Historical Places

Historical Places In The World

Historical Places In India

Historical places take you into another world. With splendid architecture, intricate art and an experience unlike any other, exploring historical monuments, heritage palaces or forts can be compared to going back to a different time.

There are several historical places in the world which have captured the fancy of travellers. In fact, exploring historical places has always been one of the biggest reasons that one travels.

Taking a peek into a glorious past not only offers insights into the time that was but also gives you a chance to understand the evolution of culture through historical places. If you want to explore the historical places in India and the world, the best way to plan your trip is by preparing a comprehensive itinerary. A well-planned itinerary, in fact, is the first step towards planning a good trip to visit historical places.

How to plan a trip to the best historical places?

Owing to the popularity of historical places, travelling to your destination might be a little expensive. For instance, if you are interested in exploring the Colosseum in Rome, it's best to plan your trip well in advance so you can take advantage of flight deals and hotels discounts.

At the same time, there are some historical places and heritage places that offer much more than just a day trip. A plethora of forts have been converted to heritage places and also museums so travellers can learn more about the history of the place.

Guidelines and tips to plan your trip to historical places

• Book a travel guide since it adds to the experience. This is especially important if you don't speak the local language.
• If you are on a budget trip, it's best to book an audio tour. This helps you explore historical places at your own pace and also gives you all the information you need.
• Book your ticket and hotel in advance so you can make use of the best deals.
• Ensure that you take care of all visa requirements before making an itinerary
• Carefully plan your itinerary so that you don't have a super busy schedule or a boring one.
• Cover as many historical places as you can in a single trip.

What to pack for your trip to visit the best historical places?

Packing is a tiresome but an important part of planning a trip. For those who are planning a trip to explore historical places, here are a few things you must include.

• A good pair of walking shoes
• Maps of places you are visiting
• Clothes suitable for the weather
• A torch
• An umbrella
• A scarf
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Identity proof
• Passport if you are travelling abroad

Historical Places in India

A delight for history lovers to discover, India is home to several historical places. Dating back several centuries, these historical places offer a glimpse into a time gone by. Ideal for photographers, history buffs and those interested in culture, irrespective of where you travel in the country, you can always find architectural wonders and heritage places. 

The most important thing to remember when exploring historical places in India is to have a comprehensive itinerary. Owing to the vast number of historical places in the country, it’s best to have a planned schedule to ensure you don’t miss out on anything.

Golconda Fort, Hyderabad

One of the most well-preserved heritage places in India, the Golconda Fort in Hyderabad is a delight to visit for photographers and history lovers. Located close to Hussain Sagar Lake, the fort was completed in the 1600s. The mines of the fort are said to have stored the most precious gems and jewels. Originally known as Mankal, the fort is built on a hill and was fortified between the 14th and 17th century by Bahmani Sultans. The inner area of the fort is home to several palaces and mosques which offer a peek into the past. 

The hilltop pavilion of the fort offers a mesmerising view of the buildings and it’s a breathtaking sight. To explore the fort, you can either opt for a guide or head out on your own. The outside enclosure of the fort is also known as Fateh Darwaza. This is where one can experience the surprising acoustical effects of the fort. It’s said that if you clap your hands here, the sound can be heard almost one kilometre away. 

One of the most impressive historical places in India, the fort sees hundreds of tourists every day. We highly recommend the light and sound show which takes place every day and is a beautiful way to learn more about the glorious past of this beauty. The light and sound show typically begins around 6:30 pm but the timing differs according to the season. Ensure that you confirm the timings before you head out. 

Cost: A trip to visit the historical places in Hyderabad will cost you anywhere between Rs.10,000 to Rs.25,000.

Sun Temple, Konark

The Sun Temple at Konark is one of the most beautiful historical places in India. An architectural wonder, it is dedicated to the sun god, Surya. It’s said that the first rays of the sun fall on the windows of the temple and the sight is absolutely gorgeous. 

There are parts of the temples which are in ruins but the remaining parts are absolutely captivating. Following a fluid, free architectural style, the temple represents part of a greater imagination. 

Built by King Narasimhadeva I in the 13th century, the temple is also known as Black Pagoda. Konark literally translates to the sun and the four corners and it’s said that Europeans used the temple as a point for their navigation. 

You can book a guided tour of the temple to explore the stunning Kalinga architecture. The most striking feature of which is a 100 ft high chariot which is being pulled by horses and has been carved out of one stone. History lovers should also take notice of the magnificent audience hall, dance hall and the 24 wheels which are 12 feet in diameter. When you are exploring the temple, you will notice the symbolism in all elements. 

Cost: A visit to the Sun Temple in Konark will cost you anywhere between Rs.15,000 to Rs.25,000.

Sanchi Stupa, Sanchi

Considered to be one of the most important Buddhist historical places in India, the Sanchi Stupa is a perfect combination of art, beauty and architecture. Said to be one of the oldest stone structures in India, it was built during the Mauryan period.

The foundation of Sanchi stupa was laid by Ashoka who was the ruler of the Mauryan dynasty. Sanchi Stupa consists of a central chamber where the relics of Lord Buddha are situated and is surrounded by four ornamental gateways. The gateways were added later but truly add charm to the monument. Considered to be one of the most gorgeous historical places in the world, Sanchi Stupa draws thousands of tourists from across the world. A renowned UNESCO World Heritage site, it is easily one of the best-conserved stupas in India. 

The most striking feature of the stupa is a chattri which is made of stone and is surrounded by a wooden railing. A mesmerising experience for history lovers and photographers, ensure that you keep aside at least three to four hours to explore Sanchi Stupa.

If you have some time on your hands, you should also visit the museum. Maintained by ASI, the museum was set up in 1919 and offers an unforgettable experience for history lovers. Consisting of artefacts, relics and scriptures the artefacts offer you a journey across numerous kingdoms that ruled in the regions.

Cost: A trip to one of the most beautiful historical places in India will cost you anywhere between Rs.20,000 to Rs.40,000.

Nalanda, Bihar

One of the most visited historical places in India, Nalanda is an important Buddhist centre. A pilgrim centre as well as one for education, Nalanda is as fascinating as it’s spellbinding. If you are looking for a mix of culture, architecture, beauty and history – Nalanda is one of the best historical places to visit in India. 

The viharas or monasteries are situated toward the east while the chaiyas or the temples are situated towards the west. One can head to this glorious historical site, especially Nalanda University, to learn more about the past and the journey of education in India. 

We highly recommend a guided tour if you’d like to visit this beauty but you can explore this on your own without losing your way. We definitely recommend visiting the museum which is a delight for history buffs. The museum houses a number of Hindu and Buddhist relics including coins, terracotta jars and paintings. What will strike travellers exploring Nalanda is that it is a centre of importance for several religions and cultures including Hinduism, Sufism, Jainism and Buddhism. 

There are a number of other historical places to visit in Nalanda and we certainly recommend including Nalanda University, Kargil Park, the Great Stupa, Nalanda Archaeological Museum and Tara Maa Mandir in your itinerary. Another thing to remember while exploring Nalanda is that you need at least three to four days to explore the city at a comfortable pace. 

Cost: A trip to one of the most beautiful historical places in India will cost you anywhere between Rs.15,000 to Rs.45,000.

Best Historical Places in the World

Petra

The continent of Asia is full of history and marvellous historical places. Of all places, a certain place in Jordan holds a mystical aura and has history carved into each wall. The place is Petra. The city of Petra is also part of the seven wonders of the world. The exact time when the city was built is not clear, though it is believed that the city started thriving around the 1st century BC. The capital of Nabataean Arabs, it is a major economic and cultural hub and was also annexed by the Roman empire. In the 4th century AD, a devastating earthquake destroyed most of the city. 

After the earthquake, the city was mostly deserted and was used only by local Bedouins. A Swiss explorer, Johannes Burckhardt, rediscovered the ancient city in 1812 and since then the city has fascinated the western world. The city of Petra is also called the rose-red city and gets its name from the colour of the rock from which a number of the city's buildings were built. 

Petra is situated around 240 kilometres away from Jordan's capital, Amman. While in Petra, one can never be short of things to do. There are a number of trails that travellers can explore which give you a glimpse of the country’s history. The most important trail is the Al-Siq to Treasury (Al-Khazneh) Trial. The trail begins from the visitor centre and takes one through the Siq to the Treasury. Along with these two key points, the trail also traverses through Royal Tombs, Colonnaded Street and ends at Qasr Al-Bint (The Girl’s Palace). Apart from the main trail, other trails include the Al-Khubtha trail, Ad-Deir trail, Ad-Dier and Kharubat Al-Fajjah. 

Petra during the day is simply amazing but if you want to experience the true vibe of the ancient city, a night tour should definitely be a part of your itinerary. The trail from Siq to the Treasury is lit by thousands of candles and with Bedouin music playing in the background, the experience is truly awe-inspiring. Typically night tours start at 8.30pm and finish at 10.00pm every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Petra is nothing short of a phenomenon that all travellers should experience at least once in their lifetime.

Cost: Travelling to one of the most enthralling historical places in the world can cost travellers anywhere between Rs.1,50,000 to Rs.4,50,000.

Stonehenge, England

Stonehenge is counted among the most popular historical places in the world. Shrouded in mystery, the monument has caught the fancy of travellers and is an important part of all historical tours in England. 

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Stonehenge is one of the biggest reasons that people are drawn to the picturesque Salisbury Plain. In fact, historians believe that Salisbury Plain was also an important sacred site during that time. 

While there is a dispute about when the construction took place, most historians believe that it was around 3100 BCE. The first phase of the construction included a circular ditch which was close to six feet deep. The circular ditch also had an overwhelming entrance to the northeast and a small one to the south. Both these structures together are known as a henge. 

There are two types of stones which are found in Stonehenge. Known as larger sarsens and smaller bluestones, they are used differently in structuring the monument. Historians have wondered how these stones were transported and subsequently erected. But, what stands tall today in the midst of verdant fields is a mesmerising sight for all travellers.
Cost: Travelling to one of the most popular historical places in the world can cost you anywhere between Rs.2,50,000 to Rs.5,00,000.

Hagia Sophia, Turkey

One of the most beautiful countries in the world, Turkey offers travellers a journey across some of the most popular historical places. If you want to explore the history, architecture and beauty of Turkey, we recommend booking a trip for five to six days. Among the most beautiful historical places in Turkey, Hagia Sophia will take your breath away. 

Built in 537 CE, the cathedral brings together a longitudinal basilica and a 105-foot dome which is supported by pendentives and two semi-domes on both sides. The windows of Hagia Sophia are the most mesmerising and give one an impression as if the canopy is floating on air. 

An important monument for the Ottoman Empire and the Byzantine, Hagia Sophia was first a church, then a mosque before finally becoming a museum for the Turkish Republic.

There have been multiple renovations to Hagia Sophia depending on the era. Exploring the many different elements of this mesmerizing monument is a delight for travellers.

Cost: A trip to one of the most beautiful historical places in Turkey will cost you anywhere between Rs.3,50,000 to Rs.5,00,000 depending on the number of places you include in your itinerary. 

Potala Palace, Tibet

Situated in Tibet at a height of 12,139 feet, the Potala Palace is one of the highest palaces in the world. An important centre for spirituality, the Patola Palace was commissioned by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gambo before it became a winter residence for the Dalai Lama. Today the palace stands tall as a museum and is one of the most visited historical places in Tibet. 

The complex is home to white and red palaces, a thousand rooms, 10,000 painted scrolls, 698 murals and several stunning statues which are made using jewels and various alloys. 

Considered to be one of the most important historical places for Tibetans, the complex is home to the tombs of eight Dalai Lamas. Ensure that you maintain decorum while exploring the palace since there are some rules that everyone needs to adhere to. Owing to its history, the palace is one of the most important historical places in Lhasa Valley and attracts all kinds of travellers including history lovers, spiritual seekers, photographers and art enthusiasts.
Cost: A trip to visit one of the most mesmerising historical places in Tibet will cost you anywhere between Rs.90,000 to Rs.2,50,000 depending on the number of days you stay and the kind of trip you have planned. 

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Angkor Wat in Cambodia is a must-visit if you are on a tour of the most beautiful historical places in the world. In fact, one of the biggest reason travellers are drawn to Cambodia is to visit the beautiful city of Angkor Wat. 

Said to be one of the largest religious buildings in the world, it is a representation of Mount Meru and Mount Olympus. Well-preserved, it is one of the most iconic historical and spiritual centres in the country and no visit to Cambodia is complete without first visiting Angkor Wat. 

While it’s said that travellers can explore the entire area in two to three days, if you want to learn about the history and culture of the centre, we definitely recommend staying a little bit longer. 

The biggest highlight of the temple is that the walls have over 3000 apsaras carved and each carving is unique and has something to offer travellers. Another unique thing you will notice in Angkor is that the site is also known for its water bodies. There is a vast system of dikes and canals which are a fine example of expert engineering skills.
Cost: A trip to one of the most striking historical places in the world will cost you anywhere between Rs.80,000 to Rs.1,50,000.

FAQs

Which are the best heritage destinations in India?

India is home to some of the best historical places in the world. Some of the most popular historical places are Jaipur, which is famous for Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal and Nahargarh Fort, Kolkata which is popular for Victoria Terminal, Madhya Pradesh which is popular for Khajuraho temples and Maharashtra which is known for Ajanta and Ellora Caves.

Which are the best heritage resorts in India?

The best heritage resorts in India are Narayan Niwas Palace Hotel in Jaisalmer, Hotel Samode Palace in Samod, Umaid Bhavan Palace in Udaipur, Kayaloram Lake Resort in Kerala and Palais de Mahe in Pondicherry. If you are a luxury traveller, a visit to any of these places is an unforgettable experience. 

Name some of the best royal palaces of India.

The best royal palaces of India are Rambagh Palace in Jaipur (which is considered to be the oldest palace in Jaipur), Laxmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara, Lake Palace in Udaipur, Jai Mahal Palace in Jaipur, Taj Falakunama palace in Hyderabad, Ujjayanta Palace in Agartala and Ferrnhills Royale Palace in Ooty.

Which are the most famous historical places in India?

The most famous historical places in India are Gateway of India in Mumbai, Red Fort in Delhi, Taj Mahal in Agra, Mysore Palace in Mysore, Brihadishwara Temple in Thanjavur, Bahai temple in Delhi, Karla Caves in Pune, Qutub Minar in Delhi, the monuments in Hampi and Konark Sun Temple in Konark. 

Which are the best historical forts in India?

India is home to several historical forts and it’s a delight to discover them. The best historical forts in India are Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, Gwalior Fort in Gwalior, Bidar Fort in Bidar, Agra Fort in Agra, Orchha Fort in Orchha, Warangal Fort in Andhra Pradesh and Rajgad in Pune. 

Which are the best monuments in India?

The best heritage places in India are Lotus Temple in Delhi, Charminar in Hyderabad, Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa, Fatehpur Sikri in Uttar Pradesh, Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur, Dilwara Jain Temples in Rajasthan, India Gate and Qutub Minar in Delhi and Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur. 

How much will a trip to the most famous historical places in India cost me?

The cost of a trip to the most famous historical places in India will depend on the season you are travelling in and the places you are covering. Typically a trip for five to six days in India can cost you anywhere between Rs.15,000 to Rs.45,000.

Name the best historical places in the world.

The best historical places in the world are Petra in Jordan, the Pyramids of Giza, Acropolis in Athens, Machu Picchu in Jordan, Itsukushima Shinto Shrine in Japan, Delphi in Greece. 

How much will a visit to the best historical places in the world cost me?

A trip to the best historical places in the world will cost you anywhere between Rs.1,50,000 to Rs.5,50,000 depending on your itinerary, your travel style and preferences. 

Which are the best historical places in India for photographers?

Capturing historical places in India is an experience that you can’t forget. Some of the best historical places for photographers to include in their itinerary are Gateway of India in Mumbai, monuments in Hampi, Kumbhalgarh fort in Rajsamand, Rabdentse ruins in Sikkim, Vikramshila University and Undavalli Caves in Vijayawada.