From the shores of Goa to the bustling streets of New Delhi, India is a vast country that is not only known for its massive population. Travelers can tour an entire city in India only to find that it's entirely unique from a neighboring city! This Southern Asian country is a backpackers dream and is adorned with a variety of landscapes that are a treat for the eyes. When heading to India, whether for an epic solo trip or for a lovely vacation with the family, these landmarks will be sure to surprise, impress, and take breaths away. From coast to coast, delve into these beautiful landmarks that can only be found in India!
8 Taj Mahal
- Location: Agra
- Address: 64 Taj Road, Agra-282001
This stunning landmark is not only iconic to India but an incredible piece of architecture that is known worldwide, even to those who’ve never stepped foot in India! Built after Emperor Shah Jahan’s favorite wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is a work of architectural art that required over 20,000 laborers to build! This 17-hectare property is considered a UNESCO World Heritage site, acclaimed for its beautiful ivory marble architecture and art. When planning a trip to India, the Taj Mahal graces many travel brochures and vacation ads, which is only a testament to its incredible beauty and breathtaking design. It's recommended to also visit the Taj Mahal at different times today to see the remarkable color differences of the landmark!
7 Jal Mahal
- Location: Man Sagar Lake, Jaipur, Rajasthan
- Address: Amer Rd, Jal Mahal, Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002
Situated at the center of the Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur, this palace was built in the late 16th century. Due to its location, it’s nicknamed the Water Palace. Tourists may not spend much time as Jal Mahal, but it's a perfect opportunity to take some photo ops and admire the palace against the backdrop of Jaipur’s hills and lake. Unfortunately, exploring the palace’s interior is off-limits (and boat rides around the lake are no longer available), but it’s still a pretty sight to behold!
6 Harmandir Sahib: The Golden Temple Of Amritsar
- Location: Amritsar, Punjab
- Address: Golden Temple Rd, Atta Mandi, Katra Ahluwalia, Amritsar, Punjab 143006
The marvel of Amritsar’s Golden Temple is from its gold luster, shining brilliantly in the sun. Founded by Ram Das, the Harmandir Sahib is an important landmark for Sikhism. The iconic pilgrimage site was constructed in 1604 by Fifth Sikh Guru, Arjan. This gurdwara represents a symbol of equality, representing a place of solace for all visitors, regardless of background or beliefs. Some people love visiting the temple in the evening to admire its glimmer and luster against the night sky!
5 Konark Sun Temple
- Location: Odisha
- Address: Konark, Odisha 752111
This Hindu monument is located just overlooking the Bay of Bengal, built in the 13th century. The temple was constructed in respect of Surya, the Hindu Sun God. This ancient temple was constructed to resemble Surya’s chariot, adorned with 24 wheels, pulled by a team of horses. The Konark Sun Temple is a representation of Brahman's beliefs and a piece of history left behind during the era of Orissa’s kingdom.
4 Amer Fort
- Location: Jaipur, Rajasthan
- Address: Devisinghpura, Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302001
Also known as Amber Fort, the artistic fort was constructed by Raja Man Singh. Travelers visiting this beautiful fort will be blown away by its bright culture—due to its structure of yellow-pink sandstone and marble—and elusive architecture, only 11 km away from Amer. Travelers can peruse the fort’s courtyards and admire the royal quarters, gardens, and temples. The fort even has underground tunnels connecting Amer to Jaigarh Fort! Tourists can enjoy a day trip at the Amer Fort, which is one of the most eye-catching forts in the country.
3 The Ellora Caves
- Location: Aurangabad, Maharashtra
- Address: Ellora Cave Rd, Ellora, Maharashtra 431102
The Ellora Caves are a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site, adorned with collections built by Jain, Buddhist, and Hindu monks. Travelers from far and wide can admire the 34 monasteries and temples built at the site, which were constructed between 600 to 1000 AD! Built on a basalt cliff, the Ellora Caves are a testament to the tolerant and co-existing society that thrived in Ancient India.
2 Mysore Palace
- Location: Mysore, Karnataka
- Address: Sayyaji Rao Road, Mysuru, Karnataka 570001
Also known as the Amba Vilas Palace, from the Durbar Hall to its elegant courtyard, Mysore Palace is a treat for the tourist's eyes, adorned with architecture influenced by Gothic, Mughal, and Rajput styles. Built in the late 18th century, Mysore Palace is part of seven palaces in the city of Mysore in the state of Karnataka. So tourists wanting to visit the Mysore Palace may also want to consider visiting the other royal landmarks in the area!
1 Mahabodhi Temple
- Location: Bodhgaya, Bihar
- Address: Bodhgaya, Bihar 824231
As the list describes, India is so vast that it’s home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Mahabodhi Temple in Bihar! Built by Emperor Asoka in the 3rd century, this temple is an important landmark for Buddhists. Specifically, it’s known as the site where Lord Buddha attained Enlightenment. Travelers can appreciate the massive temple—which is over 50 meters tall—that still stands tall thousands of years later and is an important landmark built during India’s Gupta period.