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. People from all over the world travel to India to take tour these monuments and marvel at their beauty.
So, which monuments in India are most popular among foreign tourists to the country?
10 Most Popular Centrally Protected Ticketed Monuments for Foreign Visitors in 2017-18.
Source: http://tourism.gov.in/sites/default/files/Other/India%20Tourism%20Statistics%202018.pdf
1. Taj Mahal
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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. 0.79 million foreign 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. Agra Fort
Located near the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort is another UNESCO World Heritage Site that is extremely popular among visitors. 0.49 million foreign 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.
3. 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. In 2018, 0.30 million foreign visitors visited the Qutab Minar complex, the third most visited monument in India by foreigners.
Image credit: Ondřej Žváček
4. Fatehpur Sikri
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Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fatehpur Sikri is the fourth most popular monument among foreigners visiting India. It is located in Agra close to the Taj Mahal. It is a former city of the Mughal Empire that was founded by Emperor Akbar in 1571. In 1610, the city was completely abandoned and later excavated out by the Archaeological Survey of India who now manages the site. Fatehpur Sikri has many ancient royal buildings, the royal residences of Emperor Akbar and his wives, the residence of Birbal, and more. As the story goes, Emperor Akbar visited the village of Sikri to seek the blessings of Sheikh Salim, a Sufi saint. Jahangir, Akbar’s son, was born in the village in 1569. To commemorate the Sheikh who had predicted this birth, Akbar built an impressive city in Sikri and named it Fatehpur Sikri or the "City of Victory.”
5. Humayun's Tomb
The tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun in Delhi is the fifth most visited Indian monument by foreigners. Empress Bega Begum, the first wife of Humayun, commissioned the building of this tomb in 1569 to 80. Persian architects designed the tomb. In 1993, UNESCO declared it as a World Heritage Site. Built-in red sandstone, the tomb appears very beautiful and grand. Its impressive architecture continues to attract visitors all-year-round.
While you have learn of Indian monuments that foreigners like to visit, which monuments are popular among India's residents?
Here is a list of the same:
https://oishimaya.blogspot.com/2019/08/10-most-visited-monuments-in-india-by.html
While you have learn of Indian monuments that foreigners like to visit, which monuments are popular among India's residents?
Here is a list of the same:
https://oishimaya.blogspot.com/2019/08/10-most-visited-monuments-in-india-by.html
The origin of the world tours can be traced back to old latin word “tornari” Greek word “tornos” and to French word “turn”. These words signify circular motion in English language. Similarly English ticket word has it’s origin in old French “estoquier” or “etiquet” which signify short written note. Taj Mahal Tours in India are in the bucket list of most of the vacationers.
ReplyDeleteTaj Mahal in Agra in such imposing and elegant structure full of complexities that one must borrow Gargantua’s mouth to describe About Taj Mahal salient features.About Taj MahalThis epitome of Mughal architecture is a world Heritage site and considered as one among the new 7 wonders of the World. Set amidst the sprawling lush green gardens it has been the fountain sprit for other architectural marvels.
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