For centuries, India has been ruled by powerful and prosperous dynasties whose rulers have left behind a mark of their rule in the form of numerous monuments across the country. Although ages-old, these monuments still stand strong, baffling archeologists by the integrity of their architecture. These monuments are also objects of great beauty. Every visitor marvels at their opulence, detailed decorations, and aesthetic architecture. They are also of great interest to those with interest in history and culture as history speaks from the walls of these monuments. They also give a peek into Indian art and culture as it was centuries ago.
So, which monuments in India are most popular among domestic tourists of the country. Which are the favorite monuments of Indians?
Source: http://tourism.gov.in/sites/default/files/Other/India%20Tourism%20Statistics%202018.pdf
10 Most Popular Centrally Protected Ticketed Monuments For Domestic Visitors In 2017-18
The following have been mentioned below.
1. Taj Mahal
Few guesses are required about India’s most visited monument. It is the symbol of eternal love, the Taj Mahal in Agra city of Uttar Pradesh of India. 5.66 million domestic visitors visited this attraction in 2018. The construction of the Taj Mahal was commissioned in 1632 by Shah Jahan, the Mughal Emperor to house the tomb of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Later, his tomb was also built by the side of his wife. The tombs form the centerpiece of the massive complex. Formal gardens surround the monument. A mosque and guest house are also part of the complex. The Taj Mahal is known for its enchanting beauty. Built in white marble and colorful semi-precious stones, the building is said to appear most striking on full moon days. Both the exteriors and interiors of the Taj Mahal are intricately decorated with marble inlay work, colorful glass, paintings, marble carvings, jali work, and more. No wonder that the Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s seven wonders.
2. Konark Sun Temple
With 3.22 domestic visitors in 2018, the Konark Sun Temple is India’s second most popular destination. It is located in the town of Konark on the coastline of Odisha in eastern India. Since it is located near Puri, an extremely popular beach destination for domestic tourists, Konark is also visited by a majority of them. The Sun Temple at Konark is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is regarded as an architectural wonder by scholars. It was built in the 13th century by king Narasingha deva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty. The temple is dedicated to Surya, the Sun god. The temple represents the chariot of the Sun God and has immense wheels and horses carved in stone. The Konark Sun Temple is associated with many interesting facts that keep modern-day architects scratching their heads as to how such wonders were constructed so long ago. Every carving and other details on the walls of this temple are associated with deep meanings related to Indian mythology, culture, and ancient beliefs.
3. Red Fort
Nearly every visitor to India’s capital city of Delhi ensures that they tour the Red Fort, a historic fort in the heart of the city. The Red Fort received 3.04 million domestic visitors in 2018, the third-highest of any monument in the country. The fort’s construction was commissioned in 1638 by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan when he decided to shift the capital of his empire from Agra to Delhi. Unlike most other forts built by the Mughals, the Red Fort has asymmetrical boundaries that were built to accommodate an older fort’s remaining parts. Today, the Red Fort plays an important role as it serves as the venue where the Indian Prime Minister hoists the Indian national flag every year on August 15, the Indian Independence Day.
4. Qutb Minar
The Qutb or Qutab Minar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Delhi’s Mehrauli area. It is a 73 m tall tower with five stories and a base diameter of 14.3 m. A spiral staircase of 379 steps leads to the top. The construction of the tower was started by Qutb al-Din Aibak, a general of the Ghurid empire and completed by his son-in-law Iltutmish. In 1974, a tragic event occurred at the Qutab Minar when a lighting failure in the staircase of the tower led to a stampede among the public that claimed the lives of 47 visitors. It is said that since then, the Qutab Minar is haunted. The public is not allowed to climb up the staircase of the tower anymore.
5. Agra Fort
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Located near the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort is another UNESCO World Heritage Site that is extremely popular among visitors. 2.01 million domestic tourists were recorded at Agra Fort in 2018. Until 1638, it served as the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty before the capital was shifted to Delhi. The fort’s present appearance can be traced to the time of Emperor Akbar’s rule in the late 16th century. There is a lot to explore and observe at the Agra Fort. History speaks from every wall of this massive bastion. It takes visitors back to the Mughal era and the opulence all around reminds one of the power and authority of the Mughals.
While you the know the favorite monuments of Indians in their own country, which monuments are most popular among foreigners visiting India?
Click to know below: https://oishimaya.blogspot.com/2019/08/the-10-most-visited-monuments-in-india.html
While you the know the favorite monuments of Indians in their own country, which monuments are most popular among foreigners visiting India?
Click to know below: https://oishimaya.blogspot.com/2019/08/the-10-most-visited-monuments-in-india.html
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