10 Monuments You Must See In India with the Best Tour 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 your tour to cover each of these.

10. Golconda Fort, Hyderabad, with the best tour 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.

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.

Mughal ruler Aurangzeb annexed it in 1687 after a long seize of over nine months.

Today, the Fort is a popular tourist attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 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.

9. Charminar, Hyderabad with the best tour packages from Kolkata

Charminar, Hyderabad

The most popular landmark of Hyderabad, Charminar was built towards the end of the 16th Century by the Qutub Shahi ruler Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah.

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

The two-storied monument, as the name suggests, has indeed four arches facing all the four directions.

One can see the beautiful Mecca Masjid from its balconies on the top floor.

There is a small and quaint mosque on the top floor as well. This is one of the oldest surviving mosques in Hyderabad.

The famous old market Lal bazaar is close by Charminar and is 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, served as the capital of Vijayanagar Kingdom.

Regarded as the largest city of its time, Hampi was located 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.

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 are Virupaksha Temple, Hazara Rama Temple Complex, and Lotus Mahal.

Enemy forces destroyed Hampi after Vijayanagar rulers lost to a confederacy of rulers in a battle despite its huge military.

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

Khajuraho Temple, Madhya Pradesh

This is a group of beautiful Hindu and Jain temples located 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 those are quite erotic ones – one of the significant reasons these temples have become so popular.

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.

At present, these temples form the backdrop for the famous Khajuraho Dance Festival every year.

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

Konark based Sun Temple, Odisha

Built by King Narasimhadeva I of Eastern Ganga Dynasty 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.

5. Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur with travel packages from Kolkata

Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur

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

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

Amber Fort, Jaipur

Located high on a hill, this Fort is the principal attraction for tourists in Jaipur. The Fort, built mainly of red sandstone and marble, is laid out on four levels, each with a courtyard.

It served as the capital of the Kachwaha rulers till 1727, when the capital was shifted to Jaipur, which was built by 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.

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

Fatehpur Sikri

Situated near Agra, Fatehpur Sikri was founded by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. It served as the capital of the Mughals from 1571 to 1585.

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

The most famous of the buildings include the Buland Darwaza, Tomb of Salim Chishti 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.

Parts of the city still remain and become a great place to visit for tourists and those who are interested in discovering facets of Indian history.

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

With a height of 72 metres, Qutub Minar is the tallest tower in India. It is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Qutub-ud-Din Aibak began work on the Qutub Minar in 1199. Under two further Sultanate sultans, Iltutmish and Firoz Shah Tughlaq, construction carried on.

Near Qutub Minar, there are several additional lesser monuments. Iron Pillar and the Tomb of Iltutmish are the two most well-known of these.

Other Monuments which could have been on the list:

Red Fort, Delhi
Red Fort, Agra
Jama Masjid, Delhi
Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi
Imambara, Lucknow
Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer
Shore Temples, Mahabalipuram
Meenakshi Temple, Madurai
Ajanta & Ellora Caves, Aurangabad
Brihadeswara Temple, Thanjavur
Sanchi Stupa, Sanchi