Last updated: October 2026 Β· 3 min read
India’s monuments tell the story of empires, faiths and artistic genius across more than 2,000 years. Here are 15 famous monuments every Indian should know.
15 famous monuments
| Monument | Location | Built by / period |
|---|---|---|
| Taj Mahal | Agra, Uttar Pradesh | Shah Jahan, 1632-1653 |
| Red Fort | Delhi | Shah Jahan, 1639-1648 |
| Qutub Minar | Delhi | Qutb-ud-din Aibak and Iltutmish, from 1199 |
| India Gate | New Delhi | British, designed by Edwin Lutyens, 1931 |
| Gateway of India | Mumbai | British, completed 1924 |
| Hawa Mahal | Jaipur, Rajasthan | Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, 1799 |
| Charminar | Hyderabad, Telangana | Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, 1591 |
| Sun Temple | Konark, Odisha | Narasimhadeva I, 13th century |
| Brihadeeswara Temple | Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu | Rajaraja Chola I, c. 1010 |
| Khajuraho temples | Madhya Pradesh | Chandela dynasty, 950-1050 |
| Ajanta and Ellora caves | Maharashtra | 2nd century BCE to 10th century CE |
| Sanchi Stupa | Madhya Pradesh | Emperor Ashoka, 3rd century BCE |
| Hampi ruins | Karnataka | Vijayanagara Empire, 14th-16th century |
| Golden Temple | Amritsar, Punjab | Guru Arjan Dev, 1604 |
| Victoria Memorial | Kolkata, West Bengal | British, 1921 |
UNESCO World Heritage in India
India has more than 40 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, Red Fort, Konark, Hampi, Ajanta, Ellora and Khajuraho. Recent additions include Santiniketan and the Hoysala temples (2023), the Moidams of Assam (2024) and the Maratha Military Landscapes (2025).
Tips for visiting
- Buy tickets online on the ASI website to skip queues.
- The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.
- Visit early morning for cooler weather and better photos.
- Hire licensed guides at major sites.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the most famous monument in India?
The Taj Mahal in Agra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
How tall is the Qutub Minar?
About 73 metres, the tallest brick minaret in the world.
Who maintains India’s monuments?
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protects and maintains national monuments.
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Facts are based on widely accepted official, scientific and historical sources at the time of writing. Spotted something that needs updating? Let us know.
