10 Most Beautiful Monuments You Should See In India with Travel Packages from Kolkata

Indian history witnessed various dynasties at different times. Imprints of different rulers and different dynasties are visible in their monuments. Some of those have stood the test of times to survive in good shape while many others have crumbled and are mostly in ruins.

It is an arduous task to choose 10 best monuments in India because there are so many wonderful monuments to choose from. But based on our knowledge and experience, here is a list of 10 best monuments you must see in India. You have to just ask Excursion2India to arrange travel packages from Kolkata or elsewhere to discover each of these places.

10. Golconda Fort, Hyderabad, with travel packages from Kolkata

Golconda Fort, Hyderabad

Built on an earlier mud fort site, Golconda Fort rose to prominence in the 16th Century when Quli Qutub Shah became independent from the Bahmani Sultanate in 1518.

It flourished under Qutb Shahi rulers afterwards, and these rulers patronized art, culture and architecture. It came finally under the Mughal occupation when Aurangzeb annexed it in 1687 after a long seize of over nine months.

The fort has some of the most fancy acoustics system. You can hear even the faintest of sounds across its sprawling courtyards. Someone clapping at a certain point below the entrance dome is audible at the highest point in the fort almost a kilometer away. Golconda Fort is a testament to the advanced engineering skills, with an advanced and innovative water supply system.

Today, the Fort is a popular tourist attraction and is among one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. One can enjoy and learn the history of Golconda seeing the light and sound show in the evening. The complex includes various structures like the Royal Palaces, the Nagina Bagh (Garden of Pearls), and the Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience). Each of these offer a glimpse into the grandeur of the bygone era.

Excursion2India can arrange travel packages to Hyderabad from Kolkata or elsewhere and arrange a tour of Golconda Fort.

9. Charminar, Hyderabad, with travel packages from Kolkata

Charminar, Hyderabad

This is the most iconic landmark of Hyderabad. Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the fifth ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, built it in 1591. The monument is a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture with Persian influences.

The rulers of Hyderabad constructed this monument to commemorate the end of plague, as per Archaeological Survey of India.

The monument, as the name suggests, has indeed four arches facing all the four directions. The structure is made in granite and limestone. It features a mosque on the top floor, with a prayer space that has been in use since the monument’s construction.

The Charminar is surrounded by bustling bazaars, especially the famous Laad Bazaar, which is famous for its traditional bangles, pearls, and other local handicrafts. It is a scene of great activity all day.

8. Vijaynagar Empire Ruins, Hampi with travel packages from Kolkata

Virupaksha Temple, Hampi

Hampi, a flourishing city from the 14th to 16th Century, was the capital of Vijayanagar Kingdom.

The largest city of its time, Hampi was on the banks of River Tungabhadra. It was the epitome of architectural wonders.  Hampi was also the cultural and economic hub.

There were seven lines of fortification in Hampi. The seventh and the innermost fortification enclosed the main city. Enemy forces destroyed Hampi after Vijayanagar rulers lost to a confederacy of rulers in a battle despite its huge military. The enemy forces looted and vandalized the monuments and probably set the whole city on fire.

Monuments in Hampi are religious, civil or military buildings. All the monuments of Hampi together are among the UNESCO World Heritage sites. Some of the famous monuments of Hampi which have survived are Virupaksha Temple, Hazara Rama Temple Complex, and Lotus Mahal.

Explore Hampi with Excursion2India tailor made travel packages from Kolkata or elsewhere.

7. Chandela’s Group of Temples, Khajuraho, with travel packages from Kolkata

Khajuraho Temple, Madhya Pradesh

This is a group of beautiful Hindu and Jain temples in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. Chandela rulers built this tin the 11th and 12th Century. Khajuraho group of temples is among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

These temples are especially famous for the intricate carvings on the exterior walls. The carvings represent daily lives of human beings, and some of these are quite erotic ones – one of the significant reasons these temples are talked about in hush tones.

Historical evidences suggest there were some 85 temples in Khajuraho at one time. But only 20 of those have survived the hammers of weathering and stood firm. Most famous of these are Kendariya Mahadev Temple and Lakshmana Temple.  A light and sound in the evening is a good way to have a brief knowledge of how and when Khajuraho temples were built.

At present, these temples form the backdrop for the famous Khajuraho Dance Festival every year.  Excursion2India can arrange fully customized tours to Khajuraho with travel packages from Kolkata or elsewhere.

6. Sun Temple, Konark, with travel packages from Kolkata

Konark based Sun Temple, Odisha

King Narasimhadeva I of Eastern Ganga Dynasty built this temple in the 13th Century. Sun Temple at Konark in Odisha is among one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites.

It looked like a giant ornamented chariot of Surya, the Sun god. The temple has elements of the traditional style of Kalinga architecture.

Oriented towards the east, the Sun Temple had the first rays of sunrise fall on the principal entrance.

It was originally built at the mouth of the river Chandrabhaga, but the waterline has receded since then.

Due to the weight of the superstructure (vimana) (70m tall) and weak soil of the area, the main vimana is said to have fallen in 1837. Most impressive of what has remained is the audience hall (Jagamohana), which is about 39 meters tall.

One can also see various carvings on the temple walls showing different activities of life, including erotic ones.

Excursion2India have travel packages from Kolkata and elsewhere to explore this amazing monument.

5. Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur, with travel packages from Kolkata

Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur

Perched atop a 410-foot (125-meter) high hill, construction of Mehrangarh Fort started in 1459 under Rao Jodha, the founder of Jodhpur. Successive rulers of Marwar subsequently expanded and fortified the Fort for over centuries.

“Mehrangarh”, whose literal meaning translates to “Fort of the Sun”, is a fusion of Rajputana and Mughal architectural styles, showcasing intricate carvings, detailed latticework, and impressive courtyards.

Mehrangarh Fort has stood as a symbol of Jodhpur’s history and grandeur and has also played a strategic role in the region’s history. It has withstood numerous battles and sieges, serving as a stronghold for the Marwar rulers against external invasions.

In present times, the fort has emerged as a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world. Cultural festivals, music performances, and even film shoots often take place at this fort. This adds to its charm and allure.

Excursion2India has travel packages from Kolkata and elsewhere which will include a tour of Mehrangarh Fort.

4. Amber Fort, Jaipur, with travel packages from Kolkata

Amber Fort, Jaipur

This Fort is built high on a hill on the outskirts of present day Jaipur. The Fort is the principal attraction for tourists coming to Jaipur. The Fort is  built mainly in red sandstone and marble. It is  laid out on four levels, each with a courtyard.

Amber was the capital of the Kachwaha rulers till 1727, when the new pink city Jaipur became the  capital under Sawai Jai Singh II.

Special attractions of the Fort are – Diwan-e-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), the Diwan-e-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), the Sheesh Mahal (mirror palace), Jai Mandir, and the Sukh Niwas, where a cool climate used to be artificially created by winds that blew over water cascade within the palace.

Amber Fort (along with other hill forts of Rajasthan) is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Ask Excursion2India to include a tour of Amber Fort in its travel packages from Kolkata and elsewhere.

3. Fatehpur Sikri, Agra, with travel packages from Kolkata

Fatehpur Sikri

The Mughal Emperor Akbar founded Fatehpur Sikri near Agra as his capital. It served as the capital of the Mughals from 1571 to 1585.

Many believe Fatehpur Sikri was built to honour the Sufi Saint Salim Chishti. It was a planned city with mosques, harems, palaces, private quarters and other utility buildings.

The most famous of the buildings include the Buland Darwaza, Tomb of Salim Chishti, Panch Mahal, and Jama Masjid.

Fatehpur Sikri was, however, abandoned almost immediately after its completion in 1585, largely due to the paucity of water in the adjoining areas.

It never regained its glory after that. But for historians and those whole love to read about the history of India, Fatehpur Sikri still remains a place of great interest.

Excursion2India can arrange a tour of Fatehpur Sikri in travel packages from Kolkata and elsewhere.

2. Taj Mahal, Agra with travel packages from Kolkata

Taj Mahal, Agra

One of the new seven wonders of the world, Taj Mahal was constructed on Shah Jahan’s orders in white marble during the Mughal era.

One of the most popular tourist attractions in India, Taj Mahal also houses the tombs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan.

Taj Mahal is located in the middle of a 42-acre compound on the banks of the River Yamuna in Agra.

It was constructed as a replica of God’s Heaven on Earth. The monument’s construction cost around Rs32 million that time. Construction eventually finished in 1653.

1. Qutub Minar, Delhi, with travel packages from Kolkata

Qutub Minar, Mehrauli, Delhi

This is one of India’s most iconic historical monuments. Standing at approximately 73 meters (240 feet) tall, it is the tallest brick minaret in the world.

It is among one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in India.

Qutub-ud-Din Aibak initiated work on the Qutub Minar in 1192. This was completed under Iltutmish. But later after lightning struck the top floor of the minaret, Firoz Shah Tughlaq did the reconstruction by adding one more floor.

Qutub Minar is part of the Qutub Complex, which also includes several other historically significant structures such as the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the Iron Pillar, Alai Darwaza, and the  Tomb of Iltutmish.

The tower has inscribed verses from the Quran and intricate carvings that represent the artistic and cultural history of the era. Qutub Minar has inspired the construction of other towers and minarets in India and around the world.

It is easily one of the most visited tourist attractions in Delhi and a must-see for history enthusiasts.

Ready to explore the beautiful Historical Monuments with tour packages offered by Excursion2India? Contact us today to start planning your unforgettable adventure! Treat yourself to customized tour packages from Kolkata with Excursion2India!