10 famous landmarks in India worth a glimpse
Over our world, there are incredible structural designs that make every country unique, and easily identifiable. India enchants everyone brimming with history, ethnicity, as well as natural diversity. The country boasts of breathtaking hill stations, beautiful beaches, dazzling wildlife parks and sanctuaries, eye-catching forts and palaces, enchanting rivers and astounding diversity. Its culture and geography are the wonders of India. Some of them are the famous landmarks in India that make travellers and vacationers from far and wide to visit this country every year in quite a good number. Conjured up is a list of the most popular landmarks of India.
Famous landmarks in India
The best trip to India is the one that will include visits to all the landmarks associated with their city. These are the famous landmarks in india that create a great amount of tourism.
India Gate, New Delhi
The India Gate is a national monument in India that stands tall reaching up to a height of 42 meters in the center of New Delhi. The gate was built as a War Memorial for thousands of soldiers who died during World War I. India Gate, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens is a domed structure in light brownstones.
The best time to visit these famous landmarks in India is at sunset when large numbers of Delhiites come out for an evening walk. There is a carnival-type climate in the evening with a flock of hawkers. You could relax in the wonderfully set up gardens brightly lit up like a newlywed bride and could taste several local delicacies and drinks from the arcade of vendors stationed there. The vague setting coupled with the beauty of this monument makes this memorial a complete wonder.
Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
The wonderful design and fusion of contemporary and Mughal architecture have made the Hawa Mahal one of the most desirable tourist attractions in India. Also familiar as the palace of winds, Hawa mahal is in Jaipur. Standing tall from years, it still retains the age-old glory of the Rajput Kings and is one such monument that has become the identity of a colourful and vibrant city, Jaipur. This is one of the best places to visit in Jaipur to discover rich heritage.
Built-in five stories, the structure has a crown-like shape adorning Lord Krishna’s head. The upper floors of the palace were built for royal ladies to observe everyday life in the bazaar street below. The true beauty of the Hawa Mahal lies in its intricately carved 953 small windows. Through these windows, the breeze circulates in the entire palace and keeps it cool even in hot summers.
Mysore Palace, Mysore
The Maharaja Palace of Mysore is one of the famous landmarks of India popular for its architectural beauty and glorious history. Designed by the renowned British architect Henry Irwin, the palace’s construction dates back to in 1912. It expresses a fine mix of the traditional Dravidian and Indo-Saracenic styles of architecture. The three-storied edifice boasts of beautiful marble domes in pink, huge pillars, wonderful balconies, verandahs, cupolas, arches and minarets. The artistry of this amazing palace never fails to capture the hearts of tourists who come here from far and wide.
The beauty of this palace is at its height during the festival of Dussehra. The palace seems like a glittering jewel as it illuminates with thousands of light bulbs.
Victoria Memorial, Kolkata
Seated in the middle of a large and lush garden in Kolkata is the Victoria memorial. The Victoria Memorial of Kolkata is a majestic structure in shimmering white marble carved complete with strong tall pillars and large spacious rooms. Every inch of this structure emulates the luxury of times gone by. The building has a colonial touch that dates back to the early 20th century built-in memory of the late Queen Victoria. The structure in itself is a mosaic of attractions, each exhibiting the skill of the craftsmen from the yesteryears. There are several different statues depicting the ideas of Motherhood, Architecture, Learning, Justice, Charity and Prudence.
This monument imitates majesty in the architecture as well as in the lighting. This structure is among the famous landmarks of India and a must-visit attraction of Kolkata offering a unique insight into the rich history and cultural heritage.
Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa
Placed in Goa near Panjim, the Basilica of Bom Jesus is the most popular church of Goa. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and among great destinations for female solo travelers. It is the final resting place of the legendary St Francis Xavier who went about the Herculean task of propagating Christianity amongst Portuguese subjects in the East. Followers from worldwide come for a glimpse of a silver casket that houses the saint’s mortal remains. People believe that this cathedral is very pious and enchanting because the body of Saint is as fresh as the day it came here.
This beautiful chapel is a two-story edifice having a construction of laterite blocks and lime plaster. It has a marble flooring with inlaid precious stones. The architecture of this basilica is a blend of Renaissance and Baroque styles.
Taj Mahal, Agra
Taj Mahal is one of the most touted monuments of India and among the best tourists places to visit near Delhi. Scores of tourists visit India to see the incredibly marvellous Taj Mahal, positioned in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. This edifice is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the Medieval World.
Titled as “Epitome of Love” it was erected by Shah Jahan in loving memory of his wife Mumtaj Mahal. It is thought to be one of the most impressive creations of the Mughal Period. This beautiful monument has a construction of white marble. The Taj Mahal has stunning interior decorations having murals, stone carvings, etc. The entranceway of the Taj has illustrations of calligraphy scripts while its tomb is elegant pinnacle of lotus flowers and finials. The remarkable architecture of this stunning monument makes it a famous landmark of the country.
Golden Temple, Amritsar
Golden Temple of Amritsar is a fascinating landmark of India where tourists come from far and wide. Amritsar is one of the highly revered cities of India due to the holy shrine of the Golden Temple. Also known as Sri Harmandir Saheb, this famous golden temple makes Amritsar the spiritual and cultural centre of the Sikh religion. This is the most sacred shrine for Sikhs having made by fifth guru Arjun Dev.
The Golden Temple sits on a rectangular platform with its dome covered with gold and precious jewels. This shrine surrounds a pool of water, the Amrit Sarovar after which Amritsar has got its name. The building has immense historical and religious significance as it is always full of devotees. Devotees here, listen to the recitation of Gurbani and feel seduced by the hypnotic melody of path.
Meenakshi Temple, Madurai
South India is internationally famous for its incredible Meenakshi Sundareshwar Temple for its architectural brilliance. This enchanting temple ideally located in the beautiful lotus-shaped city, Madurai leaves the onlookers in awe. This temple was built in honor of Goddess Meenakshi and God Sundareshwar, the incarnation of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva.
With the brilliant colours in its decor, the temple dates back to the 17th century having walls and pillars with elaborate cravings. This majestic creation boasts of 14 arresting Gopurams including the two golden Gopurams for the main deities. These Gopurams are popular for the elaborate sculptures and the paintings of deities incarnations. The most striking feature of the temple is the thousand pillared hall which is dotted with amazing carvings.
The temple has a special hall, Kalyana Mandapa which celebrates the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati every year.
City Palace, Udaipur
Considered the largest palace structure of its kind, the City Palace is undoubtedly Udaipur’s most iconic edifice. With stunning architectural marvels adorning every corner of this ancient castle, this monumental landmark is a sight that has to be seen to be believed.
City Palace built by Maharana Udai Singh in the mid 1500’s, harks back to Rajasthan’s resplendent past. Located in Venice of the East, Udaipur at Lake Pichola’s eastern banks, the massive palace complex consists of eleven castles. It is a treasure trove of architectural marvels that are distinctive to this monumental structure. Towering above Udaipur at an elevation of 1,962 ft, the City Palace include many gleaming parts that are a treat for the senses. These sections are equally picturesque housing antique furnishings, glorious paintings, vibrant enamel and inlay glasswork.
Gateway of India, Mumbai
Gateway of India is the most distinguished landmark in Mumbai having a beautiful blend of the Hindu and Muslim design. The central dome of the Gateway is the highest having 49 ft as its diameter and is 85 ft height.
The Gateway of India marks the celebration of the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay. This gate also bears significance as the last military troop of the British military left from this very gateway in 1948. The construction of the monument led to the displacement of the harbor. As anyone passes through the monument, get to see the magnificent waterfront.
To conclude, these beautiful monuments and architectural wonders are the landmarks that one must definitely see. These landmarks showcase an impressive mixture of traditionalism and modernity which captures the attention of a lot of travellers.
