Best Heritage Places in India

Best Heritage Places in India

India is known for heritage and culture. India has the sixth-highest number of UNESCO World Heritage sites, ranging from architectural marvels to natural wonders. It's no surprise that it has so many beautiful World Heritage sites dispersed across numerous states and union territories. 

These culturally significant landmarks depict India's beautiful past through engravings, sculptures, domes, and art. With a history that dates back approximately 5000 years or more, modern-day India presents itself as a tourist destination ideal for learning about diverse civilizations and cultures.

So, if you're a history enthusiast or want to experience India's rich culture, travel over to visit some of the country's finest historical landmarks of all time! Discover some of the most picturesque locations and enjoy breathtaking views. Here we are going to list some of the best heritage places in India.

Popular Heritage Places in India List 

• Taj Mahal, Agra

The Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, will be an unforgettable experience for you. It's one of the most gorgeous man-made structures you'll ever see. Explore the Taj Mahal, the ultimate symbol of love, whose magnificence is unparalleled in history and is now one of Delhi's weekend getaways. It is located in Agra on the banks of the Yamuna River. 

The building has features of Indian, Persian, and Islamic architectural forms. The tall minarets, arch-shaped entryways, and hundreds of precious and semi-precious jewels on the walls, as well as the water fountains and decorative gardens, all add to the splendor of this memorial.

• Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

Khajuraho is one of the best heritage places in India known for a collection of Hindu and Jain temples located 175 kilometers south-east of Jhansi. The temples of Khajuraho are around 1000 years old and are located in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. They were built during the Chandella Dynasty. Khajuraho has long been regarded as the embodiment of sensuality and erotica at its finest. However, this is an exaggeration because only around 10% of the sculptures are sensual, with the remainder being typical representations. If Indian temple art intrigues you, the Khajuraho complex of temples will captivate you in no time. If you're on a spiritual journey, you must stop at the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, which is one of India's four sacred Shiva worship places.

• Hampi, Karnataka

The city of Hampi, located on the southern bank of the Tungabhadra River in Karnataka, transports you back to the days when it was the kingdom of Vijayanagar. This historic site also includes numerous more sites, which are known together as the 'Group of Monuments at Hampi.' The most notable cultural monument in this site is the Virupaksha Temple, which remains an important Hindu religious center. The rocky outcrops, chariot arches, gopurams, elephant stables, and beautiful palaces of Hampi tell the story of one of the most powerful Hindu dynasties. This location was designated a World Heritage Site in 1986. If you're an architectural buff, the Dravidian architectural style here will fascinate you.

• Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra

Ajanta Caves, which date between the 2nd century BCE and 650 CE, are famous for its 31 rock-cut Buddhist cave structures, murals, and sculptures. The caverns were constructed in two stages. The first occurred about the second century, while the second occurred between 400 and 650 CE. Aurangabad is roughly 101 kilometers away from Ajanta Caves. To visit an incredible architectural landmark and best heritage places in India, travel deep into Maharashtra's Aurangabad to be exposed to the enthralling Ajanta caves nestled in the Sahyadri Hills. If you enjoy art, you'll discover various paintings inspired by the Jataka Tales depicting characters from ancient times to be highly intriguing. Through the sculptures and carvings associated with the Buddhist lifestyle, you may see the beginnings of Indian classical art.

• Bodh Gaya, Bihar

The Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya is considered one of the holiest locations for Buddhists since it is where Gautam Buddha acquired enlightenment. The temple complex is 111 kilometers from Patna and is the first temple established by Emperor Ashoka in the third century. The holy Bodhi tree at the temple complex is thought to be a location where Buddha used to meditate in order to transcend the cycle of rebirth. Millions of Hindus from all over the world visit this temple to pay their respects to Lord Budhha. Since 260 B.C., this historical and culturally significant temple has honored the Gaya area of Bihar.

• Sun Temple, Konark, Odisha

The temple in Konark portrays the sun deity Surya's chariot and is located on the edge of the Bay of Bengal, embracing the beams of the brilliant sun. The 24 wheels of the chariot are adorned with magnificent decorations, and it is drawn by six horses. Sun Temple dedicated to Surya Devta in Odisha is another architectural masterpiece worth seeing. The temple is claimed to have been erected at the mouth of the river Chandrabhaga, although the waterline has since retreated. This World Heritage Site in India exhibits the grandeur of the ancient Kalinga architectural style that was prominent at the time. On three distinct sides of the temple, three Sun God deities are housed. The deities are positioned such that direct sunlight falls on them in the morning, midday, and nighttime.

• Red Fort Complex, Delhi

The Red Fort, also commonly known as the Laal Qila, located in the heart of the ancient city of New Delhi, was erected by Emperor Shah Jahan when he relocated his capital from Agra to Delhi, or what was known as Shahjahanabad at the time. The name of the fort comes from its huge and impenetrable red sandstone walls. This octagonal fort is one of the most renowned historical sites in north India, and it is also where the President delivers his Independence Day speech. Exploring the beautiful complex of the Red Fort is a must for stunning historical trips and is one the best heritage places in India.

• Jantar Mantar, Jaipur, Rajasthan

The Jantar Mantar is an 18th century Rajasthani astronomical observatory. It is an astronomical observatory built in 1738 CE by Rajput King Sawai Jai Singh of Rajasthan. It is a collection of 19 astronomy equipment, including the biggest stone Sundial in the world. These are all man-made instruments. The observatory is also noted for hosting equipment that operate in the three traditional celestial coordinate systems: equatorial, horizon-zenith local, and ecliptic. This majestic edifice was built in 1720, when Jaipur was the home of Maharaja Jai Singh II. The world's biggest sundial, the 'Samrat Yantra,' the 'Hindu Chhatri,' the 'Jai Prakash Yantra,' and various more geometric constructions with astronomical instruments to analyse the 'universe' may all be found inside the Jantar Mantar.

• Hill Forts of Rajasthan

This location is well-known for its distinctive Rajput Military Defense Architecture. It consists of six magnificent forts: Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Ranthambore Fort, Gagron Fort, Amber Fort, and Jaisalmer Fort. They are situated in Rajasthan's rugged Aravalli Mountain Range. Several Rajput monarchs between the 5th and 18th century CE erected these magnificent temples. These forts also have unique water storage and harvesting mechanisms that are still in use today. It is also recognised for being the filming site for The Dark Knight Rises and a few Satyajit Ray films such as 'Shonar Kella.'

• Rani ki Vav, Patan, Gujarat

Rani ka Vav, or "Queen's Stepwell," is a unique type of water storage system in the tiny town of Patan, known for its grandeur and sculpture. It is more than 64 m long, 20 m broad, and 27 m deep, and is located on the banks of the Saraswati River. Rani ki Vav is a beautiful combination of architectural quality and spirituality. The tiered hallway, stone carvings, and sculptures in this inverted temple are dedicated to Lord Shiva and will provide you with a magnificent and one-of-a-kind experience. The stepwell's lowest level was once utilized as an escape route to neighboring communities. It is one of the most beautiful sites in Gujarat to visit.