23 Amazing Historical Places In India You Never Heard About!

Hampi, a temple town in Karnataka, is a fascinating spot. An open museum, Hampi can be best described as a quaint place, lying amidst striking ruins of the past. The unearthly landscape, the magnificent boulders, the carnival of carvings, the story of the past, Hampi is a sight to behold. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an exemplary historical place in India where you can spend a day or spend a month, and still it will not stop surprising you. Hampi, a backpacker's delight, has 500 ancient monuments, beautiful temples, bustling street markets, bastions, treasury building and captivating remains of Vijayanagar Empire. From the elephant stables to the massive stone chariots, Hampi is fascinating beyond imagination.

Entry fee: ₹15 for Indians and SAARC country tourists, ₹500 for others.

Opening hours: 8.30am to 5.30pm

Best time to visit: November – February

Nearest Railway Station: Hospet, around 13km away is the nearest railway station to Hampi.

Kumbhalgarh, the jewel of Mewar, is situated in the Rajsamand district of Rajasthan. History, royalty, power and culture are all packed in this place. It is a treat for the human eyes and mind. There is a magnificent array of temples built by the Mauryas of which the most picturesque place is the Badal Mahal or the palace of the clouds. The fort's massive wall stretches some 36 km with a width enough to take eight horses abreast and is fondly called the 'Great Wall of India'. The fort accommodates 360 temples, out of which, 300 are Jain temples and the remaining 60 are Hindu temples. One can enjoy an entertaining and informative sound and light show that happens every day at 6pm and costs only ₹100 per person. For those who wish to explore further, you can check out the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, home to the Indian wolf, sloth bear, striped hyena and more.

Entry fee: ₹15 for Indians and SAARC country tourists, ₹200 for others.

Opening hours: 9am to 5pm

Best time to visit: October – March

Nearest railway station: Falna railway station is the nearest Railway station situated at a distance of 84km from Kumbhalgarh and is well connected to many major cities. The other railway station is Udaipur, 105km away.

Rabdentse ruins is one of those Indian historical places that even Indians don't know about. Placed towards the south east of one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim, the ruins of the Rabdentse Palace is one of the main attractions in Sikkim. Founded in 1670 by Tensung Namgya, the 2nd Chogyal (king) of Sikkim, Rabdentse was the second capital of Sikkim after Yuksom and remained so till 1814 A.D. The palace cum monastery complex is almost in ruins, and is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. Thick forests with a pond surround the palace ruins. A 2 km trek from the monastery brings you to these ruins.

Entry fee: Free for all

Opening hours: 8am to 5pm

Best time to visit: March – May

Nearest railway station: New Jalpaiguri is the nearest railway station, around 132km from Pemayangtse Monastery. You can hire a taxi from the station itself.

The site has an uncanny resemblance to the ruins of Mohenjdaro-Harappa, but it exists in the heart of our capital, New Delhi. The height of the citadel is imposing and its fantastic emerald-green views are mesmerising. You will be astonished by the intelligence and engineering skills used to make artificial lakes and embankments around the area. The sheer size of this fortress and its earthy charm never fails to mesmerise visitors. Be wary of the monkeys, who are prone to steal belongings.

Entry fee: ₹15 for Indians and members of SAARC countries. ₹ 200 for others.

Opening hours: 7am to 5pm

Best time to visit: October – March

Nearest railway station: New Delhi railway station, from where you can take the Delhi Metro, get down at Tughlaqabad metro station and take an auto to the fort.

An ivory-white marble mausoleum, Taj Mahal in Agra is regarded as a symbol of love and commitment. It houses the tomb of Mumtaz Mahal, the wife of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. It is said that the Emperor loved his wife dearly and after her death decided to build the Taj Mahal to remind the world of their eternal love. The stunning monument today stands as a proof of love and devotion of a husband towards his wife. Taj Mahal is located in Agra, a city in the state of Uttar Pradesh, in India. Built in 1648 AD, today, Taj Mahal attracts seven to eight million annual visitors.

Entry fee: ₹40 for Indians, ₹530 for citizens of SAARC and BIMSTEC Countries, ₹1000 for others.

Opening hours: 6.30am to 6.30pm. Closed on Friday

Best time to visit: October – February

Nearest railway station: Agra has a railway station and it is around 5km from the monument.

These ancient temples trace their origins to the pre-historic times. Maluti is a small town near Shikaripara in the wilderness of Jharkhand and boasts of 72 old terracotta temples. Originally there were 108 temples, depicting the saga of Ramayana and Mahabharata. But today, there are 72 temples left and these have survived due to the efforts of one single man Gopaldas Mukherjee (locally known as Batu da). The 82-year-old Batu da has been a custodian of the Maluti temples for over half a century. And his conservation efforts have now been picked up and continued by the Government Of Jharkhand. This temple is also famous for the 100 goats sacrificed at the alter of Maulushki Devi temple during Durga Puja.

Entry fee: Free for all

Opening hours: Dawn to dusk

Best time to visit: November – March

Nearest railway station: The nearest railway station is at Rampurhat, West Bengal which is just 18.4km from Maluti.

Not many people are aware that India had many excellent educational centres in the past including Vikramshila University, located 50 km east of Bhagalpur. It was one of the largest Buddhist learning centres, spread over hundred acres of land. As you enter the campus you cannot help but be envious of the scholars who once studied here. The centre has astonishing fifty two rooms spread on both sides of the corridor with an elaborate stupa at the centre. What is even more marvellous is the enormous library that has been excavated and testifies to the rich history of India. A visit to this glorious and historical university is highly recommended!

Entry fee: ₹15 for Indians and members of SAARC countries. ₹ 200 for others.

Opening hours: 10am to 5pm

Best time to visit: October – March

Nearest railway station: Nearest railway junction is situated in Kahalgaon, about 13km away.

Basgo monastery, based on Buddhist tradition and culture in the terrain of Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, is perched on the top of a hill. The monastery was a fortress and the seat of authority of the Namgyal kingdom. It was the cultural-political centre of the kingdom. This place is rich in culture and heritage and yet one of the unexplored gems of Ladakh. It boasts of stunning sunset views as the citadel is bathed in the rusty hue of the setting sun.

Entry fee: ₹30 per person

Opening hours: Dawn to dusk

Best time to visit: March – July and October – November.

Nearest railway station: Jammu is the closest railway station to the Basgo nearly 734 km away. One would need to take a bus or a private cab, passing Shimla and Manali and reach Leh from where Basgo is only 40km away.

The fort has been declared as the most haunted place in India. If you choose to visit the historical place, be assured that you will be told hundred different “authentic” stories about how it is possessed by ghosts. The fort was built by Sawai Madho Singh, and it is believed that he was cursed by a holy priest because of which the town is considered haunted. It is a popular picnic spot for families and also a great one-day trip from Sariska Tiger Reserve.

Entry fee: ₹25 for India, ₹200 for foreigners. If you take a video camera inside, you need to pay another ₹200.

Opening hours: 9am to 5pm

Best time to visit: November – March

Nearest railway station: The nearest railway station is the Dausa railway station located at a distance of 22km from Bhangarh.

Perched in a clearing in the midst of swaying cedar groves lies the hauntingly beautiful temple-city, Jageshwar. Located 36 km away from Almora, it is the centre of one of the most fascinating relics of Kumaoni heritage. A total of 124 temples dedicated to Lord Shiva are sprawled across the landscape, some dating back to as far as the 9th century. Besides being a draw for Hindu pilgrimage, Jageshwar is also historically fascinating, adorned with some of the most remarkable medieval Hindu architecture, spanning almost 4 centuries. The beautiful backdrop of Himalayan forests and sweeping mountains create a magical setting.

Entry fee: Free for all

Opening hours: Dawn to dusk

Best time to visit: April – June, September – November

Nearest railway station: The nearest rail head is Kathgodam, 125 km away

Between 1857 and 1943, hundreds of political prisoners and revolutionaries of India’s freedom struggle against British colonialism, were confined in solitary cells in this penitentiary in Port Blair. Also known as Kala Pani, the Cellular Jail was converted into a museum after independence and is now among one of the most heartbreaking relics of India’s colonialist history. A spectacular light and sound show tells the story of the prisoners who were destined to live out the rest of their lives in confinement.

Entry fee: ₹30 per person, ₹50 for the sound and light show and ₹200 for camera.

Opening hours: 9 am to 12.30 pm and 1.30 pm to 4.45 pm

Best time to visit: All year round.

Nearest railway station: There is no railway station in Andaman & Nicobar islands. However, Port Blair is the nearest airport with flights flying in from all major Indian cities.

These ancient caves in Bicholim, North Goa are also known as the Pandava caves after the characters in the epic Mahabharata. According to legend, the five Pandava brothers lived in the caves while they were in exile from their kingdom. However, several alternative theories about the history of the caves has persisted, some citing Buddhist origins and others Hindu. But the rock-cut caves are beautiful and intriguing, especially given the backdrop of Arvalem waterfalls in the vicinity, which is a short hike away.

Entry fee: Free for all

Opening hours: 9 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 5 pm.

Best time to visit: All year.

Nearest railway station: Dabolim Railway Station is the nearest railway station, located 40 km away from Sanquelim.

Karnataka is one of the states that is of rich history and historical places in India. But, in the midst of its palaces and temples, this 200 year old Gothic ruin at the banks of river Hemavathi is slowly entering the tourist circuit of the curious traveller. The dam on the river submerges the monument every monsoon and it only re- emerges when the water resides in the summer. Built by French missionaries in the late 1800’s, this is a must-go because of its vulnerability. As the waters engulf it year by year, the monument loses/damages some bits of itself. Clearly, the sooner you go the better!

Entry fee: Free for all

Opening hours: Dawn to dusk

Best time to visit: All year as when the water recedes, you can see the church in all its glory but the submerged church has an altogether different charm to it.

Nearest railway station: Hassan railway station is the nearest, located around 125km away from the church.

Recently added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this intricately built monument is a treasured experience for those who get to it. Built by a widowed Queen, Udaymati in memory of her husband Bhimdev I, ruler of the Solanki Dynasty, this magnificent step well is a little recognition short of being added to the historical wonders of India. It stands as a sort of an inverted pyramid and houses around 500 delicately carved sculptures of Vishnu, Kali and other Hindu gods and goddesses. The steps take you 27 m below the ground, with each step first leading you to pillared pavilions where you can admire its rich sculptures.

Entry fee: ₹5 for Indians, ₹150 for foreigners.

Opening hours: 8am to 6pm

Best time to visit: November – March

Nearest railway station: Mehsana railway station is the closest to Patan, around 55km away.

There is one too many temples, forts and palaces in Rajasthan to cater to a history enthused traveller in Rajasthan. But Osian is as refreshing as finding an oasis in a desert. Quite literally! This small hamlet, built around an oasis in the Thar Desert, is often lost between the mighty dunes (and monuments) of Jodhpur. It houses 16 beautifully decorated Buddhist and Jain temples built between 8th to 12th centuries. The temples, most popular of which are the Sachiya Mata Temple, Mahaveera Jain Temple and the Sun Temple, are a sight to behold with ornate pillars and walls and sculptures resembling those of the popular Khajuraho. To know more about Osian, click here.

Entry fee: Free for all

Opening hours: Dawn to dusk

Best time to visit: November – February

Nearest railway station: The nearest railway station is located in Jodhpur, around 68km away.

Preserving a history of over 1200 years, this Hindu religious site with a dominating Muslim influence is a staggering evidence of the confluence of two varied cultures. Once belonging to the Solanki Dynasty, the area later fell under Sultan Mahmud Begadah in the 15th century. The entire park, with its forts, temples, bastions and archaeological mounds, is a full day adventure for any history enthusiast. The park is one of those historical places in India, whose sense of history and culture lie hidden under its over empowering religious importance. Don’t let the popular Kali Mata Temple on the Champaner hill stop you from exploring a soulful mix of 11 other temples, mosques, wells, tombs and granaries inside the park. This is easily your one-time peek into the diversity of the medieval India.

Entry fee: ₹10

Opening hours: 8.30 am to 5 pm

Best time to visit: November – February

Nearest railway station: Vadodara is the nearest railway station, around 48 km away.

Lonar Crater Lake is a magical meteor lake, surrounded by a splattering of temples and monuments, built as far back as 6th century and as recently as 12th century. Most of the temples are in ruins, but a handful are still beautifully preserved, creating a surreal ambience around the lake, reminiscent of an Indiana Jones film set.

Entry fee: Free for all

Opening hours: Dawn to dusk

Best time to visit: October – April

Nearest railway station: The nearest railhead is Jalna, located about 90 km from Lonar. The more popular one is Aurangabad, around 140km away.

A 500 year old Durga temple, located among huge monoliths and ruins from an era gone by, defines the Nartiang Durga Temple. Situated two hours away from Shillong, this beautifully preserved complex is a unique blend of Shakti Hinduism and Khasi-Jaintia traditions coming together to venerate the Goddess Durga.

Entry fee: Free for all

Opening hours: 7 am to 8 pm

Best time to visit: All year round.

Nearest railway station: The nearest railhead is Guwahati, around 176km away.

One of the finest remnants of Tai Ahom architecture, Talatal Ghar is a 17th century monument built by Swargadeo Rudra Singha, widely regarded as the most powerful ruler of the Ahom kingdom. The ruins are located around 60 km from Jorhat in a small town called Rangpur. Initially built as an army base, the structure today stands tall as the proof of the might of Ahom kingdom.

Entry fee: ₹15 for Indians, ₹300 for foreigners

Opening hours: Dawn to dusk

Best time to visit: November - May

Nearest railway station: The nearest railhead is Sibsagar, around 5 km away. The nearest major railway station is Guwahati, around 375 km away.

Rising up from amidst a forest near the confluence of the Vindhya and Satpura ranges, this temple complex exhibits a unique display of geometric architecture from the 11th century. The geographic setting lends an enigmatic vibe to the already surreal temples and carvings that include the Sri Yantra Maha Meru Temple with a four-face façade symbolising Goddess Maha Tripura Sundari.

Entry fee: Free for all

Opening hours: Dawn to dusk.

Best time to visit: October – February

Nearest railway station: Pendra Railway station is the nearest rail head located at about 40 km from Amarkantak.

This set of rock cut cave temples and monuments located in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh are four story caves set in the hills. There are numerous sculptures and carvings of Hindu deities and traditions and also a huge Vishnu statue. These caves are one of the finest examples of monolithic Indian rock-cut architecture.

Entry fee: ₹5

Opening hours: 9 am to 5.30 pm

Best time to visit: October – February

Nearest railway station: Vijayawada Railway Station is the nearest railway station, around 11 km away.

Madhyamaheshwar is one of those unexplored places whose presence on the spiritual map cannot be ignored. Set at an altitude of 3265 meters above sea level, the whole village gathers around to pray at the Madhyamaheshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This has a mysticism about it, supported by snowy Himalayas on one side and alpine meadows on the other.

Entry fee: Free for all

Opening hours: Dawn to dusk

Best time to visit: May – October

Nearest railway station: The nearest railway station in Dehradun, from where you need to take a cab up to Ransi village. From there it is a 16km trek to reach Madhyamaheshwar.

Apparently a standout amongst the most widely unearthed locales of the Harappa civilisation, Lothal is a treasure chest of artefacts that have helped uncover many secrets about the Indus Valley Civilisation. The museum in Lothal displays a number of excavated artefacts like seals, jewellery, utensils etc., that throw light on the way of the people that lived during those times. The site of Lothal displays old wells and structures that were found in the archaeological unearthing of this region.

Entry fee: ₹2, children up to 15 years can enter for free

Opening hours: 10 am to 5 pm. Closed on Friday.

Best time to visit: November – February

Nearest railway station: Ahmedabad is the nearest railway station, around 80 km away.