This country has witnessed various wars as well as the rise and fall of empires. The history has left behind its story that is engraved in stone and preserved in historical records. Every part of India will show you the chapter of its own whether it is a prehistoric cave painting or the palaces built by royal dynasties. Travellers visiting India’s historical heritage can walk through centuries old temples, fortified cities and mysterious ruins that still stand as a reminder of the past. The diversity of these historical places in India is a proof of the artistic, religious, and military achievements of different civilizations. A well-planned historic trip to India can be a journey through time which will give you a glimpse into the architectural and cultural richness that made the country.
Famous Historical Places in India
India has landscapes of history that spread from desert forts to hidden rock cut caves. Each of these historical places in India has a story of kings, traders and scholars who shaped the country’s heritage. While some are famous for their grandeur others are unknown despite being historic. Here are ten places that will transport you to India’s past and a well-planned heritage tour of India. These are architectural wonders, forgotten temples and ancient trade routes that played a part in India’s history. Whether a century old fort or a mysterious archaeological site, these places show how different civilisations lived and evolved over time.
Bhimbetka Rock Shelters – Madhya Pradesh
In the heart of India, deep in the forests, lie the Bhimbetka Rock Shelters. These caves have paintings which are nearly 30,000 years old and give us a glimpse in to the life of prehistoric man. The site has over 700 rock shelters, out of which 400 have paintings. The paintings depict hunting, dancing and rituals of early man. Some of the paintings are believed to have been made using natural pigments which have withstood centuries of weathering. The rock formations themselves are evidence of how ancient civilizations adapted to their environment.
Visiting Bhimbetka is an experience that connects you to the earliest chapter of human history. It is believed that these caves were inhabited from the Stone Age to the early medieval period. The rock shelters were first discovered in 1957 by archaeologist Vishnu Wakankar, who saw similarity in these caves to the caves of Spain and France. Today Bhimbetka is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest records of human creativity.
Hampi – Karnataka
Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire and is now a vast open air museum of ruins. The city was at its peak in the 14th to 16th century when it was famous for its wealth, art and temples. Today you can walk through the remains of grand markets, palaces and temples that were once bustling with activity. Virupaksha Temple is one of the oldest functional temples in India, built in the 7th century.
One of the most fascinating things about Hampi is the boulder strewn landscape. Tungabhadra River flows through the region and adds to the mystique of the place. The Royal Enclosure, where the Vijayanagara rulers used to sit was an underground chamber believed to be the secret chamber of the king. Hampi was invaded and destroyed in 1565 by the Deccan Sultanates and that’s how the city declined. Still the ruins stand as a testament to the grandeur of South Indian architecture making it a one of the must visit historical places in India.
Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park – Gujarat
Located at the foot of Pavagadh, the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park is one of a kind site which has Hindu and Islamic influence. The ruins here date back to the 8th century but most of the development happened under Mahmud Begada in the 15th century. The complex has mosques, temples, step wells and fortifications. The Jama Masjid with its symmetrical design and intricate stone carvings is a beautiful example of Indo-Islamic architecture.
Pavagadh Hill is a sacred place for Hindus. The Kalika Mata Temple at the top attracts pilgrims from all over India. A ropeway is available for those who don’t want to climb the steep hill. This is one of the rare historical places in India where you can see the blend of multiple cultures in one place.
Rani ki Vav – Gujarat
Rani ki Vav is an 11th century stepwell built by Queen Udayamati in memory of her husband King Bhima I. Located in Patan, Gujarat this is an engineering marvel of the ancient times. Unlike simple wells, stepwells were not just meant to store water but also as places of social gathering and art.
The walls of Rani ki Vav are decorated with sculptures of Hindu deities, celestial beings and mythological scenes. The carvings are from the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. The depth of the stepwell allows for an underground tunnel system which was used as an escape route during conflicts. In 2014 it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its historical and architectural importance.
Kumbhalgarh Fort – Rajasthan
Kumbhalgarh Fort is one of the biggest forts of India and is famous for its 36 km long walls. Built by Rana Kumbha in the 15th century this fort remained unconquered due to its location in the Aravalli Hills. It is said that the walls of Kumbhalgarh are the second longest in the world after the Great Wall of China.
The fort has multiple palaces, temples and step wells within its complex. Birthplace of Maharana Pratap, one of the greatest warriors of Rajput history is also located within Kumbhalgarh. During wars the fort was a safe haven for Mewar rulers and a shield against invaders. View from the top is simply breathtaking and is a must visit for history lovers.
Find: Best Plan for Rajasthan Forts and Palaces Tour
Unakoti – Tripura
Unakoti is a hidden archaeological site in the hills of Tripura famous for its big rock-cut sculptures and carvings. This site is at least 7th to 9th century old and surrounded by mystery. The name Unakoti means one less than a crore in Bengali and local legend says that these rock carvings were done by Lord Shiva himself.
The sculptures depict various Hindu deities the 30 feet tall rock carving of Lord Shiva being the most striking. Goddess Durga, Ganesha, and Nandi are the other few. Unlike most temples Unakoti is not a complex but an open air gallery carved out of the hills. Thousands of pilgrims visit every year during the Ashokashtami Mela in April. Unakoti is one of the least explored historical places in India and offers an experience that is a blend of mythology, art and history.
Maluti Temples – Jharkhand
Deep in the village of Maluti, just off the Bengal-Jharkhand border, lies a forgotten stretch of over 70 terracotta temples. These are 17th century structures built by the Baj Basanta dynasty which is an obscure royal family of the region.
Unlike big city temples, the Maluti temples are crafted in the local terracotta art style that depict scenes from the Hindu mythology of Ramayana and Mahabharata. The temples are dedicated to various deities and many of which have Goddess Durga as the central figure. Despite their historical and artistic importance, these temples have been ignored by mainstream tourism making it a lesser known historical places in India. Restoration work is on, but still need attention to preserve the details. Visiting Maluti is a rare chance to see an architectural style that is rapidly disappearing from India’s landscape.
Basgo Monastery – Ladakh
Basgo Monastery is famous for its monasteries but Basgo stands out for its history and location. Perched on a rocky hilltop, Basgo was the political and cultural capital of Ladakh in the 15th and 16th centuries. The complex has ancient murals and 3 main temples dedicated to Maitreya Buddha.
The walls of the monastery are painted with Buddhist teachings and Ladakhi royal lineage. The fortress like structure suggests Basgo was a militarily important place too. It was here the Ladakhi rulers defended their kingdom from outside invasions. Today it gives a glimpse into the region’s Buddhist heritage and the strategic role it played in Ladakh’s history. The monastery is still an active place of worship and the barren mountains around add to its mystique. Basgo Monastery view is breathtaking and diffrent from other historical places in India.
Chand Baori – Rajasthan
Chand Baori is one of the oldest and most beautiful stepwells in India. It is located in Abhaneri village and this massive structure was built in the 9th century by King Chanda of the Nikumbh dynasty. It was designed not only for water storage but also as a community space to sit and rest.
The stepwell has 3500 steps arranged in perfect symmetry, leading down to a deep tank. During the hot summer people used to come here to escape the heat as the temperature near the well is much cooler than the surrounding area. The stepwell is also associated with many legends, one of them is that it was built overnight by spirits. Chand Baori has been featured in many films and has garnered attention for its architectural beauty. But still it is less crowded than other tourist places in Rajasthan.
Gingee Fort – Tamil Nadu
Gingee Fort, also known as the “Troy of the East” is one of the strongest forts in India. Located in Tamil Nadu, the fort complex is spread over three hilltops and was built by the Chola dynasty in the 9th century. Over the years it was expanded by various rulers including the Vijayanagara Empire, the Marathas and the French.
What makes Gingee Fort special is its military design. The fort has high stone walls, secret passages and an elaborate water system. The Kalyana Mahal, a beautiful palace with Indo-Islamic architecture, is inside the fort complex. At its peak, Gingee was considered almost unbeatable, it withstands multiple attacks from different armies. The British took over in the 18th century. Despite its historical importance it is one of the lesser explored historical places in India. The climb to the top is steep but the view is worth it.
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Plan a Historic Trip in India with us to Explore the Best
Planning is key to get the most out of a historic trip to India. Picking a specific route helps you manage your time well, as historical sites are scattered across different areas. To avoid long travel times, it’s a good idea to explore just one state or nearby places. The weather is best for outdoor sightseeing at most historical sites from October to March. Learning about the each historical places in India before you go lets you understand why it’s important. Many spots have local guides who can tell you interesting facts you won’t find in books. Do not miss to take Guided India Tour for best experience of all historical places tour. Keeping a travel journal to write down cool stories or details about the buildings can make your trip to these historical places in India even better.