The Top Landmarks in India

India is an extraordinary country that’s full of fascinating history, breathtaking landscapes, an essence of spirituality and incredible gourmet delights. Not to mention the amazing Holi Festival that happens every year to celebrate the victory of good over evil.

Many might think is India safe to travel to? This is probably due to its colossal size, the political stability and vaccinations that you need to take. If you are sensible and take the appropriate precautions, as you would be in any country that you travel to you will be safe in India. But what are the top landmarks in India that you need to visit when you are visiting the awe-inspiring country? If you are on your way to India, this list of seven key landmarks should (hopefully) point you in the right direction.

The Taj Mahal

This obviously won’t come as a surprise to many. Perhaps the most iconic landmark in India, the Taj Mahal attracts millions of tourists every year due to its epic architecture, picturesque garden and incredible mosaics. A UNESCO World Heritage Site it is set in the city of Agra. Another key reason as to why you should visit the Taj Mahal now, rather than later, is that water and air pollution are causing the facade of the building to decay. Built in the 17th Century by the Mughal Emperor for his wife, it will make for an unforgettable day out.

2) The Golden Temple

The moment that you see this landmark you will be in awe. Situated in Punjab, the Golden Temple (also called Sri Harmandir Sahib Amritsar) holds a particular significance to Sikhism as it is the primary pilgrimage site. Dating to the 16th Century (although covered with gold in the 19th Century), it boasts four entrances which all carry the significance that people from all walks of life (and faiths) are welcome to enter the temple.

3) Amer Fort

Located in Rajasthan, the Amer Fort dates back to 967 CE. Overlooking the majestic Maota Lake, the fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts a palace within it (the oldest in India), stunning architecture (combining Rajput and Hindu styles), numerous courtyards, a garden, frescoes and impressive gates. A must for anyone visiting the Jaipur region, it will make for a breathtaking day trip.

4) Ellora Caves

An archaeological site that’s situated in Maharashtra, it has 34 caves within it that you can visit which are dedicated to Jainism, Buddhism and Hinduism. Carved out of the Charanandri hills, it is a majestic landmark filled with amazing carvings that date back thousands of years. Known as the largest collection of temple caves, it is a popular spot for both pilgrims and tourists who want to discover the fascinating religious history of this site.

5) Lake Palace

A luxurious palace in Udaipur, the Lake Palace was built in the 18th Century. Set on Lake Pichola, it boasts an impressive 83 rooms, white and black marble, gardens and fountains. A serene palace that was built for a notorious Indian king, it is now a 5-star hotel often frequented by the wealthy and can be reached from the mainland by speedboat. Conveying historic beauty with modern features, it makes for a unique visit no matter what the season.

6) Palace of Winds

Covered with 953 windows, the Palace of the Winds in Jaipur dates to 1799 and was built for Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. Created with natural sandstone, it is a picturesque, architecturally (it features Rajput architecture) brilliant and extraordinary landmark in India. It was created for the women of Jaipur and boasts breathtaking latticework.

7) Qutb Minar

Even though you can longer go inside this structure, you can view it from the outside. Reaching 250 feet into the sky and situated near Delhi, it has numerous carvings and was built in the 12th Century. The structure itself tells five stories, with three of them constructed with sandstone and one of marble. The fifth is made out of a mixture of the two. A must on anyone’s list and frequently on top ten must-see landmarks in India, you can take incredible pictures here.
There you go. There is a quick (and brief) list of some of the top landmarks in India that you need to visit when travelling around the country. There are, of course, a number more to discover and add to the list when you are exploring it. There are also awe-inspiring natural landscapes, such as the beaches in Mumbai, the snow-capped mountains in Munsiyari, the sand dunes in Jaisalmer and the coral reef in Lakshadweep that are begging to be explored – for those who want to of course.

Just remember to stay safe whilst you are travelling in India, whether you are travelling solo, with family or with a friend. As discussed at the top of the article, as with any country you should take the appropriate safety measures.

As mentioned at the start of this article, India is a mecca of diverse cultures, historic buildings and inspiring flavours. No matter what time of year you visit it, you will leave wanting to go back and explore more. India’s abundance of extraordinary landscapes, friendly locals and delicious food means that you won’t be able to capture everything on one trip. It will have to be done in numerous trips. But the list of landmarks above are definitely worth seeing. Apart from the main attractions, however, it is also a good idea to research unique sights in India, that might be a little way off the beaten track but is nonetheless magical. As with landmarks in any country, it is clear that some may be more popular with tourists than others. So to get an authentic view of India, explore outside of the list.

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