List of Top 10 Monuments in India

India is one of the countries in the world that is known for its contribution to arts and culture. What better symbol can there be of this contribution than the amazing monuments that are located all over the country? India is home to many different architectural gems. These places are now considered to be wonderful tourist spots. However, very little is known about these monuments that have been in history forever. So, in this article, we are going to mention a list of top 10 monuments in India. Some of these monuments have been listed as UNESCO Heritage sites. Hence, it is important for students to know all about it. 

Know All About the Top 10 Monuments In India 

India boasts of a periphery filled with amazing monuments. These monuments are located in different parts of the country and attract thousands of people worldwide. Not to mention that these locations are symbols of the cultural heritage of the country and solidify the mark and presence of India on the world map. Let us take a view of the top ten monuments of India. 

1. Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal is considered to be one of the best places to visit in India. Not just that, but it is also placed in the list of the Seven Wonders of the World. The architectural gem was created by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Arjumand Banu Begum or Mumtaz Mahal. The creation happened between 1631 and 1648. Every year, the Taj Mahal attracts around 8 million tourists in total. Hence, it is placed on the list of India’s top 10 historical places. The Taj Mahal is a symbol of immense beauty and the era of finesse in art. 

2. Hampi Monuments

Located near the Tungabhadra basin, Central Karnataka, this grand site is also one of the mentions in the list of the top 10 historical monuments in India for sure. This austere site in Hampi is basically the remnants of the Vijayanagara Empire’s capital city. During the 14th to the 16th century, this kingdom was flourishing and was known to be one of the greatest Hindu kingdoms in the entire subcontinent of India. These monuments are also considered to be UNESCO World Heritage sites. Spread over 4187, 24 hectares, this place is surrounded by temples and pillared halls as well as memorial structures of the rulers before. 

3. Sun Temple

Konark Sun Temple is situated in Odisha and is a very old but popular attraction in the eastern side of India. Built as a dedication to Lord Surya or the Sun God, this monument was created in the 13th century. Another one of the UNESCO Heritage Sites, this temple is also a great tourist attraction. One of the significant things to notice about the Konark Sun Temple is that it is built entirely with stones. The architectural attraction is truly a sight to behold with its nuanced structure. 

4. Khajuraho Temples

Khajuraho is known for the group of temples that are mostly divided into 3 parts. This is done on the locations where they are. The groups are known as the Southern, Eastern, and Western groups. The exotic sculptures in the temples are the main attraction of the place. Built during the 11th century, this is another one of the names to be added to the list of top 10 monuments in India. Visiting the place has been on the list of so many tourists and travellers who want to have a look at the important structures and monuments that grace the land of India. 

5. Ellora Caves

Ellora Caves are located in Maharashtra and are considered to be another UNESCO heritage site. The rock-cut structure has three phases of creation. There are a total of 34 different temples and monasteries extending over 2km of the entire area. Ellora Caves is definitely one of the best artistic creations in India and is often used for technological research as well. The sanctuaries located in the Ellora Caves are in dedication to Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. These caves are truly a sight to behold, and that is why most people want to visit this location during their travels to India. 

6. Ajanta Caves 

A cluster of 30 different caves dating back to the 2nd century came to be known as Ajanta Caves. Earlier, there were some Buddhist caves that were built in the location. However, during the Gupta reigning period, some of the other caves were added in the 6th Century A.D. The sculptures and paintings situated in the Ajanta caves are a true sense of the art and culture in India. Every single case is decorated with murals, paintings, arts, temples, and ceilings. 

7. Humayun’s Tomb

Built in the year 1570 A.D, the Humayun’s Tomb is also counted in the list of the top 10 monuments within Delhi. The unique thing about this tomb-like structure is that this was basically the 1st garden tomb to be created in the entire subcontinent of India. This particular gem is known for different architectural innovations that include the dynastic mausoleum and the pavilions that were created for the northern and the eastern walls. 

8. Great Living Chola Temples

Located in Thanjavur, the Great Living Chola Temples were the creation of the rulers and kings belonging to the Chola Dynasty. These temples are stretched all over several parts of South India as well as the neighbouring islands. Some of the main attractions for these temples are the Brihadisvara Temple located in Gangaikondacholisvaram, the Airavatesvara Temple in Darasuram, and many others. There are several inscriptions called Dakshina Meru that is present in these temples. 

9. Hill Forts of Rajasthan

Rajasthan is a place that is known mostly for the forts that it has. The stories about the Rajput kings of Rajasthan are truly famous everywhere. So, it is not a surprise that some of these hill forts of Rajasthan are considered to be amongst the top 10 monuments in India. These monuments are also amongst the UNESCO Heritage sites and attract a lot of tourists and travellers from different parts of the world. A symbol of royalty, these forts signify the rule of the kings before us. 

10. Bhimbetka Rock Shelters

Situated right near the foot of the Vindhyan Mountains, the Bhimbetka Rock Shelters form the Southern section of the Indian Plateau. It is a symbol of interaction between landscape and man, as can be seen from the rock shelters there. Most of the shelters tend to display paintings that can be dated back to the Mesolithic Period. 

Summary of the List of Top 10 Monuments in India 

India is one of the few countries that is famous all throughout the world for the monuments and ancient buildings that are located in different places. The heritage and culture of the country are also appreciated by the other countries. That is one of the main reasons why these amazing monuments in India, along with other historical places, tend to attract the attention of so many tourists from all over the world. It is up to us to protect and save these historical monuments from the cruel tests of time. That is why the Government of India is taking certain steps for the safeguarding of these amazing monuments that are considered to be UNESCO Heritage Sites.