India, known for its beauty, glory, and rich history, is home to many cities filled with stories of love, valor, and pride. If you’re a history buff, like Ross from FRIENDS with dinosaurs, we’ve got you covered! India has many historically rich cities, but here are our top 8 picks to visit for their history.
Delhi
The country’s capital is not only heaven for foodies and shopaholics but can be equally great if you want to experience the history of India. The streets of Old Delhi still carry the old-world charm and the high monuments still sing praises of the Bravehearts who became icons because of their valor and sacrifice. For years, people have honored Delhi as a highly historical city, making it a haven for history buffs.
Best Locations To Visit In Delhi
Red Fort: Lal Qila is a historic fort in Old Delhi that used to serve as the main residence of the Mughal Emperors. It was originally red and white and can be said to reflect the peak of Mughal architecture under Shah Jahan. It combines Persianate palace architecture with Indian traditions and is a sight that drips history from each corner.
Qutub Minar: The Qutub Minar is another historical place in Delhi that was founded by Tomar Rajputs and located in old Delhi. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and is also known as the Victory Complex because of its historical significance. It is the tallest tower in India and is a symbol of pride that you must see for yourself.
Humayun’s Tomb: Humayun was an important Mughal ruler who ruled over Delhi and was the son of King Babar. King Humayun is credited with making many important monuments, and is also as the father of the great King Akbar. His tomb is a historical site that is also breathtakingly gorgeous.
How To Get To Delhi
How to Reach By Air: The Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, is one of the biggest and main airports in the country’s capital, with flights connecting it to the world and other states of the country.
By Rail: Delhi is well connected to all the major Indian cities by railways, and the New Delhi railway station serves more than 300 railway lines.
How To Reach By Road: This city has a strong road network and 5 National Highways run through the city – NH-1, NH-2, NH-38, NH-310, and NH-324.
Best Time To Visit Delhi – October to March.
Udaipur
The state of Rajasthan and Indian history can be considered almost synonymous because of the rich multifaceted chronicles the state has to offer. The city of Udaipur is one of the most beloved cities in the state as it offers you a perfect blend of forts, mountains, and lakes, with each monument carrying an enchanting tale of its own. Also known as the Lake City, Udaipur is a goldmine of historical gems in the form of abandoned monuments, huge forts, magnificent palaces, and enormous wells.
Best Locations To Visit In Udaipur
City Palace: City Palace is an example of moving history at its finest form and is surrounded by the most popular markets, temples, and ghats of the city. Just keep an entire day free to fully experience City Palace, as it is huge and you will have a lot to see and process in terms of its art, history, and beauty.
Gangu Kund: An underrated historical spot in Udaipur, Gangu Kund not only offers you the most picturesque views but will also take you by surprise with many stories of sacrifices over the years. The Ahar Museum near Gangu Kund will also give you a history trip you will never forget!
Eklingji Temple: Located in the Kailashpuri district of Udaipur, Eklingji Temple has mind-blowing architecture filled with double-storied buildings, colossal pyramidal-style roofs, and delicately carved towers. You will get to know the temple’s interesting history while taking in the many stunning walls, interiors, and kunds.
How To Get To Udaipur
By Air: Udaipur has one of the 7 major airports in the state of Rajasthan which is Maharana Pratap Airport which is located in Dabok. It has both international and domestic flights.
By Rail: Udaipur has strong railway connectivity and two railway stations, Udaipur City Station being the major one. You are most likely to get a direct train to the city from many states.
By Road: Many private and public buses directly reach Udaipur, which connects to major national highways, NH-76 and NH-8.
Best Time To Visit Udaipur – September to March.
Kolkata
Kolkata is a city that taught the world about Indian literature and culture. The city still proudly remains one of the most culturally vibrant cities and is a perfect pick for you if you are looking to visit a place that can offer you the best of history, culture, and – not to forget – the mouthwatering varieties of food. Kolkata has played a pioneering role in making India what it is today, and its architecture speaks for itself.
Best Locations To Visit In Kolkata
Victoria Memorial: Victoria Memorial is the world’s largest monument, which was dedicated to a royal – Queen Victoria – and is carved entirely in marble and located in Central Kolkata. The Memorial was built between 1906 and 1921 and has now become a lavish museum with 25 galleries and a lot more, which you will experience once you visit the unforgettable structure.
Writer’s Building: Often shortened to just Writers’, this is a heritage building which is the official secretariat building of the state government of West Bengal in Kolkata. It is open for visitors throughout the day and is a 150-meter long building that covers the entire northern stretch of the iconic Lal Dighi pond at the center of the historic B.B.D. Bhag.
Howrah Bridge: Probably one of the most popular places in the city of Kolkata, Howrah Bridge is a balanced cantilever bridge over the Hooghly River which was constructed in 1942. The Howrah Bridge represents Kolkata and is a sight you must not miss while visiting the city of joy.
How To Get To Kolkata
By Air: Kolkata has international and domestic airports, with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport being the biggest airport in the state with regular international and domestic flights.
By Rail: Kolkata has a well-connected railway line and many big and small railway stations. The Kolkata station is situated in the Chitpur locality of North Kolkata and falls under the Eastern Railway zone with trains connecting it to the majority of the cities.
By Road: National highways and private and public buses can easily take you to Kolkata. Some major national highways connected to the main city are NH-2, NH-117, and NH-34.
Best Time To Visit Kolkata – October to March.
Lucknow
Lucknow is not merely a city that has become synonymous with culture and etiquette, but is the genesis of many important historical events. The city of Nawabs is most likely to transport you back to the old-world royalty of kings and emperors. Each street in Lucknow is filled with art, silk, and stories. It will spoil your taste buds with delicious Awadhi dishes like Mutton Keema, Kebabs, and Revadi. These dishes let you taste history, while the city’s monuments offer a glimpse into it.
Best Locations To Visit In Lucknow
Rumi Darwaza: Also known as the Turkish Gate, Rumi Darwaza was built in 1784-86 and is a 60-feet high entrance (Darwaza in Hindi translates to an entrance or gate in English) and displays Awadhi architectural style. The gate has a very heartfelt history behind its creation and is located at the heart of Lucknow offering you the chance to cherish history as it happened.
Bara Imambara: Also known as Asafi Imambara, Bara Imambara is an imambara complex in Lucknow that was founded by Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784. It is the second-largest imambara and is known for its incredible maze, which is known as ‘Bhul Bhulaiya’ amongst the locals.
Jama Masjid: One of the most popular mosques in the entire country, the Jama Masjid is a sight for sore eyes and hearts. Do not confuse it with the one made by Akbar. This Jama Masjid was built by the third Nawab of Awadh Mohammad Ali Shah with the intention to surpass the Jama Masjid in Delhi, but after his death, the mosque was completed by his wife Queen Malika Jahan and now is a pilgrimage site by the devotees.
How To Get To Lucknow
By Air: Lucknow has its own international and domestic airports. Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, also known as Lucknow Airport, is the major airport in the state.
By Rail: Lucknow has solid railway connectivity. Lucknow Charbagh is one of the five main railway stations of Lucknow city, the others being Lucknow Junction, Gomti Nagar Railway Station, Aishbagh Railway Station, and Lucknow City Station.
By Road: The city is well connected to roadways and NH-28 is a major highway that passes through the city.
Best Time To Visit Lucknow – September to March.
Agartala
The northeast part of India has been wrongly overlooked by the citizens and historians alike. The northeastern cities not only possess the most breathtaking mountains and natural views but are also extremely rich in terms of history and culture. The gorgeous city of Agartala is the capital of the state of Tripura and is filled with historical masterpieces that offer you glimpses of worlds as old as the 9th century. Agartala and its palaces, temples, and museums have many stories to share with you that revolve around Manikya Kings, and you will also get to learn more about the uncovered aspects of our Nobel laureate and poet, Rabindranath Tagore.
Best Locations To Visit In Agartala
Tripura Government Museum: A former palace for the royalty which now has turned into a museum, this can be your perfect place for a historical day out where you can get acquainted with the beautiful past of the northeast.
Ujjayanta Palace: The Tripura king, Maharaja Radha Kishore Manikya of the Manikya dynasty, built this palace between 1899 and 1901. It later became a museum and is known and loved for its display of lifestyle, arts, and utility crafts of northeastern communities.
Rabindra Kanan Park: Dedicated to our beloved Rabindranath Tagore, this is a stunning park located adjacent to the Raj Bhawan. Be prepared to be amazed by its greenery and variety of flowers and make sure to learn more about its history.
How To Get To Agartala
By Air: Agartala is well connected via airways through the Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport, also known as Agartala Airport which has both international and domestic flights daily.
By Rail: Agartala falls under the northeast frontier railway zone and the Agartala Railway Station is located 5.5 km from the city. Agartala is also the first state capital of independent India to be connected via a rail network.
By Road: You can also reach Agartala through road as the National Highway 8 is directly connected to the city of Agartala.
Best Time To Visit Agartala – April to July.
Mumbai
The capital of the state of Maharashtra, even the name of the city, carries rich historical significance. The name ‘Mumbai’ is derived from the name of the goddess Mumbadevi, which means ‘mother’ in the Marathi language. The Marathi soldiers had a significant role in Indian history, especially in India’s freedom struggle, and in Mumbai, you will find various monuments and forts proudly standing as proof of their journey and bravery.
Best Locations To Visit In Mumbai
Gateway Of India: This is a prime location to visit in Mumbai which has a great historical significance and aesthetic beauty attached to it. It is an arch-monument built in the early 20th century by King-Emperor George which would most likely deliver a scoop of history along with aesthetic pictures.
Elephanta Caves: Dubbed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Elephanta Caves are a collection of cave temples which are dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Visiting these caves located on the island will not be a historical experience but also an adventure.
Hanging Gardens: Also known as Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens, Hanging Gardens are one of the most popular historical sights in the city of Mumbai, which will also prove to be spectacular. It was built in 1881 over a water reservoir and is perched at the top of Malabar Hill.
How To Get To Mumbai
By Air: Mumbai has India’s biggest and the fanciest airport called the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport with two terminals. Terminal 1 has all the domestic terminals while Terminal 2 is an international airport/terminal.
By Rail: Mumbai has one of the biggest railway systems in India and Mumbai Central is a major railway station on the Western line. More than the interstate railway, Mumbai also has the strongest local chain of intercity railways known as Mumbai Local.
By Road: Reaching Mumbai is convenient via road too. As it is a huge city and a hub of Bollywood and a bustling economy, it has one of the strongest road connectivity in the country. NH-48 is one of the biggest highways that connect to Mumbai.
Best Time To Visit Mumbai – October to February.
Agra
This City of Love is a high bet on the list because though small in size, Agra has a lot to offer in terms of history, art, and culture. Each nook of the city has a scent of history amalgamated with the sweetness of Agre ka Petha so you can get to see a lot of the past even on a short trip to the region.
Best Locations To Visit In Agra
Taj Mahal: Yes, yes, we know. It’s the most obvious choice here, but you cannot talk about Agra without the Taj Mahal. Known globally as a symbol of love and one among the seven wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal is a palace one should experience at least once in their lifetime. The grandeur of the place, the story, and its architecture make it a perfect sight to visit with your loved ones or family.
Buland Darwaza: ‘Buland’ means ‘grand’ and ‘Darwaza’ means ‘door’ and this is exactly what Buland Darwaza is all about. Mughal emperor Akbar built this main entrance to the Jama Masjid at Fatehpur Sikri in 1575 A.D. to commemorate his victory over Gujarat. It is also known as the Door of Victory.
Agra Fort: The Agra Fort used to be the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty until 1638 and has now become one of the most prominent historical forts in the city. It is gorgeous and guaranteed to give you more perspective about the city of Agra and its Mughal backdrop.
How To Get To Agra
By Air: Kheria Airport (AGR) in the city is well-connected to all major cities in India.
By Rail: Agra has a strong railway network and falls under North Central Railway. Agra Cantonment is the main railway station in the city.
By Road: Agra is extremely accessible via road, and the NH-44, which is one of the biggest national highways, connects it to Delhi.
Best Time To Visit Agra – October to March.
Jaipur
The city of Jaipur is all things grand and royal and is filled with various historical sights that still stand proudly. Jaipur is a lot more than fancy resorts and destination weddings. The Pink City isn’t just simply stunning because of its gorgeous views, but can also be a learning experience for you because it honestly has a lot to offer, historically and aesthetically.
Best Locations To Visit In Jaipur
Hawa Mahal: Hawa Mahal translates to ‘Palace of Wind’. Made of red and pink sandstone, Hawa Mahal was designed for royal women to view the outside world. It has 953 windows, keeping it airy and justifying its name (Jharokhas in Hindi). Visit Hawa Mahal to feel the breeze, enjoy history, and capture great photos.
Galtaji Temple: Galtaji Temple is nestled between the Aravali Hills and offers a breathtaking view while traveling to the heights. It is located just outside the main city of Jaipur and is a sight you will cherish forever. The most beautiful part is the fact that the complex is set around a natural spring and waterfalls that create 7 Holy Ponds. Just be cautious of the monkeys and you should be fine.
Nahargarh Fort: Loved by both tourists and locals, Nahargarh Fort is the favorite child of the city of Jaipur that offers you rich historical museums and gorgeous views during the day and immense peace and beauty during the night. Rent a bike or car to visit Nahargarh Fort, as it stands on the edge of the beautiful Aravali hills and offers a stunning view at the end of your journey.
How To Get To Jaipur
How To Reach By Air: The Jaipur International Airport has many international and domestic flights connecting it to the world.
By Rail: Jaipur is connected to the North-Western Railway and has multiple trains plying to and from every day.
By Road: The state of Rajasthan has 20 national highways that pass through it, out of which 7 pass through the pink city too. RSRTC provides the local bus service and Agra – Jaipur (NH-21), and Delhi – Jaipur (NH-48) are two of the most popular national highways.
Best Time To Visit Jaipur – October to March.
Summing Up
India’s strengths include spices, culture, history, and love. Every Indian city offers something historic. Never stop traveling—sometimes, visiting a new place teaches you more than a history book. When in a new city, connect with locals and explore lesser-known spots. You might learn something new and discover hidden gems in India’s capital.
FAQs
Which Is The Most Historical Place In India?
India brims with history and historical places, making it impossible to select just one. Rajasthan, Lucknow, and Delhi boast numerous historical forts, sights, and monuments for you to explore.
How Many Historical Places Are In India?
India boasts historical monuments, with each state showcasing its history and monuments. According to the Archeological Survey of India, India has 116 ticketed monuments in 19 states and according to UNESCO, there are 40 World Heritage Sites located in India out of which 32 are cultural, 7 are natural, and 1 is mixed.
Which Is The Oldest City of India?
Varanasi is one of the oldest among the lot a has been a center of religious and cultural activity since the Bronze Age Collapse and is alternatively called Banaras.
