India is an ancient land that is completely synonymous with beautiful Monuments. Choosing the most Beautiful monuments of India out of the many is really difficult task. With over 35 UNESCO world heritage sites in the country, India is home to one of the most spectacular architectural beauties. With a rich and glorious past, India’s offering to the world in terms of architectural wonders is awe inspiring. When it comes to list down serene and beautiful monuments of India, the list could never end. However, here’s a list of the most beautiful monuments of India that you would surely want to visit.

1. Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal, literally, the ‘Crown Palace’, is the perfect name for this marvelous and magnificent building. An epitome of architectural beauty, symmetry, grandeur and love, words fall short to truly describe the beauty of this mausoleum. The Taj is a masterpiece by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his dear wife Mumtaz Mahal. The tomb of Mumtaz is the centerpiece of the 42-acre complex that includes the Taj, a mosque, a guest house and a beautifully crafted garden. Considered to be the best and the most beautiful example of Mughal architecture, Taj Mahal is a UNESCO world heritage site since 1983. Hence, with annually over 7 million visitors that come to experience the Taj, it’s time you book your tickets this summer.

2. Mysore Palace

The number of visitors can be a measure for the charm and popularity of the Mysore Palace. This spectacular palace draws in around 6 million visitors every year, which is only second to Taj Mahal. Originally built in the 14^th century and reconstructed in 1912, this palace is a fine example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. The palace, which is the official residence of the Wodeyars-the royal family of Mysore, has rich history and tradition attached to it. The palace’s colossal durbar halls, its distinctive red marble domes along with serene gardens make it truly one of the most beautiful monuments of India. Moreover, the palace glows yellow by the light bulbs and the sight is truly magnificent.

3. Hawa Mahal

While shopping at the famous Tripolia bazaar in Jaipur, you come across a structure that appears completely out of place. One would expect a palace to be put up in an isolated location, but the Hawa Mahal’s location is totally unique. This beautiful pink-painted, five-storey building was built to enable ladies of the royal household to witness street festivals while being unseen to the outsiders. The Hawa Mahal was built in the year 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. He took inspiration from the unique structure of Khetri Mahal, which is another wind palace in Rajasthan. The Hawa Mahal, its unique architecture and purpose makes it one of the most beautiful monuments of India.

4. Victoria Memorial

The city of Kolkata seems to pulsating with people and systematic chaos. But somewhere in the city, lies a serene, strikingly white and insanely photogenic monument, the Victoria memorial. Commissioned by Lord Curzon, this building was built to commemorate Queen Victoria’s demise. This stately monument, spread over 64 acres, is built on the bank of Hooghly River. Today the memorial hosts around 25 galleries which include famous paintings and artifacts. The memorial, built with white marble similar to the one used in Taj Mahal, is one of the most visited monuments of the country.

5. Gol Gumbaz

This elegant edifice, located in the small city of Bijapur, is one of the most imposing monuments of India. A mausoleum of the Sultan of Bijapur, the Gol Gumbaz is an architectural marvel. Its unique structure and the sheer size, with a height of 51 meters, make it one of the most beautiful monuments of India. The structure, complete with a huge dome which is 44 meters in diameter, is India’s largest dome building. Gol Gumbaz is famous for its astounding dimensions as well as for its acoustic features. Moreover, a small whisper or a single clap is echoed almost 10 times distinctly. An architectural marvel of the past, this monument is surely deserves to be on the world heritage list.

6. Gateway of India

The Gateway of India is undoubtedly Mumbai’s most visited landmark. The starting point for almost all the major tour operators in the city, this unique monument stands tall at the tip Mumbai harbor. This imposing building was built to commemorate the arrival of King George V and Queen Mary,  in the year 1911. Ironically, after completion in the year 1924, the last British parade held here. Thronged by tourists from all over the country, the Gateway is buzzing with activity and street vendors throughout the day. One of the most prized and beautiful monuments of India, the history and grandeur of the place definitely makes it a must-visit.

7. Humayun’s Tomb

The first garden-tomb of the Indian subcontinent, Humayun’s tomb stands here by the grace of his wife Haji Begum. The tombs exalted structure, its architecture and the beautifully designed gardens made it a UNESCO world heritage site in 1993. This highly decorated red sandstone and white marble monument is one of the most serene and beautiful monuments of India. Taking inspiration from Persian architecture, the tomb stands in the center of a square garden which is split into four parts. One of the most remarkable monuments in India, Humayun’s tomb is, as a result, one of the most visited monuments in the country.

8. Sanchi Stupa

Undoubtedly one of the most significant and beautiful monuments of India, the Sanchi Stupa is a fine example of Buddhist architecture. Located on a hilltop at Sanchi, this stupa is the oldest stone structure in India. Being the oldest stone structure in a country as ancient as India, is surely a remarkable feat. Originally built by emperor Ashoka, this 3^rd century BCE stupa is one of the most sacred architectural wonders. What enhances the richness and grandeur of the stupas of Sanchi is the intricate stone carvings and narrative art depictions. Moreover, a visit to this place is surely going to make one connect to the glorious past of the Mauryan period and make one feel self-possessed.

9. Khajuraho Temples

Collectively known as the Khajuraho group of monuments, these old structures are over 1000 year old. These UNESCO world heritage sites are famous for their Nagra-style architecture and erotic sculptures. Due to the intricate and brilliantly detailed walls, these temples are among the rarest and finest in the world. These temples, spread over 20 square kilometers, are dedicated to both the Hindu and Jain religions. The architectural splendor and the beautiful and expressive sculptures of these temples are surely a living work of art. The Khajuraho temples are surely one of the most beautiful monuments of India.

10. Charminar

Constructed in 1591, the Charminar has become an iconic monument of India and is Hyderabad’s emblem, as many call it. Built by Sultan Quli Qutub Shah, the Charminar was constructed in the intersection of a major trade route. It was built to commemorate the founding of the city and to mark the end of an epidemic. The square shaped monument has four exquisitely shaped minarets, hence the name; ‘four minarets’, which are 56 meters long. One can climb the first floor to have a magnificent view of the city as well as the hustling and bustling of people in the market that surrounds the monument.

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