Famous Sites in India means mean the Heritage sites of India. Cultural heritage includes all those aspects or values of culture transmitted to human beings by their ancestors from generation to generation. They are cherished, protected and maintained by them with unbroken continuity and they feel proud of it.
“Famous Sites in India” and their locations and founders are one of the most important topics of “Art and Culture” asked in most of the exams like UPSC CSE, State PCS, CDS, EPFO, APFC, NDA, FSSAI, SSC and many others central and state government exams. in this post, I have provided important sites mostly asked in competitive exams.
Table of Contents
Famous Archaeological Sites in India
India, a land of diversity and cultural splendour, is home to some of the most iconic and historically significant sites in the world. From ancient temples to architectural marvels and natural wonders, this incredible country offers a treasure trove of experiences for every traveller. Join us on a virtual journey as we uncover the famous sites that make India a must-visit destination.
List of famous sites in India
Archaeological sites are physical locations where the remnants of past human activity, such as buildings, artifacts, and cultural artifacts, are preserved and studied by archaeologists. These sites are crucial in unravelling the mysteries of our collective history and understanding the development and evolution of human civilizations. Here we are providing a list of famous archaeological sites in India with their location and founder names:
Site | Location | Founder |
Kanheri Caves | Mumbai | Buddhists |
Elephanta Caves | Mumbai | Rashtrakutas |
Ajanta Caves | Aurangabad | Gupta Rulers |
Ellora Caves | Aurangabad | Buddhists |
Kandaria Mahadev | Khajuraho (MP) | Chandela Kings |
Madan Palace | Jabalpur (MP) | Raja Madan Shah |
Mrignayani Palace | Gwalior (MP) | Raja Man Singh Tomar |
Dhar Fort | Dhar (MP) | Mohammad Bin Tughlaq |
Golconda Fort | Hyderabad (Telangana) | Qutub shahi |
Cochin Fort | Kerala | Portuguese |
Site | Location | Founder |
Vijay Stambh | Chittorgarh (Rajasthan) | Rana Kumbha |
Qutub Minar | Delhi | Qutub-ud-din Aibak |
Adhai Din Ka Jhopda | Ajmer (Rajasthan) | Qutub-ud-din Aibak |
Hauz Khas | Delhi | Alauddin Khilji |
Tughlakabad | Delhi | Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq |
Firozshah Kotla | Delhi | Firoz Shah Tughlaq |
Bundi Fort | Bundi (Rajasthan) | Raja Nagar Singh |
Kankaria Lake | Ahmedabad | Sultan Qutub-ud-din |
Jodhpur Fort | Jodhpur (Rajasthan) | Rao Jodha Ji |
Fateh Sagar | Udaipur (Rajasthan) | Maharana Fateh Singh |
Site | Location | Founder |
Deeg Palace | Deeg (Rajasthan) | Raja Badan Singh |
Rani ki Badi | Bundi (Rajasthan) | Rani Nathvati |
Chhatra Mahal | Bundi Fort | Rani Chhatrasal |
Junagarh | Bikaner (Rajasthan) | Raja Jay Singh |
Jantar-Mantar | Delhi and Jaipur | Sawai Jay Singh |
Nahargarh Fort | Jaipur (Rajasthan) | Sawai Jay Singh |
Bharatpur Fort | Bharatpur (Rajasthan) | Raja Surajmal Singh |
Moti Masjid | Delhi Fort | Aurangzeb |
Ummed Palace | Jodhpur (Rajasthan) | Maharaja Ummed Singh |
Aram Bagh | Agra (UP) | Babur |
Site | Location | Founder |
Red Fort | Delhi | Shahjehan |
Humayun’s Tomb | Delhi | Hameeda Bano Begum (wife of Humayun) |
Shalimar Bagh (Garden) | Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) | Jehangir |
St George Fort | Chennai (Tamil Nadu) | East India Company |
Sher Shah’s Tomb | Sasaram (Bihar) | Son of Sher Shah |
Fatehpur Sikri | Agra (UP) | Akbar |
Old Fort (Purana Quila) | Delhi | Sher Shah Suri |
Akbar’s Tomb | Sikandera (UP) | Jehangir |
Chashma-Shahi | Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) | Ali Mardan Khan |
Etamad-ud-daulah’s | Agra (UP) | Noorjehan |
Site | Location | Founder |
Taj Mahal | Agra (UP) | Shahjehan |
Nishaat Bagh | Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) | Asaf Ali |
Sheesh Mahal | Agra (UP) | Shahjehan |
Khas Mahal | Agra (UP) | Shahjehan |
Dewan-e-Khas | Agra Fort (UP) | Shahjehan |
Bada Imambada | Lucknow (UP) | Nawab Asaf-Ud-Daulah |
Chhota Imambada | Lucknow (UP) | Mohammad Ali Shah |
Gol Ghar | Patna (Bihar) | British Government |
Padari Ki Haveli | Patna (Bihar) | Father Capuchin |
Fort William | Kolkata (WB) | Lord Clive |
Site | Location | Founder |
Bibi Ka Maqbara | Aurangabad (Maharashtra) | Aurangzeb |
Safderjung Ka Maqbara | Delhi | Shuja-ud-daulah |
Belur Math | Kolkata (WB) | Swami Vivekanand |
Anand Bhawan | Allahabad (UP) | Moti Lal Nehru |
Shanti Niketan | West Bengal | Rabindranath Tagore |
Sabarmati Ashram | Ahmedabad | Mahatma Gandhi |
Prince of Wales Museum | Mumbai | King George V |
Gateway of India | Mumbai | British Government |
President House | Delhi | British Government |
Char Minar | Hyderabad (Telangana) | Kuli Qutub Shah |
Site | Location | Founder |
Sun Temple | Konark (Odisha) | Narasingh Dev l |
Jagannath Temple | Puri (Odisha) | Chola Gang Dev |
Chennakeshab Temple | Belur | Vishnu Vardhan |
Laxman Temple | Chhatarpur (MP) | Chandela Rulers |
Dilwada Jain Temple | Mount Abu (Rajasthan) | Vimal Shah |
Vishnupad Temple | Gaya (Bihar) | Rani Ahilya Bai |
Harmandir Sahib | Patna (Bihar) | Maharaja Ranjit Singh |
Dakshineswar Kali Temple | Kolkata (WB) | Rani Ras Moni |
Laxmi Narayan Temple | Delhi | Birla Family |
Khirki Masjid | Delhi | Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq |
Site | Location | Founder |
Shershahi Masjid | Patna (Bihar) | Parwez Shah |
Mecca Masjid | Hyderabad | Kuli Kutub Shah |
Patthar Ki Masjid | Patna (Bihar) | Parwez Shah |
Patthar Ki Masjid (Locally Known as Naev Masheed) | Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) | Noorjehan |
Jama Masjid | Agra (UP) | Shahjehan |
Moti Masjid | Agra Fort (UP) | Shahjehan |
Jama Masjid | Delhi | Shahjehan |
Charar-e-Sarif | Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) | Jainul Abedin |
Kishore Sagar | Kota (Rajasthan) | Rajkumar Dhir Deh |
Anna Sagar | Ajmer (Rajasthan) | Anna Ji Chauhan |
Site | Location | Founder |
Shaking (Hilti) Minarates | Ahmedabad (Gujarat) | Sidi Bashir |
Mehrangarh Fort | Jodhpur (Rajasthan) | Rao Jodha Ji |
Moosi Maharani ki Chhatri | Alwar (Rajasthan) | Maharaja Vinay Singh |
Jaisamand | Udaipur (Rajasthan) | Maharana Jai Singh |
Saheliyon ki Badi | Udaipur (Rajasthan) | Maharana Fateh Singh |
Shergarh Fort | Baran (Rajasthan) | Shershah |
Anirudh Palace | Bundi Fort (Rajasthan) | Raja Anirudh Singh |
Hawa Mahal | Jaipur (Rajasthan) | Maharaja Pratap Singh |
Jagmohan Mahal | Kota (Rajasthan) | Rajkumar Braj Kumar |
Sukh Niwas | Bundi (Rajasthan) | Raja Bishan Singh |
FAQs on famous sites in India
Q: What is the most famous site in India?
A: The most famous site in India is undoubtedly the Taj Mahal. It is a magnificent white marble mausoleum located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, and is recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Q: Are there any other famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India?
A: Yes, India is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Some notable examples include the Qutub Minar and Red Fort in Delhi, the Ellora and Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra, the Hampi ruins in Karnataka, and the Mahabodhi Temple Complex in Bihar, among many others.
Q: What is the significance of the Golden Temple in Amritsar?
A: The Golden Temple, also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib, holds immense religious significance for Sikhs. It is the holiest Gurdwara (Sikh place of worship) and a symbol of equality and human brotherhood. The temple complex provides free meals, known as langar, to thousands of visitors every day.
Q: Are there any famous natural sites in India?
A: Absolutely! India is blessed with breathtaking natural wonders. Some popular natural sites include the backwaters of Kerala, the serene beaches of Goa, the majestic Himalayan ranges, the Sundarbans mangrove forests, and the picturesque hill stations like Shimla and Ooty.
Q: Which city is known for its historic forts and palaces?
A: The city of Jaipur, located in the state of Rajasthan, is renowned for its historic forts and palaces. It is often referred to as the “Pink City” due to the distinctive pink hue of its buildings. Jaipur is home to iconic structures such as the Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, and the City Palace.
Q: What is the significance of Varanasi’s Ghats?
A: Varanasi, also known as Banaras or Kashi, is considered one of the oldest living cities in the world and a sacred place for Hindus. The ghats, a series of steps leading to the River Ganges, hold immense spiritual significance. They are used for bathing, cremation ceremonies, and various religious rituals. The ghats of Varanasi offer a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural fabric of India.