Top 10 Monuments of India

There is a variety of reasons why India is such an exhilarating country to explore, whether you are a foreigner or an Indian tourist. This land is rich in tradition, culture, history, buildings, heritage temples, forts, and palaces. There are numerous famous Indian Monuments that include the Old Churches of Goa, Qutab Minar of Delhi, The Taj Mahal, Charminar, Red Fort, and Jantar Mantar. These are also some of the largely visited cultural and heritage sites in India.

These Historical Monuments, World Heritage Sites, and Nature Tourism like national wildlife parks and ancient temples of South India are the only wealth of Indian tourism. The marvels of Indian architecture speaks volume about the country's past, belief, culture, and course of artistry. So if you are a wanderlust who loves to peek into the cultural and architectural history of our distinct subcontinent, you must visit these top 10 monuments of India.

1) Taj Mahal, Agra

This beautiful intricately carved white marble mausoleum monument was built in the 17^th century by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Its architecture style is Mughal and was designed by Ustaad Ahmad Lahouri. It is also decorated with the beauty of motifs on the wall of the mosque. It is not only the vastly popular Indian monument but also considered the seventh wonder of the world.

2) Hawa Mahal, Jaipur

Hawa Mahal is one of the greatest monuments built by the prominent Rajput family of Rajasthan. Hawa Mahal, also perceived as the Palace of Winds, is located in the heart of the capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur (the pink city). It is in the shape of a pyramid and is a five-story palace. It is built with red and pink sandstone for the women of Royal families by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. Hawa Mahal is one of the must-see historical monuments of the state of Rajasthan, and it is also an important tourist attraction of Jaipur.

3) Amer Fort, Jaipur

Maharaja Man Singh built the Amer Fort in the 16^th century. It is one of the most beautiful and oldest monuments in India. The walls and ceilings are intricate. There are four courtyards, entry gates are beautifully modeled in the palace, and the various vibrant paintings of Rajput rulers on the palace walls are the major attractions here. This fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Amer Fort also has a beautiful garden and a museum that hosts dance programs, multi-cuisine restaurants, and puppet shows.

4) Brihadishwara Temple, Thanjavur

Brihadishwara Temple is also known as Periya Kovil or Big Temple. It is one of the largest temples in India that was built in Thanjavur, a city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. This temple is also famous and known by different names like the Rajarajeswaram temple Dakshina Meru (Meru of South) and the Chola emperor Rajaraja I built it. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and it is one of the best temples built by Cholas along with the Airavatesvara Temple and Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple of Tamil Nadu. These temples are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site under the group known as the "Great Living Chola Temples.

5) Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer Fort is among the largest forts in the world that was built in 1155 AD by Raja Rawal Jaisal. Jaisalmer Fort is also known as Sonar Quila or Golden Fort. It is made of massive yellow sandstones that camouflage as tawny lion color during the day, and as the sunset, it turns into honey gold. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site along with five other forts of Rajasthan under the group of Hill Forts of Rajasthan. It is still a living fort as it houses close to a quarter of the population of the old city.

6) Gateway of India, Mumbai

It is one of the most famous arch monuments of India that was built in the 20^th century by Britishers to commemorate the landing of the first British monarch to visit India, i.e., King-Emperor George V in 1911. It has an Indo Saracenic style of architecture that incorporates the elements of Gujarati architecture of the 16^th century, and it is made of Basalt. Apart from the majestic and photographing gateway, you can also enjoy the cool sea breeze along with some leisurely ferry rides and delectable street food.

7) Charminar, Hyderabad

Charminar is indo Islamic architectural monument in Hyderabad that Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah built, and Mir Momin Astarbadi designed its architecture. It is made of granite, limestone, pulverized marble, and mortar. The height of these minarets is 160ft, and it is located in the center of the busy local markets of the old city of Hyderabad. The state of Telangana has taken Charminar as its official emblem. This monument has become known globally as the symbol of Hyderabad. It is also the site of numerous Islamic festival celebrations.

8) Sun Temple, Konark

Sun temple was built in 13^th century CE in 1250 at Konark on the coastline of the city Puri, Odisha, and it is attributed to the King of eastern Ganga dynasty Narasimhadeva I. The temple complex has the appearance of a 30 m or 100 feet high chariot with immensely large wheels and horses that are carved from the stone. This temple is also known as Surya Devalaya and is a classic example of Kalinga Architecture. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a major Hindu pilgrimage site where Chandrabhaga Mela is held in the money of February.

9) Group of Monuments, Hampi

Hampi was a fortified city and capital of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 14^th century. This city is also referred to as the Group of Monuments at Hampi, and it is located in east-central Karnataka. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and UNESCO describes it as an "austere grandiose site' of more than 1600 surging remains of the last great Hindu kingdom. It has more than 500 attractions, including Jain and Hindu temples, the Hampi Bazar, lotus mahal, queen's bath, and an archeologist museum.

10) Khajuraho Group of Monuments, Chhatarpur

Group of Jain and Hindu temples of the 12^th century in the district of Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh is known as Khajuraho Group of Monuments. It is situated about 175 km southeast of the city of Jhansi. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its Nagar's style architecture and erotic sculptures. Most of the temples of this site are built by the rulers of the Chandela Dynasty. There were about 85 temples in three complexes, out of which 25 temples survived. It is famous for its erotic rock carving portraying dance, music, passion, and eroticism.