Historical Places in India

India is a land with a rich and varied history. Many different rulers, dynasties and empires have fought over and controlled different parts of the Indian subcontinent during its eventful history. The various rulers and dynasties left behind their legacy in the form of grand monuments and buildings, in different historical places in India.

Most of India's cities have a history worth exploring, for the tales of the past are truly fascinating. The various monuments including palaces, forts, victory pillars and tombs in different historical places in India, tell glorious stories of India's fascinating history.

Delhi
The modern capital of India - New Delhi was built in the location of an ancient imperial capital. Originally the capital of the Tomara clan in the 11th century A.D, Delhi was later the capital of the Delhi sultanate, the mighty Mughal empire and of the British in India. Monuments of Prithviraj Chauhan, the Lodi Tombs, the Siri Fort of Allauddin Khilji, The Red Fort, Jama Masjid and Humayun's Tomb from Mughal times and Rashtrapati Bhawan and Parliament House built in British times are all monuents you will see on your tour of Delhi - one of the most fascinating historical places in India.

Agra
The city of Agra was the imperial capital of the Mughal Empire during the reign of Shah Jahan. He built the beautiful mausoleum - the Taj Mahal - for his consort Mumtaz Mahal after her death in 1631. Agra also has many other Mughal monuments - the Agra Fort, the tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah, and Akbar's fort at Sikandra near Agra, which make a visit to this historical place in Uttar Pradesh, India, a must see on your tour of the historical places in India.

Aurangabad
Located in Maharashtra on India's west coast Aurangabad is known for being made the capital of the Tughlaq Empire during the reign of Muhammed-bin-Tughlaq. The Devagiri Fort is a historical monument in Auragabad. The city is also near two very important historical places in India - the cave temples of Ajanta and Ellora. These Buddhist, Jain and Hindu cave temples are marvels of Indian architecture, carved out of rock in the hills. The frescoes on the Ahjanta Caves and the exquisite carvings of the Ellora Caves have led to their being recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Bodhagaya
Located in Bihar, India, Bodhgaya is known for its association with Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism - a religion, which originated in India and now has followers all over the world. Buddhist pilgrims from around the world, travel to the historical places in India associated with Buddha's life, including Bodhagaya, the site where Buddha gained enlightenment. The Bodhi tree and Mahabodhi Temple are significant landmarks in Bodhgaya.

Mumbai
A city better known as the modern financial capital of India, Mumbai however does have a rich history. Originally inhabited by Koli fishermen, this collection of 7 islands was part of Portuguese territory in India. Handed over to the British as part of the dowry of Catherine of Braganza - when she married Charles II of England in 1661, Mumbai has some remarkable colonial architecture and monuments including the Victoria Terminus - now called Chhattrapati Shivaji Terminus and the Gateway of India.

Hyderabad
This imperial capital of the Nizams of Hyderabad, is home to many grand monuments including the Charminar, the Golconda Fort, the Qutab Shahi Tombs and the Falaknuma Palace. History and modernity coexist in this city, where a mixture of religions, cultures and architectural styles come together to create one of the most interesting historical places in India.

Jaipur
Built by the astronomer King Sawaii Jai Singh in 1727 and endowed with grand palaces and magnificent forts, Jaipur is one of the most visited historical places in India. The Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Amber Fort and fascinating astronomical instruments at the Jantar Mantar, make Jaipur a must visit historical destination in India.

Jaisalmer
This city in Rajasthan, India, founded by Rawal Jaisal in 1156 A.D., is known for its magnificent golden fortress, historic carved havelis, windswept sand dunes and desert festival - where culture, color and camels provide a feast to the eye.

Udaipur
Sparkling like white pearls in the blue waters of Lake Pichola, the lake palaces of Udaipur are historic and architectural gems of Rajasthan, India. This historic city founded by Maharana Udai Singh, is a delight for tourists and historians alike.

Jodhpur
The majestic Mehrangarh Fort, set on a high hill overlooks this town of blue painted walls and magnificent palaces, including the Umaid Bhawan Palace. Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India, was previously the princely state of Marwar. The museums in the fort and the palace are among the best maintained in India and display weaponry, armor, ornaments and palanquins from royal times. Jodhpur is one of the historical places in India where history can be seen even today.

Chittorgarh
A city with a history of valor and sacrifice unequalled by any other, Chittorgarh in Rajasthan, India, was attacked thrice and suffered immense casualties, as the men died defending the fort and the women immolated themselves rather than be taken prisoner.

First attacked by Allaudin Khilji, who sought the beautiful Rani Padmini in 1303, than attacked by Bahadur Shah of Gujarat in 1535 and finally by Emperor Akbar in 1567, this historical place in India has seen many gory battles and acts of heroic sacrifice.

Khajuraho
These world famous temples in Madhya Pradesh, India were built between the years 950 and 1050 A.D., during the reign of the Chandella dynasty. The temples are recognized worldwide for the excellence of their sculptures and for the erotic carvings on the temple walls. The Khajuraho temples are one of the most visited and studied historical places in India.

Konarak
The magnificent sun temple of Konarak in Orissa, was built by King Narasimhadeva I in the 13th century, when Konark was a busy port city. The temple, which is Konarak city's best known landmark, is designed in the shape of a giant chariot with 24 wheels, drawn by 7 horses, and set alongside the sea shore. This historic monument is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an architectural marvel, in this historical place in Eastern India.

Madurai
Known for its most recognizable landmark the towering Meenakshi Temple, Madurai was visited by the Greek historian Megasthenes in the 3rd century B.C. when it was a flourishing town. A busy port under Chola, Pandya and Nayaka rulers, Madurai continues to be an important town in Tami Nadu and one of the most fascinating historical places in India.

Mahabalipuram
This historic seaport on the Tamil Nadu coast, grew to become an artistic center of the Pallava dynasty during the reign of Narasimhavarman Pallava. The five chariot shaped temples or rathas, the shore temple and the carved depictions of episodes from the Mahabharata are artistic highlights of this historic place in South India.

Mysore
The capital of the Wodeyar dynasty that ruled over Mysore, this city is home to the grand Mysore Palace, the Lalitha Mahal Palace, several historic art galleries, the palaces of Tipu Sultan and traditional craftsmen who create fine Mysore silk and products made from sandalwood. Witness south Indian history come alive, in one of the most culturally rich, historic places in India.

Varanasi
Considered to be one of the oldest cities in India, Varanasi attracts thousands of tourists who come to experience its spiritual ambience. The ceremonial Ghats, the university, archaeological museum, and the many temples in Varanasi make it a unique city where history is very much a part of daily life. Varanasi is one of the most important religious and historical places in India.

These are only a few of the well-known historical places in India.
There are many more historical places in India, which you can explore with Tourism in India.