Top Five Monuments to Visit on India Tours

India is a culturally rich country. It is one of the most sought after tourism destinations in the world with its cultural and natural wealth. One of the most sought after tourism options available in this country is cultural & heritage tourism. This tourism option provides tourists ample opportunity to explore India’s rich, culture, tradition and heritage. Tourists also have opportunity to see many magnificent monuments which are architecturally beautiful and represent India’s rich cultural heritage. The country is often described as the Land of Monuments. Have a look at top five monuments which can be visited and explore on India tours.

1. Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram
The Shore Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the banks of the Bay of Bengal in Mahabalipuram in Indian state of Tamil Nadu. This magnificent temple was built by Pallavas in the 7th century. It is one of the oldest rock-cut stone temples of southern India. It is a five-storey beautiful structural rock-cut Hindu temple. The temple complex houses two shrines of Hindu Lord Shiva and one shrine of Hindu Lord Vishnu. Mahabalipuram can be easily accessed from Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu.

2. Sanchi Stupa, Bhopal
Sanchi Stupa is one of the most visited monuments of India. It is a world famous Buddhist monument and attracts tourists from all over the world. This magnificent Buddhist monument is located at Sanchi near Bhopal in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. Also declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site, this magnificent Stupa was built by emperor Ashoka.

3. Meenakshi Temple, Madurai
Meenakshi Temple is one of the seven wonders of India. It is a worth visit monument on India tour. Renowned with its magnificent Gopurams, this terrific temple complex is located in Madurai, the second largest city in of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The architectural beauty of this magnificent temple complex never fails to impress its visitors coming from different parts of the world. The temple complex houses the shrines of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati (Meenakshi).

4. Lotus Temple, New Delhi
Lotus Temple, the Bahai House of Worship is one of the most visited monuments in the world. Located in New Delhi (the capital city of India), this magnificent monument in built in sheer white marble and widely acclaimed for its amazing architectural beauty and eye-catching surroundings with lush lawns and water pools.

5. Taj Mahal, Agra
And finally, the Taj Mahal! The Taj Mahal is India’ star tourist attraction and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Located in Agra in Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in graceful white marble, the beauty of the Taj is a matchless. Tourists from all over the world embark on India tours to visit the magnificent Taj Mahal. Also called the Symbol of Love, this beautiful monument was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the loving commemoration of his most darling wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

Golden Fort in Jaisalmer, Hawa Mahal & Amber Fort in Jaipur, Lake Palace in Udaipur, Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, Ajanta & Ellora Caves in Aurangabad, Khajuraho Temple in Madhya Pradesh, Red Fort & Qutub Minar in Delhi, Mahabodhi Temple in Bihar, etc are some other famous monument to visit on Tours to India. So visit India to explore its cultural heritage visiting various magnificent monuments. You shall never forget the charm of Indian heritage monuments.

Santosh Ets is an amateur writer primarily focusing on travel and tourism related topics. He has authored many books on India Tour.