True essence of the word “heritage” lies in the originality, uniqueness and exclusivity within a destination – embarking an era of wealthy cultures, traditions and customs. Such is the vast and progressive yet mystic country of India. A huge number of spiritual leaders, mentors and founders of a majority of religions in the world have initially been established in various regions of this country, which makes it the root of all religions.
Grab your gusto to scrutinize and explore the architectural monuments, ancient relics and antique streets & roads – reviving the true beauty of this country.
Table of Contents
Top 7 Leading Heritage Destinations in India:-
-
Taj Mahal
Location: Agra, India (Prominent landmark in the Golden Triangle Tour).
Entry Fee Structure:
- Foreigners – 750 INR
- Citizens of SAARC and BIMSTEC Countries – 510 INR
- Indian – 20 INR (Free entry for children below the age of 15 years)
Symbolized as the monument of love – this beautiful Crown Palace was built by Shah Jahan to express immense love and devotion for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. This palace beholds the grave of Mumtaaz Mahal, buried beneath the monument. The Jamuna river flows near it, highlighting its elegance and refinement. The intricate detailing engraved on the walls of this monument is no less an element of fascination for the travelers & tourists.
The most unique quality of this monument is its exclusive architecture. This monument took 22 years to be set up and ready – magnificently erected on an elevated platform forming a rather unequal octagon. These complex geometrical patterns are hence a mode of attraction for the architects and designers of today’s time. Here, four distinctive domes on each corner of the platform surround the main (central) dome – which is the largest.
-
Red Fort
Location: Netaji Subhash Marg, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi.
Entry Fee Structure:
- Adults – 80 INR
- Children – 30 INR
The ever glorious palace fort of Shahjahanabad is worth exploring by all means! Shah Jahan was the fifth mughal emperor of India and so, this grandiose and splendid fort symbolized the royal pomp and majesty. As the name suggests, the walls are made of red sandstones which are 33m tall and were constructed in 1638 – to protect the dynasty and inhibit the invaders.
Here, the Lahore Gate (main gate) gets the entire country to be mesmerized in celebrations of freedom on Independence Day, each year. Following this is the hemispherical dome of Chatta Chowk which organizes a bazaar (street market) which hosts numerous tourists and is a hub to purchasing variant items at feasible prices! The Chatta Chowk further extends to a vast compound of the fort that consists of phenomenal collection of awe-inspiring buildings and hubs like The Pearl Mosque, The Drum House, Royal Baths, the Hall of Public Audiences, white marble hall of Private Audiences, etc.
-
Qutub Minar
Location: Mehrauli
Entry Fee Structure:
- Foreigners – 250 INR
- Indians – 10 INR
Qutub Minar – also known as the “Tower of Victory” – stands 73m high, built in 1192. The construction of this minar (tower) was initially commenced by Qutub-ud-din-Aibak instantly post his victory over the last Hindu Kingdom in Delhi. This tower is built in the form of distinct stories; with each projecting a balcony. The diameter of this tower decreases as you move upward – from 15m (base at the ground) to 2.5m (at the top). Here, three levels are covered with red sandstones while the forth and the fifth storey is further beautified with marble and sandstones. The lower ground floor of this tower is a mosque known as Quwwat-ul-Islam which is considered as the first mosque constructed in India.
A fact inscribed over the eastern gate amidst the tower states that the Qutub Minar was constituted and constructed with the material gained post the destruction of 27 Hindu Temples.
-
Group of Monuments at Hampi
Location: Karnataka
Entry Fee Structure:
- Indians – 10 INR
- Citizens of SAARC & BIMSTEC Countries – 10 INR
- Others – 250 INR
(No entry fee for children up to 15 years of age).
Karnataka is well-known for its ancient and beautiful group of monuments at Hampi – a hub of various Dravidian Temples and palaces built in the 14th and the 16th century and are a factor or amusement for the eye. In 1986, this spot has also been declared as the World Heritage Site.
The soul of this destination is of sprawling beauty and divine, larger-than-life statues of Gods and Goddesses – each quarter of a mile. Places like Hazara Rama Temple, Vithala Temple, Queen’s Bath, Virupaksha, etc. are worth visiting as well!
-
Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi
Location: Madhya Pradesh
Entry Fee Structure:
- Indians – 10 INR
- S. Citizens – $5
- (No entry fee for children up to 15 years of age).
The north-eastern side of Bhopal constitutes of one of the most alluring and refined Buddhist monuments that honor the big Indian State i.e. Madhya Pradesh. It is considered as the oldest Buddhist Sanctuary in 12th A.D. and comprises of various architectural anatomy of the Buddhist legends and mentors.
Sanchi is also a hub to a vast diversity of monasteries, temples, monolithic pillars, etc. all built in 1st & 2nd centuries A.D. Another spot for tourists is the Great Stupa, fabricated and constructed by Emperor Ashoka – known for its mammoth dome.
-
Ajanta & Ellora Caves
Location: Maharashtra
Entry Fee Structure:
- Ajanta Caves
- Indians – 10 INR
- S. Citizens – $10 (No entry fee for children up to 15 years of age).
- Ellora Caves
- Free Entry
Aurangabad’s elephantine, fascinating and captivating Ajanta & Ellora Caves are a home to one of the most extensive ancient architecture of India. The Ajanta caves were consummately carved by skilled artisans and craftsmen with bare hands. All the 29 caves that comprise under these caves were carved in the period stretching from 200 BC to 650 AD, with art and carvings depicting the story of Buddhism.
Similarly, the Ellora caves were built in the period of 350 AD to 700 AD, each carving and artifact portraying three religions: Buddhism, Hinduism & Jainism.
-
Fatehpur Sikri
Location: Uttar Pradesh
Entry Fee Structure:
- Indians – 10 INR
- Citizens from SAARC & BIMSTEC – 10 INR
- S. Citizens – $5
(No entry fee for children up to 15 years of age).
Fatehpur Sikri is a significant heritage from the Mughal period, with architecture sprawling history from each corner. It is established 26kms away from Agra (the city) and was built by Akbar to embark the homage to a Sufi Saint in his honor. Each wall of this monument illustrates a magnificent Indo-Muslim style design, creating an abstract fusion of composite synthesized cultures.
Hence, the above encompass only a few leading heritage destinations of India – the country is a polestar of extended historical monuments, sights and ruins that mesmerize you in amusement. So, don’t miss a chance to explore!

