Must See Architectural Wonders to Visit in India
Are you planning a trip to India, a land with diverse cultures and a rich history? If yes, then you are in for a treat because the country has some of the most stunning architectural wonders in the world that are must-visit places! Let's have a look at the top 10 architectural wonders that you can't miss when you are in India.
List of Top Architectural Wonders of India
Here is a list of the top 10 architectural wonders of India that you must definitely visit when in India.
The Taj Mahal, Agra, Uttar Pradesh
The Taj Mahal is an absolute must-see monument in Agra when it comes to Indian architectural wonders. Taj Mahal, an ivory-white marble mausoleum, is famous as a symbol of eternal love, but it's also a masterpiece of Mughal architecture.
What makes the Taj Mahal truly special?
- It has perfect symmetry and wonderful intricate marble inlay work.
- It changes color throughout the day, from a pinkish shade at sunrise to a brilliant white under the midday sun.
- It has beautiful Mughal gardens surrounding the main structure.
Did you know? It took around 22 years and 20,000 workers to complete this magnificent monument!
When visiting the Taj Mahal, try to arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds and witness the magical play of light on the marble as the sun rises.
READ MORE:
The Taj Mahal is one of the famous stunning man-made wonders, not only in India but around the world. It is designated as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, popular for its spectacular ivory-white marble monument, and is an exquisite example of Mughal architecture, combining elements of Islamic, Persian and Indian styles. Read more at Taj Mahal: The Everlasting Marvel of India.
The Meenakshi Temple, Madurai, Tamil Nadu
Next on our list is the vibrant Meenakshi Temple in Madurai. This temple is a stunning testament to Dravidian architecture. The ancient temple is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareshwar.
What sets the Meenakshi Temple apart?
- It had towering gopurams (gate towers) covered in colorful sculptures of Hindu deities.
- There is a Hall of Thousand Pillars, each intricately carved and telling a different story.
- It is believed that the temple tank, Porthamarai Kulam, is as old as the temple.
Fun fact: The temple covers 14 acres and has 14 gateway towers!
When you visit this temple, take your time to explore the various halls and shrines because each one of them is a visual treat and shows the extraordinary skill of ancient Indian artisans.
The Qutub Minar, Delhi
The Qutub Minar, which stands tall in the heart of Delhi, exemplifies medieval India's architectural brilliance. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the tallest brick minaret in the world.
What makes the Qutub Minar remarkable?
- It has a unique combination of the Islamic and Indian architectural styles.
- The complex carvings and calligraphy on its surface.
- The surrounding area includes the rust-resistant Iron Pillar of Delhi.
Interesting fact: The Qutub Minar is slightly tilted - about 65 cm from the vertical - but there is no need to worry. It's been standing strong for over 800 years!
The India Gate, Delhi
While not as ancient as some of our other wonders, the India Gate in New Delhi is no less impressive. This war memorial stands as a symbol of national pride and sacrifice.
What sets the India Gate apart?
- Its impressive arch design is influenced by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
- Amar Jawan Jyoti, the eternal flame, is located beneath the arch.
- There are vast lawns surrounding it that are perfect for a leisurely evening stroll.
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The city has a line of spellbinding mosques, historic monuments, old and majestic forts left behind by the legacy of Mughal rulers that once ruled the city. Read more at Top Rated Tourist Attractions in New Delhi.
Did you know? Inscribed on this gate are the names of over 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives in World War I.
To witness the beauty of India Gate, visit it in the evening as it is beautifully illuminated during this time. And you can even enjoy a nice picnic in one of the laws.
The Khajuraho Temples, Chhatarpur District, Madhya Pradesh
The Khajuraho Group of Monuments is well known for its nagara-style architecture and sensuous stone carvings. You can explore medieval Indian art and culture in these temples.
How are the Khajuraho Temples unique?
- They have incredibly detailed sculptures depicting different aspects of human life.
- They offer a perfect blend of architecture and sculpture.
- The temples seem to glow golden in the light of the setting sun.
Fascinating fact: Only about 20 of the original 85 temples have survived the test of time.
The Mysore Palace, Mysore, Karnataka
The Mysore Palace is the perfect example of Indo-Saracenic structures. This royal home combines Rajput, Gothic, Hindu, and Muslim architectural elements.
What sets Mysore Palace apart?
- It has lavish interiors, featuring stained glass, intricate carvings, and mirrors.
- The Durbar Hall has an incredible ornate ceiling and sculpted pillars.
- The palace is illuminated weekly with nearly 100,000 light bulbs!
Interesting information: The palace you see today is actually the fourth version built on this site!
Try to time your visit during the Dasara festival when the palace is at its most resplendent.
Jantar Mantar, Jaipur, Rajasthan
Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is not just an architectural wonder but also a perfect example of India's scientific prowess. It is an astronomical observatory that is so accurate that people find it hard to believe.
Why is Jantar Mantar special?
- Nineteen architectural astronomical instruments make up the monument.
- With an accuracy of within two seconds, it is the biggest stone sundial on the entire globe.
- You'll witness the perfect blend of science, art, and architecture.
Did you know? India has five Jantar Mantars, but the largest and best preserved is in Jaipur.
The Sun Temple, Konark, Odisha
The Sun Temple in Konark, Odisha, has one of the best displays of Kalinga architecture. The Sun God, Surya, is honored in this temple and it is shaped like an enormous chariot.
What sets the Sun Temple apart?
- It has a unique chariot design, complete with elaborately carved stone wheels.
- The intricate carvings show different facets of life, including the famous Konark horse.
- The way the temple is positioned, it catches the first rays of the sun.
Interesting fact: The temple is positioned so that the main entrance receives the first light of the day.
The Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Aurangabad District, Maharashtra
The Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Maharashtra provide an amazing look into the art and architecture of ancient India. You can see the Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain influences on these rock-cut cave monuments.
What sets these caves apart?
- There are stunning murals and sculptures preserved inside the caves.
- Every temple has been carved out of solid rock.
- The location displays a combination of various religious influences.
The Gol Gumbaz, Bijapur, Karnataka
Muhammad Adil Shah's mausoleum is located in Gol Gumbaz. This monument has the second-biggest dome in the world, after St. Peter's Basilica.
What makes Gol Gumbaz social?
- It has an incredible dome that is freestanding, no pillars!
- In the whispering gallery, you can hear the faintest sounds on the other side.
- You can witness the striking blend of Indian and Islamic architectural styles.
Did you know? The dome was constructed without any centering support!
Make Your Journey Easier with eVisa to India
Now that you're inspired to explore these incredible architectural wonders, let's talk about how to make your journey to India as smooth as possible. One of the most convenient ways to enter the country is by using the eVisa system.
What is an eVisa?
An eVisa, or Electronic Visa, is a digital travel authorization that lets you enter India for tourism, business, or medical purposes. It's a quicker, more efficient alternative to the traditional visa application process. With an eVisa in hand, you'll be all set to start your architectural journey across India.
Find out whether you qualify for an eVisa and how to apply. If you need more answers, visit Indian Visa helpdesk.
Citizens of many countries including Indonesia, Belgium, Australia, Cambodia, France, Germany are eligible for India e-Visa.