecture and part of Delhi’s first fortified city, Lal Kot.
The Minar is the tallest brick minaret in the world and the tallest minaret in India. The exterior is elaborately decorated with carved verses from the Holy Quran and floral and geometric designs.
It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.
The Qutab Minar is part of the Qutab complex which includes the spectacular ruins of Quwat-ul Islam Mosque and Alai Darwaza gate, tombs from the Delhi Sultanate, a madrassa, the abandoned Alai Minar and a mystical iron pillar from 402 AD that has never rusted.
Tickets can also be purchased online at the Ministry of Culture pay portal or at the site. Foreign national tickets are INR 600 and children under 15 are free. The Qutab Minar is open from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm daily.
It’s located in the Mehrauli area of south Delhi, about a 10-minute auto-rickshaw ride from the Qutab Minar metro station. The site can be comfortably explored in about two hours.
For those that want to see more, the Qutab complex is within walking distance of Mehrauli Archeological Park. It has some incredible sites and free admission.
Tours you might find interesting:
3. Humayun’s Tomb
Recommended by Anjali of Travel Melodies
Humayun’s Tomb in New Delhi is the final resting place of the second Mughal Emperor, Nasiruddin Muhammad Humayun.
Commissioned in 1565 by the first wife of the emperor, Biga Begum, the tomb is a beautiful piece of the Mughal style of architecture with elements of Indian and Persian styles thrown into it.
It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 for it holds special cultural and historical significance. Its construction played a pivotal role in the evolution of Mughal architecture.
How? Set to become the first-ever garden tomb in India, it changed the face of Mughal-era architecture and, what’s more, this gorgeous historical jewel inspired the construction of the iconic Taj Mahal.
Give time to appreciate the architecture, capture the beauty in your camera, and understand the cultural and historical significance. Visitors usually spend around two to three hours here.
Located just opposite the Dargah Nizamuddin on Mathura Road, the tomb is open from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, all days of the week.
Entrance ticket costs INR 40 for Indian visitors and INR 600 for foreigners.
Pro-Tip: It’s recommended to hire a local guide to learn how this architectural marvel shaped history.
Tours you might find interesting:
Famous Landmarks in Rajasthan
4. Pushkar
Recommended by Patricia of Ze Wandering Frogs
Rajasthan is known for its beautiful forts, like in Jaisalmer, and palaces, with towns like Jaipur and Udaipur. But smaller cities like Pushkar should be on an Indian itinerary.
Easily walkable, Pushkar is one of the oldest cities in India and is packed with beautiful sites and attractions that are best seen over a two-day visit.
Head to the sacred Pushkar Brahma Temple, one of India’s most important Brahma temples and one of the few remaining from ancient times.
Wander around the Pushkar Lake, where worshippers offer prayers and bathe in the lake’s sacred waters at one of the 52 designed ghats.
Walk the narrow streets of Pushkar to admire the stunning architecture and buildings high in colors and details. Finally, visit the Thar Desert and spend the night under the dark sky!
Try to spend at least an entire day so you can enjoy everything Pushkar has to offer without hurry.
Tours you might find interesting:
5. Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur
Recommended by Kristin of Scotland Less Explored
Best known to many for being featured in the James Bond film Octopussy, the Lake Palace was originally a summer palace for the Mewar Royal family.
Today it is a luxury hotel but no less of a landmark with its remarkable location in the middle of Lake Pichola in the village of Udaipur in Rajasthan.
An overnight stay is the best way to experience this unique building. The only other way to see the interior is by booking a meal at one of the hotel’s four restaurants.
The seasonal rooftop restaurant Bhairo is particularly atmospheric where evening diners can look out over the lights of Udaipur.
The Lake Palace is visible from anywhere along the lakefront but the best views are from the City Palace since it gives you a higher vantage point.
Photos of the Lake Palace tend to always show there being water in the lake but this is not always the case. It depends on the time of year you visit.
Based on how much it has rained during the monsoon there might not be any water left in the lake towards the end of the dry season.
Tours you might find interesting:
6. Monsoon Palace, Udaipur
Recommended by Jase of Roaming Vegans
The Monsoon Palace, also known as Sajjangarh Palace, is a stunning architectural masterpiece located approximately eight kilometers outside Udaipur in the Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary.
The breathtaking Sajjangarh Palace is known for its beautiful sunsets and stunning views of Udaipur city. It was originally built by Maharana Sajjan Singh of Mewar and offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of royalty.
The palace is typically surrounded by monkeys that are quite confident and aggressive, so be mindful of leaving your things or taunting them as they may steal and/or attack.
The entrance fee for Monsoon Palace is INR 110 for locals and INR 300 for foreigners.
It’s open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
The best way to get to the Monsoon Palace is via a Rickshaw from Udaipur.
Getting back you can negotiate with your driver a pick-up time or there are typically drivers waiting at the bottom who can transport you back to Udaipur – especially if you’re coming back after sunset when it is busiest.
Tours you might find interesting:
7. Jodhpur
Recommended by Martina of PlacesofJuma
If you are planning your vacation and want to see the top landmarks in India, you should surely include Jodphur on your itinerary.
It is known for its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking architecture, and stunning desert landscape.
Absolutely unique are the blue colors of the townhouses, which make the old town of Jodhpur one of the most famous attractions in India.
Traditionally, the color blue indicated that the residents belonged to the Brahmin caste, however, non-Brahmins have also embraced this trend. Interesting is also that the blue color is said to be effective against mosquitoes.
As the state’s second-largest city, you’ll find majestic forts, temples, and palaces that will transport you back to the days of the Maharajas.
However, the nature around the city, including the Thar Desert and parks, is stunning and should not be missed.
The Mehrangarh Fortress, located on a 125-meter-high mountain, is one of the highlights and maybe the most prominent landmark in Jodphur.
This old palace has been transformed into a museum and is now available to the public. The view of the Blue City is equally impressive, and you can snap fantastic shots from the high walls.
Other notable attractions include the Jaswant Thada (marble palace), Ghanta Ghar (clock tower), and Sardar bazaar, as well as the Bal Samand Lake and Mandore Garden.
Tours you might find interesting:
8. Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur
Recommended by James Ian of Travel Collecting
When you visit Jodhpur, Mehrangarh Fort is impossible to miss.
The picturesque fort sits dramatically atop a 125-meter-high hill right in the center of the town. It is surrounded at its base by the blue houses that make Jodhpur the famous “Blue City”.
The fort was built in 1459, though most of the current structure dates from the 1600s. There are seven gates and a couple of entrances in use today – follow any street uphill and it will end in the winding road up to the fort.
Today, it is home to several fabulous palaces you can visit and a wonderful museum.
There are seven beautiful period rooms and six galleries. Highlights include the Pearl Palace, Palace of Mirrors, and Palace of Flowers. Try to spend at least 2-3 hours at the fort.
To extend your stay, there are a couple of cafes inside the fort. Plus, at the base of the fort is the lovely Chokhelao Garden and Terrace Restaurant.
Or, for a super fun experience, you can zipline from a crenelated tower of Mehrangarh Fort, over Chokhelao Garden and the adjacent stepped water well to the surrounding desert and back to the fort.
The fort is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and entry costs INR 600 for international visitors.
Tours you might find interesting:
9. Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
Recommended by Megan of Traveller’s Elixir
One of India’s most recognizable landmarks is the Hawa Mahal which is located in the heart of Jaipur. Its name translates to ‘Palace of Winds’.
This palace was originally built in 1799 for the women of the royal household to watch street festivals below without being seen by the people on the street.
It’s widely known for its unique architecture. The palace is made of pink sandstone, is 5-floors tall and has 953 small windows (or ‘jharokhas’) that are intricately designed.
As well as being mesmerizingly beautiful, this palace is actually pretty special as it’s the tallest building in the world that doesn’t have a foundation.
Visiting this palace should definitely be on your India bucket list as it truly is remarkable to look at. The best view can be found across the street on the rooftop of The Tattoo Café.
You can enter the palace from the back and it’s open from 9:30 am until 4:30 pm.
It costs INR 50 to enter.
Plan to spend at least an hour in this area as the Hawa Mahal forms part of the larger City Palace complex where you’ll be able to explore exquisitely designed rooms and marvelous royal architecture.
Tours you might find interesting:
10. Albert Hall Museum, Jaipur
Recommended by Anjali of Cheerful Trails
The Albert Hall Museum is one of the most notable and oldest museums in Rajasthan. It is located in Ram Niwas Garden which is near the famous Bapu Bazaar market in Jaipur.
Built in 1876, the museum was opened to the public in the year 1887. The Indo-Saracenic architectural beauty and grandeur of the museum will catch your attention from afar.
Inside, you will find exclusive and rich collections of artifacts depicting many eras led by different empires in India.
The museum is also known for being home to a 2,300-year-old Egyptian mummy named Tutu which also has a very fascinating tale.
The impressive antiques including sculptures, figurines, jewelry, shields, armors and other rare artifacts will amaze you with their rich heritage.
You can easily spend up to two hours browsing through all the galleries of the Albert Hall Museum.
The museum is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm throughout the week. The entrance fee for Indian tourists is INR 40 while for foreign tourists the fee is INR 300.
Tours you might find interesting:
11. Amer Fort
Recommended by Charu of Travel with CG
Among the unmissable landmarks in India is none other than the Amer Fort.
Located on a hill in the town of Amer near Jaipur, it is a former royal palace and a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its incredible architecture.
Consisting of four courtyards spread across various levels, it is a monumental landmark housing beautiful doorways, multiple halls, a temple, and a mirror palace, to name a few.
Tourists can expect to spend anywhere between an hour and a half to two hours taking everything in.
Amer Fort opens every day from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm for day visitors. As part of the Jaipur night tourism program, it also reopens in the evening, the timing of which varies from season to season.
Entrance tickets to Amer Fort cost INR 100 for Indian travelers and INR 500 for foreigners.
For something more unique, there is also a light and sound show that happens at Amer Fort every evening. It is a beautiful way of learning the history of the entire region.
12. Jaisalmer
Recommended by Soujanya of The Spicy Journey
Jaisalmer is a city in the state of Rajasthan in western India.
It’s famous for the golden sandstone houses and palaces that earned Jaisalmer the title of “Golden City” as well as its proximity to the Thar desert, the only desert in India.
Jaisalmer – the golden city is perfect for a 2-3 day visit during the spring or autumn months when the weather is pleasant. Coming to the places to visit in Jaisalmer in two days, a visit to the Jaisalmer palace is a must.
Fun fact – there are people living in this large palace complex and you can even book a hotel inside the palace. The narrow lanes of the golden palace are dotted with colorful Rajasthani clothes, souvenirs and other knick-knacks.
The other notable places to visit are the Patwa haveli – the former residence of rich merchants – and the Gadisar lake.
Another highlight of visiting Jaisalmer is the Thar desert. There are many inexpensive desert tours from Jaisalmer.
Most of them include a visit to a desert oasis, Kuldhara – an abandoned ghost town, a jeep ride in the desert, snacks, tea and dinner with local music and spending a night in the desert.
Spending a night in the desert is one of the highlights when visiting Jaisalmer!
Tours you might find interesting:
Famous Landmarks in Uttar Pradesh
13. Taj Mahal
Recommended by Lana of Wallflower in Wanderland
The Taj Mahal is a world-famous white-marble mausoleum located in the city of Agra that attracts over 6 million visitors a year.
It was built between 1631 and 1648 in memory of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan’s wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Moreover, one of the many facts about the Taj Mahal ist that it wasn’t initially planned to be built in Agra but in Burhanpur.
The Taj was named a World Heritage Site in 1983 and was recently named one of the new seven wonders of the world.
This iconic landmark opens 30 minutes before dawn and closes 30 minutes before dusk every day other than Fridays when it is closed for general viewing.
Tickets are available to purchase from both the Western and Eastern gates. Tickets are INR 50 for Indian nationals and INR 1100 for foreign tourists.
If you wish to visit the main mausoleum, this is an additional INR 200. Night viewing tickets are INR 510 for Indian nationals and INR 750 for foreign tourists, these tickets can be purchased one day before the viewing.
For night viewing, tourists must arrive 30 minutes prior to the viewing time purchased at Shilpgram for security checks.
Around one hour is needed to truly appreciate all that the Taj has to offer. If you’re looking for a different perspective of the Taj, head to Moonlight Garden for a much less crowded view.
Tours you might find interesting:
14. Agra Fort
Recommended by Jessica of Uprooted Traveler
Agra is home to one of the most impressive Mughal forts in India, the Agra Fort. This incredible structure, constructed of red sandstone and white marble, was originally built in 1565 as a military structure.
In 1658, Shah Jahan, the infamous royal who built the Taj Mahal, started to construct white marble additions to the fort, transforming it from its practical purpose to an opulent palace.
Due, in part, to his proclivity for building extravagantly expensive structures, Shah Jahan’s son went on to usurp the throne, and Shah Jahan was held prisoner in the Agra Fort for the last eight years of his life, overlooking his beloved Taj Mahal.
To visit the building costs foreigners INR 550 and Indian citizens INR 35. The fort is open for visitation from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm every day.
The Agra Fort is conveniently located near the Taj Mahal, so it would be easy to hit the more popular Taj in the early morning hours to beat the crowds and afterward head to Agra Fort.
The building is huge, with lots of nooks and crannies, so budget for at least two to three hours to explore the grounds.
Tours you might find interesting:
15. Fatehpur Sikri
Recommended by Chris of Around The World With Me
Fatehpur Sikri is an ancient city in northern India that once served as the capital of the Mughal empire.
Built almost entirely from red sandstone blocks, it was completed in 1585 by emperor Akbar after nearly 15 years of construction.
Fatehpur Sikri is considered one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture in the world.
The ancient city is surrounded on three sides by a city wall that spans 6 km and has multiple watch towers and entry gates.
Exploring the various temples and forts within the Fatehpur Sikri site typically takes a few hours.
Fatehpur Sikri is about 39 km outside Agra on the way to Jaipur. Most people visit as part of the Golden Triangle tour, which starts and ends in Delhi, passing through Agra and Jaipur.
When on the tour, entrance to Fatehpur Sikri will typically be included, but if you’re visiting separately entrance is INR 610 for foreigners and INR 50 for Indians.
The best time to visit is early in the year from January to March after the smog season is over and before it starts getting too hot.
Other Famous Landmarks in North & Northeast India
16. Golden Temple, Amritsar
Recommended by Samantha of Intentional Detours
Another one of the most famous landmarks in India that you just shouldn’t miss is the Golden Temple, which is one of the holiest sites of Sikhism located in Punjab’s Amritsar.
Also called Sri Harmandir Sahib, the temple is a major pilgrimage site that originally dates back to 1604. Sikhs come from all over the country and the world at least once in their lifetime.
Today, the temple remains freely open to visitors of all faiths and nationalities 24 hours a day, seven days a week, though it looks particularly stunning late at night.
Another fascinating aspect of the Golden Temple – besides the fact that it’s actually covered in gold – is langar. This is a free meal consisting of rice, roti, and some sort of dal that is always being served by an army of volunteers at all hours.
The energy complex emanates peace, and it’s almost relaxing to sit and marvel at it for a while. Late at night, you might almost have the place to yourself, as most pilgrims visit during the day and evening.
Overland travelers to Pakistan will find that Amritsar is their final stop in India before they cross the nearby Wagah Border.
And thanks to the unmatched beauty and spiritual energy of the Golden Temple, it’s perhaps the best place to end the adventure.
Tours you might find interesting:
17. Kamakhya Temple, Assam
Recommended by Joydeep of The Gypsy Chiring
Kamakhya Temple is located at the top of the Nilachal Hills of Guwahati city in the northeastern state of Assam.
The temple holds high religious significance amongst the followers of Hinduism in India. It is the temple of Goddess Shakti locally referred to as Maa Kamakhya.
The Kamakhya Temple is one of the oldest 51 Shaktipeeths on earth.
The largest religious gathering in Northeast India, the Ambubachi Mela, is celebrated in the Assamese month of “Ashara” (June) at Kamakhya Temple every year.
The Devi (Goddess) worshipped here is also referred to as Mother Earth. The Ambubachi Mela commemorates her annual menstruation period.
Unlike other temples in India, there isn’t any idol of the Goddess but a yoni (female genitalia) is worshipped which is located in the inner sanctum sanctorum of the temple.
The Kamakhya temple is open for visiting from 5:30 am to 1:00 pm and 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm every day. There is no entry fee. However, a VIP darshan costs INR 500 to go inside the main temple.
Apart from its religious significance, Nilachal Hill provides the best view of the city and the River Brahmaputra.
Famous Landmarks in Karnataka
18. Bangalore Palace
Recommended by me
Another one of the most famous landmarks in India is Bangalore Palace in the southern state of Karnataka.
Bangalore, also known as “the Silicon Valley of India”, is among the less touristy places but has a good number of interesting sights to see.
One of them is Bangalore Palace, a beautiful and stunning building surrounded by lovely gardens.
The palace is located in the heart of the city and therefore easily reachable by public bus, auto-rickshaw, taxi or Uber. Also, most of the city tours in Bangalore have the palace included so you won’t have to worry about getting there.
The palace construction started in 1874 and was finished four years later in 1878.
Its architectural style is similar to the one that many European castles and palaces have.
Rumors say it’s because the king got inspired by Windsor Castle and other structures in England and also France.
Inside the palace, you find plenty of pillars and arches which are part of the Hindu-style interior. Every building’s room has its own colorfully patterned walls with breathtaking chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.
The building is open every day throughout the year from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm and the entrance fee is INR 250 for Indians and INR 480 for foreigners.
You have to pay extra money if you want to use your phone camera or a proper camera to click photos.
Tours you might find interesting:
19. Hampi
Recommended by Paul of Paulmarina
Hampi is a magical village located in Southern India, and it is known for its vast area of monuments and ruins.
It was the capital of the Vijayanagar empire, and it was the second-largest city in the world, 500 years ago before it was destroyed by a coalition of the Islamic sultanates.
This great empire traded with the east, the Persians and western countries such as the Portuguese. The famous bazaars exported metals, precious stones, spices, flower blossoms, perfumes, sugar, and rice.
Today, visitors can walk through the ruins of the bazaars and discover the other countless monuments, including temples, step wells, a stone bridge and the king’s famous scale.
Some temples are still very actively used today!
Most monuments are freely accessible any time of the day, just the Vittala enclosure, with the musical pillars, and the lotus mahal require an INR 500 ticket.
Step into the archeological survey of India museum with the same visitor pass to learn more about this forgotten empire and the various monuments. It’s definitely one of the best things to do in Hampi.
Enclosed sights, including the queen’s bath and the museum, can be visited daily from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm.
20. Mysore Palace
Recommended by Penny of GlobeTrove
The Mysore Palace is one of the most famous landmarks in Karnataka.
This gorgeous monument was built in 1896. It isn’t as old as many of the other monuments in India but it certainly is comparable in terms of size and beauty.
The palace was built by Krishnaraja Woodeyar IV. The inside of the palace has huge halls and a number of rooms that served as the residence of the king and his family members.
One of the iconic features is the stained glass inside the main palace courts. It filters the light through it beautifully and is very mesmerizing.
Other things worth seeing here include the palace grounds and the temples in the complex. The artwork on the temple walls is truly stunning.
The Mysore Palace also has a light and sound show in the evenings which is very popular. Note that this show does not play on holidays.
It’s open every day from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm and entrance tickets cost INR 100 for adults, INR 50 for kids in the age group of 10 to 18 years and INR 30 for students.
Tours you might find interesting:
Other Famous Landmarks in South India
21. Charminar, Hyderabad
Recommended by Kenny of Knycx Journeying
Hyderabad has a rich history with the Asaf Jahi Dynasty from the late 17th century to the early 20th century.
To learn more about the city’s past of over 1,500 years of history from the Iron age, plan a day tour to cover Hyderabad’s key attractions from Chowmahalla Palace, Salar Jung Museum, Qyub Shahi Tombs, and more.
However, no visit to Hyderabad is complete without visiting the city’s landmark, the Charminar.
The Charminar is the symbol of Hyderabad. Built in 1591, it features four 48-meter-tall minarets, and it is a classic Qutub Shahi architecture and Islamic-style landmark that celebrates symmetry.
It has two levels with the first floor being covered. On the balcony, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view and Hyderabad’s city skyline in all directions.
The Charminar is also nicknamed “The Arc de Triomphe of the East”, for being constructed as the central point and the intersection of four main roads in different directions.
Spend about an hour to take in the beauty of the building, and then enjoy a cup of chai tea and the Nimrah café & bakery, and explore the Laad Bazaar with over 14,000 shops around the monument.
A couple of landmarks, like Makkah Masjid and Chowmahalla Palace, are also nearby.
Charminar opens from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm daily and the entrance fee for foreigners is INR 250.
Tours you might find interesting:
22. Brihadeshwara Temple, Thanjavur
Recommended by Raksha of Solopassport
Built in the 11th century, the Brihadeshwara temple in Thanjavur is an architectural marvel and is part of the UNESCO world heritage site.
The temple is located in the south Indian city of Thanjavur which is also famous for many notable temples and monuments built by the Great Living Cholas.
Dedicated to the Hindu God Lord Shiva, the Brihadeshwara Temple has many mysteries and stories. One such mystery is that the temple does not cast a shadow even at noon.
The temple is open between 6:00 am and 8:30 pm every day and there is no entrance fee to visit the temple.
However, visitors can hire a guide to listen to the stories and history of the temple and the guide charges vary between $10 and $20.
The best time to visit the temple is in the morning before 11:00 am as it gets very hot in the afternoon which makes it difficult to walk around the temple premises.
Note that the footwear needs to be left outside the temple at a dedicated stall. To cover all the shrines and monuments within the temple complex, you need around two to three hours.
Famous Landmarks in Central India
23. Ellora Caves
Recommended by Karla of Colorful Journeys
The Ellora Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site located near Aurangabad.
This complex is a series of 34 religious monuments carved out of rock spanning more than two kilometers.
Each cave has its uniqueness and is an architectural marvel. What makes the structures even more impressive is that they were all crafted by hand from the 6th to the 10th century.
This magnificent archeological site is one of the most well-known landmarks in India and is well worth seeing.
Ellora Caves are best visited between November and March when the weather is cool and dry.
The complex is open from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm and closed on Tuesdays. The entrance fee for Ellora Caves is INR 550 for foreign visitors and INR 35 for Indians and SAARC nationals.
To get the most out of your visit to the Ellora Caves, plan on spending at least half a day there. Remember to pack some snacks and plenty of water.
Tours you might find interesting:
24. Rani Ki Vav
Recommended by Ami of Thrilling Travel
Located in a small town called Patan in Gujarat, is one of the most unusual landmarks in India: An 11th-century stepwell called Rani ki Vav.
What makes it unusual is that it was constructed by Queen Udayamati of the Solanki dynasty, as a dedication to her husband King Bhimdev I.
The stepwell is an exceptional example of the architectural and engineering skills of ancient India and is considered to be one of the finest stepwells in the country.
Rani ki Vav, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a multi-storeyed structure with seven levels, each of which is lined with intricate carvings and sculptures.
The well is lined with more than 500 sculptures and reliefs, including images of Hindu gods and goddesses, scenes from Hindu mythology, and images of everyday life.
In addition to these, there are at least 1,000 other minor sculptures on its walls.
Rani ki Vav can be done as a day trip from Ahmedabad, which is 128 km from the town. The stepwell is open for visitors every day between 8:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Visitors from SAARC nation need to pay only INR 40 as the entrance fee. For others, the charges are INR 600.
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Being from India, I am yet to visit most of these landmarks. I would like to thank you for giving me an opportunity to contribute about Northeast India to this wonderful list.
Thanks for your great contribution as well! 🙂
Great! , a breathtaking masterpiece of all architectural beauty is India.