India is a remarkably ancient country with a large diversity and a long rich historical past. One is always curious to know about the lives and times of the ancestors of which we even get a glimpse about them in our historical books. India is also known for country of monuments which mark an important replica of the culture and life of the ancient as well as modern period. These historical monuments has got their own essence whose impact is global because each and every monument is attached with some kind of emotions of people. These monumental structures carry old paintings, ornaments, art work and more which attracts tourists every year just to have a look of them and learn about the authentic architectural and historical details. India got plenty of prestigious wonders but there are several monument structures which have been ranked as World Heritage Site and are considered to be the outstanding pillars of humanity. Below is the list of the top monuments which is a must to visit when you come to India:
1.Taj Mahal (Agra)
A perfect epitome and symbol of true love, Taj Mahal is a white marble crypt located in Agra, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, situated near the river of Yamuna Bank. This beautiful and integral structure was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his adored wife Mumtaz Mahal in 1654 with the help of 20,000 workers and around 1,000 elephants for carrying the construction material. It is widely recognized as jewel of Muslim architecture in India because of its stone designs, interior wall designs and outer garden area and is the seventh wonder of the world. Around 28 different kinds of semi precious and precious stones were used to make Taj with a exquisite inlay work surrounded by 4 minarets. Taj Mahal has pillars, flora motifs on the walls, lawns, dome, mosques on the sides and floor flourishing gardens with pool and waterways in the centre. Tourists can also explore other attractions like the Jahangir Palace, Diwan-i-Khas and many others. Thus, Taj Mahal can never be compared to any other monuments as it is the most admired and eminent structure not only in India but in the world.
2. India Gate (New Delhi)
It is the national monument of India situated in the very heart of New Delhi constructed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in Indo-Saracenic architectural style. India Gate is located on the Eastern side of Rajpath near Yamuna river which is a tribute salute to the 90,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives during World War I and Anglo-Afghan War. The monument which got completed in 1931 with the use of red sandstone and granite, had names of all these martyrs inscribed on its walls. India Gate is always filled with lots of people who come to have a peace of mind or have picnic in the gardens that lie around the gate with beautiful fountains. It is even bounded with spherical road leading to several diversions which in turn prolong to some important roads that link to other places. With sunset, this structure gets lightened with several lights making it the most beautiful and the best monument to see and enjoying the night.
3. Hawa Mahal (Jaipur)
Known as the Palace of Winds, Hawa Mahal is the prominent Indian monument tourist attractions from all over the world located in the heart of pink city Jaipur. It is a complete symbol of Rajputana architecture which was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799. But the main architect of the palace was Ustad Lal Chand who used red and pink sandstone and it is believed that palace is constructed in the form of crown of Lord Krishna. This five storey monument has 953 windows called Jharokas which is similar to a beehive honeycomb and is designed with obscure lattice work. Hawa Mahal offers several attraction views such as Jantar Mantar, Nahargarh Fort, Govind Devji temple, Statue circle, Sisodia Rani and list continues.
4. Qutub Minar (New Delhi)
Considered to be the highest minaret in the world, Qutub Minar is one of the earliest and most prominent work of Indo-Islamic architecture. This tower was constructed as a tribute to a saint Moulana Qutubuddin Kaki by his follower Sultan Qudubuddin Aibak. But due to his sudden demise, the monument was completed by his son in law and next Sultan Iltuthmish which took him 20 years. The tower features scriptures engraved on its walls which are verses taken from Holy Quran. According to the inscriptions on its surface, Qutub was repaired by Firuz Shah Tughlaq and Sikandar Lodi and again re-repaired and restored by Major R.Smith in 1829. Qutub Minar consists of 379 steps and its very top presents the bird’s eye view of the whole city making it the most magnificent experience. Being one of the country’s oldest structure, it is the most visited Indian monument attraction. It is also surrounded by other ancient and medieval structures famously known as Qutub complex.
5. Mysore Palace (Mysore)
Mysore palace popularly known as Mysore Maharaja Palace is situated at the centre of city at Mirza road. It is one of the major and the largest palaces as well monument in India also known as Amba Vilas Palace where Maharaja Wodeyar of Mysore state resided. The original palace which was carved out of wood was accidently burnt in 1897 but was again re-designed on its foundations itself in 1911 by well known architect Henry Irwin. The external structure of the palace is constructed with Indo-Saracenic features along with wonderfully designed square towers at various prime points enclosed by domes made from stones like granite, dark grey, ochre colors. It is often referred as Kaleidoscope of stained glass and mirrors and the compound has selection of twelve Hindu temples. The Mysore palace has now been turned into a museum which includes treasures, jewelery, paintings, royal costumes and other luxurious items once owned by the Wodeyar’s.
6. Charminar (Hydeabad)
This elegant monument and mosque is located in Hyderabad, the capital city of Andhra Pradesh in South India which was built in 1591 by Mohammad Quli Qutub Shah in honor of abolishing the epidemic and plague. Charminar or the four tower has become a significant landmark icon of Hyderabad. The mosque is carved out from lime and granite whereas mortar used is an unusual hybrid of arc and mosque blended together harmoniously. The four flute like minarets make the visitors reach to the highest point and the arch is noteworthy for its elegant balconies, stucco decorations and the Hyderabad’s oldest small mosque present on the 2nd floor. A lively market with large shops flourishes around the Charminar which attracts lots of crowd. Other places that add to grandeur of Charminar are Laad Bazaar, Kali Kaman, Shahli Banda and some more.
7. Konark Sun Temple (Konark)
Also known as Black Pagoda, one of the most prominent historical temple among the seven worlds of wonders, Konark Sun temple is situated in state of Orrisa. It was built in the name of Sun God by Ganga King Narasimha Deva in 1278 CE with oxidized and weathered ferruginous sandstones. The entire temple structure is carved with complicated carving of sculptures and images of men, animals, warriors on horses and other patterns in different styles right from its base upto the walls and ceilings. There are three Sun God positioned in such a way to catch the rays of the dawn, noon and sunset. As a belief, it is said that the spokes of the wheels of the temple give a view of sundials whose shadows can give the exact time of the day.
8. Sanchi Stupa (Sanchi)
Sanchi is located in the state of Madhya Pradesh. Sanchi stupas are one of the most magnificent structures which the Mauryan Emporer Asoka had built in honor of Lord Buddha. These stupas date back to 3rd century B.C to 12th century A.D which depict the beginning of Buddhist architecture and sculpture and its large hemispherical dome consists of Buddhist relics. The Great Sanchi stupa is worth to see for it’s gateways which contain the ornamented depiction of incidents from the life of Buddha and his previous incarnations as Boddhisattvas mentioned in the Jataka tales. It is believed that the stupa is a reliquary in itself and may be made of gold, silver, crystal or other precious metals. The most interesting fact about the Stupa is that Lord Buddha has been symbolically been represented by his footprints, thrones, tree and other inmate figures.
9. Gateway of India (Mumbai)
As we all know Mumbai the capital of Maharashtra is the richest city of India, you will get to explore various historical structures here. One of them being Gateway of India which is a glorious historical monument built in an Indo-Saracenic architectural style as a tribute to King George V and Queen Mary visit to Bombay by Scottish architect George Wittet. This glorious Gateway of India is one famous landmark that overtakes all the other views which stands in the Apollo Blunder of South Mumbai. You will be able to notice a complicated latticework artwork on the yellow basalt stones and at whose back there are stairs leading to the lake. Its frontage consists of a attractive plain tone that changes its hues according to the day time.
10. Vidhana Soudha (Bangalore)
Built in 1956, this royal monument of Bangalore represents the Dravadian architecture established under the then Chief Minister of Karnataka as a tribute to Indian Temple architecture. There was use of imported granite in the construction of this grand structure which was a result of effort of the Chief engineer of VidhanSoudha. It is mostly popular for its Legislative Chambers of State Government. VidhanSoudha consists of 300 rooms which accommodate approximately 22 departments of State Government. The huge central dome is prevailed by the image of National Emblem of India. This magnificient building enlightens on public holidays and on Sunday which provides a beautiful view to the passers by.
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