India, a country which is still steeped in history, has innumerable ancient monuments, many of which have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Dating back centuries, these famous monuments of India are a big draw for tourists from across the globe. The amazing architecture with rich carvings and inscriptions is a sight to behold. They showcase the amazing craftsmanship of ancient times that has stood the test of time.

Qutub Minar, Delhi

Right in the heart of Delhi, the capital city of India, stands one of the earliest brick minarets of the world, the Qutub Minar. A spectacle that rises to a staggering height of 72.5 metres, the Qutub Minar is one of the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites that dot the country. Among the most respected historic monuments in India, this minar stands out because of the history it holds. The minar has a gigantic base with a diameter of 14.32 metres which tapers to 2.75 metres at the top with five storeys, each with its own unique identity and architecture that is lined by projecting balconies. Apart from the imposing monument, the premises of the Qutub Minar houses the famous Iron Pillar of Delhi; a pillar that has defied seasons to stand in its untarnished lustre even today after 2000 years along with the Alai Darwaza, Alai Minar, a couple of tombs, Sanderson’s Sundial, and Major Smith’s cupola. Though no longer allowed, the ascent up the 379 steps spiralling up to the top of the Qutub Minar offers a magnificent bird’s eye glimpse of the city.

Ajanta Ellora Caves, Aurangabad

Spread over a total area of 2 km and a few hours’ drive away from Mumbai, lies one of India’s most complex, beautiful, and intricate pieces of ornate history carved in stone, forming the majestic rock-cut temples called the Ajanta and Ellora Cave temple complex.

With a history dating back to the 2nd century, these temple and cave complexes unfold one of India’s most significant traits; co-inhabiting and embracing plurality and interlacing the threads of time with unparalleled beauty. Though referred to in unison, the complexes of Ajanta and Ellora are separated by approximately 103 km in the district of Aurangabad, Maharashtra. The Ajanta Caves are nestled in the Sahyadri ranges of the Western Ghats close to the Waghora River and house 29 Buddhist caves which have marvellous inscriptions. Among the most famous monuments of India, the entire complex of the Ajanta Caves is shaped like crescents and have ornate frescoes and paintings that showcase the life of Buddha. The Ellora Caves complex, on the other hand, is one of the most beautiful heritage pieces that India has. The ruins excavated by the side of the basalt cliffs run through an expanse of almost 2 km, forming one of the largest rock-cut Hindu temple complexes in the world. A conglomerate of over 100 caves, these showcase the co-existence of all three religions, namely Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. One of the most unique World Heritage Sites accorded in the Indian subcontinent by UNESCO, the intricate carvings and the sheer magnitude of the structure truly makes it a spectacle carved in stone.

Khajuraho Temples, Khajuraho

A set of 25 temples, the Khajuraho group of monuments in Madhya Pradesh (the heart of India) carved in bright golden sandstone, are perfect examples of India’s great craftsmanship. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the group of temples with its exquisite carvings make this place a must-visit for everyone coming to India.

Spread across 6 square kilometres in a picturesque landscape, each temple standing on raised platforms is a sight to admire. Built between 950-1050 AD, these temples represent India’s rich heritage through the innumerous carved sculptures representing forms of meditation, spiritual teachings and relationships through stimulating art. These ancient monuments of India are primarily known for the graceful and intricate sculptures of nayikas or Hindu Mythological female protagonists and deities. Adorned with exquisitely carved elaborate jewellery, these sculptures have stood the test of time and still exude beauty and elegance. The temples are divided into three groups; Eastern, Western and Southern, with each group having many unique temples. The Eastern section along the beautiful Hindu temples also houses the famous Jain temple built during 950-970 CE. While a special ASI Museum in the Western section houses amazing artifacts that date back to the 11-12 century, the Southern division has some of the most impressive temples with elaborate carvings.

Hawa Mahal, Jaipur

The iconic Hawa Mahal welcomes every visitor who comes to Jaipur city with its regal presence. Right in the midst of the busy lanes in Jaipur dotted with shops selling bangles, jutties (leather footwear) and colourful sarees, Hawa Mahal stands tall in complete regal splendour. The mesmerising monument in pink sandstone, Hawa Mahal stands true to its name – ‘Palace of Winds’, and has close to a thousand honeycomb-shaped windows. An extension of the royal City Palace nearby, the Hawa Mahal was specially built for the royal ladies in 1799, by the then-ruler Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh. The ladies during the olden times were not allowed to come in front of outsiders, and so this palace with beautifully carved windows was built so that the royal ladies could enjoy a glimpse of the buzzing street down below and get exposure to the outside world. An open courtyard welcomes anyone who comes to the Hawa Mahal, and one can also climb up to get an aerial view of the beautiful city of Jaipur.

Sanchi Stupa, Sanchi

In the midst of an open green landscape lies the awe-striking Sanchi Stupa, one of the oldest and most amazing monuments in India. A beautiful example of free-standing temple architecture, the Sanchi Stupa, is the most iconic Buddhist monument and was built around the 3rd century BC. Located at an easily accessible distance of 40 km from Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh, Sanchi is among the early examples of temple architecture made with intricately carved stone.

The stupa looks stunning with its huge hemispherical brick dome at the centre, however, the star attraction of the stupa is the four gateways. The intricately carved gateways come alive with inscriptions and illustrations from the life of Buddha. Carvings of trees, animals, and humans are very complex and done with great perfection. A popular UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sanchi Stupa is visited by Buddhists from across the globe. The Sanchi complex also has many ruins of other temples and monasteries which still look beautiful and have a story to narrate.