Taj Mahal, Agra
One of the most famous historical sites in India, the Taj Mahal of Agra dates back to the 17th century. It was built by Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor, in the memory of Mumtaz Mahal, his third wife. It is also the abode of the tomb of Shah Jahan himself.
The Taj Mahal has intricate carvings and is made entirely of white marble, on the southern banks of the Yamuna River. It is also one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Red Fort, Delhi
When it comes to the famous historical places in India, one cannot miss the Red Fort in Delhi. Also popularly known as the Lal Qila, the Red Fort was constructed during Shah Jahan's reign in the 17th century.
Constructed using huge red sandstone walls in the Mughal style of architecture, the highlights of the Red Fort include its beautiful geometric gardens, magnificent balconies and the opulent entertainment halls.
Qutub Minar, Delhi
Delhi's Qutub Minar ranks amongst the top 10 historical places in India. The Qutub Minar, also known as the Victory Tower, is the tallest brick minaret in the whole world, standing tall at a height of 72.5 metres. Built of marble and red sandstone, you can also see many beautiful carvings and intricate designs of the Qutub Minar.
The Qutub Minar was built in the late 1100s, to celebrate Muslim Dominance in Delhi, after its last Hindu ruler was defeated. The construction was commenced by Qutab-ud-din Aibak, followed by his successors Iltutmish and Firoz Shah Tughlak.
Mysore Palace, Karnataka
Boasting of the grand Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, the Mysore Palace, located in the city of Mysore in Karnataka, remains one of the most popular historical sites in the country. Complete with opulent domes, gardens, arches, turrets as well as colonnades, the palace was the former residence of the royal family of Mysore.
As of today, in addition to being their official residence, the palace also serves as a museum, where you can find many paintings, royal outfits and costumes, jewellery and a lot more.
India Gate, Delhi
Of all the famous historical places in India, India Gate possibly ranks at the top. An iconic landmark of Delhi, this sandstone-granite arch gate is amongst the largest war memorials in all of India, and is surrounded by verdant lawns and gardens.
Also known as the All-India War Memorial, the India Gate is located along the Rajpath, and is often said to be similar to the Arc de Triomphe in France, the Gateway of India in Mumbai and the Arch of Constantine in Rome.
With a height of 42 metres, this memorial has been dedicated to the 82,000 Indian and British soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the First World War and the Third Anglo-Afghan War.
Golden Temple, Punjab
The top 10 historical places in India also include the world-famous Golden Temple, located in the city of Amritsar in Punjab. Also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib, the Golden temple is the most important religious site for the Sikhs, and celebrates humanity, tranquillity and brotherhood.
Spread across two storeys, the gurdwara has a unique domed architecture, with the dome-part of it completely covered in pure gold, while the other half is made out of white marble.
In addition to seeing major attractions like the Akal Takht, Sikh History Museum, Clock Tower and the Teja Singh Samundri Hall, you can also enjoy the daily Langar here, which attracts thousands of devotees and visitors every day.
Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur
Also known as Mehran Fort, the Mehrangarh Fort in Jaipur is one of the most famous ancient places in India. Built by Rao Jodha, the founder of Jodhpur, in 1459, the fort is also one of the largest in the country, and is situated atop a hill, at an elevation of over 400 feet.
Surrounded by massive walls, the fort also has numerous gates, each of which serve a very specific purpose, such as the Jai Pol, which was built to celebrate Maharaja Man Singh’s victory over Jaipur and Bikaner, or the Fateh Pol, which marks the victory over Mughals.
You can also find other attractions inside the Mehrangarh Fort, including the Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal, art galleries, the Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park, Chamunda Temple, Nagnechi Mataji Temple and National Geological Monument.
Charminar, Hyderabad
Amongst the most famous historical places in India, Hyderabad's Charminar is a mosque that dates back to the 16th century. This monument has been made in the Indo-Islamic styles of architecture, and has subtle Persian influences in it. Complete with minarets, domes and arches, Charminar also boasts of beautiful stucco work.
Built by Quli Qutub Shah to signify the founding of Hyderabad, Charminar is a structure that is synonymous to the glorious days of the bygone eras. In the evening, it gets illuminated by lights and lanterns, and is a sight to behold at that time.
Jallianwala Bagh, Punjab
With a sordid history attached to it, the Jallianwala Bagh is also one of the top 10 historical places in India. Located in close proximity to the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab, Jallianwala Bagh is a public garden, which is home to a memorial that commemorates the massacre of people celebrating Baisakhi by the British.
Sprawling across 6.5 acres, the Jallianwala Bagh has an association with one of the saddest days in all of Indian history. You can find a memorial tablet at the entrance of the park, which now serves as a record of history.