Best Historical Tourist Places in India
“Travel through centuries of culture, courage, and creation.”
If you’re a history travel lover—that is, interested in history and love to travel—there are many places in India and around the world that are rich in history and culture.
Historical Tourist Places in India (For Indian History Lovers):
1. Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)
One of the oldest inhabited cities in the world.
The Ganges Ghats, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the narrow streets—history is embedded in everything.
Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Banaras, is one of the world’s oldest living cities.
Its history is mysterious, spiritual, and culturally rich.
The name “Varanasi” is derived from two rivers—Varuna and Assi.
The city is situated between these two rivers, hence the name Varanasi.
Its other name is Kashi, which means “The City of Light.”
According to legend, Lord Shiva himself resides here. He is believed to have founded this city himself, hence its name “the imperishable city.”
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Vedic and Ancient Period (1200 BCE – 600 BCE)
Varanasi is mentioned in the Rigveda and Puranas.
The city was a center of knowledge, religion, and philosophy during the Vedic period.
Sages like Kapil, Patanjali, and Katyayana are said to have been associated with Varanasi.
Varanasi was renowned for textile weaving (especially silk) and trade at that time. The tradition of “Kashi silk and Banarasi sarees” continues to this day.
Relationship with Buddha and Jainism (6th century BCE)
Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath (about 10 km from Varanasi)—
“Dharmachakra Pravartan,” meaning “Turning the Wheel of Dharma.”
This is where Buddhism began.
Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, also preached around Varanasi.
Maurya and Gupta Periods (3rd century BC – 6th century AD)
Emperor Ashoka built the massive Dharmarajika Stupa and the Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath.
During the Gupta period, Varanasi became a major center of learning and Sanskrit literature.
Logic, philosophy, and Ayurveda were taught here.
2. Hampi (Karnataka)
Capital of the Vijayanagara Empire.
A golden civilization enshrined in stone—a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The history of Hampi is truly the story of India’s glorious medieval era.
This city was once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire—considered the most powerful and prosperous empire in South India.
Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known as the “Paradise of Ruins.”
Ancient Times – Mythological Background
Hampi is associated with the Ramayana period.
It is believed that this area was the city of Kishkindha—the abode of the monkey king Sugriva and Hanuman.
The mountains, caves, and rocks along the banks of the Tungabhadra River match this mythological region.
Anjaneyadri Hills are considered the birthplace of Hanuman.
Hampi’s Golden Age—The Vijayanagara Empire (1336–1565 AD)
Establishment:
In 1336 AD, two brothers, Harihara Raya and Bukka Raya, founded the Vijayanagara Empire.
They made Hampi their capital because it was surrounded by the Tungabhadra River, naturally protected, and strategically strong.
Governance and Splendor:
The Vijayanagara Empire became renowned for its art, architecture, music, literature, trade, and religion.
The empire reached its peak during the reign of Krishnadevaraya (1509–1529 AD).
He:
Erected the massive Vittala Temple (whose chariot-shaped stone pillar is world-famous),
Constructed the Hemkut Hill, the Lotus Palace, the Hazara Rama Temple, the Virupaksha Temple, and the palace complex.
Foreign travelers Nicolo de’ Conti, Abdur Razzaq, and Domingo Paes wrote that
“Hampi was one of the most prosperous cities in the world—markets of gold and silver, magnificent temples, and a population of millions.”
3. Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh)
Magnificent temples built by the Chandela dynasty.
Their architecture and sculpture are world-renowned.
The history of Khajuraho is a shining chapter in India’s art, culture, and architectural prowess.
This place is known for its world-famous temple complex (Temples of Khajuraho), which has been designated
a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Khajuraho is not only a city of temples, but also a wonderful expression of Indian philosophy of life, love, devotion, and humanity.
The name “Khajuraho” is derived from the word “date palm.”
It was earlier called “Kharjurvahak,” meaning “a place surrounded by date palms.”
The city is located in the Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh and was once part of the Bundelkhand region.
Khajuraho boasts a total of 85 temples built between the 9th and 12th centuries AD, of which only 22 remain today.
Sculpture and the Interpretation of “Kama Kala”
The most famous feature of the Khajuraho temples is their realistic depiction of human life, encompassing religion, music, warfare, dance, and love (Kama Kala).
Only about 10% of the sculptures are erotic, while the remaining 90% depict religious, social, and philosophical life.
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These sculptures convey the message that:
“Every emotion in human life—be it devotion or enjoyment—ultimately leads to God.”
These sculptures reflect a remarkable understanding of the rhythm, expression, and beauty of the body, demonstrating the heights of the Indian artistic tradition.
4. Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur (Rajasthan)
Forts, mansions, stories of kings—everything is royal.
Amer Fort, Mehrangarh Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal.
Rajasthan’s three gem cities—Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur—
are living symbols of India’s Rajputana pride, bravery, art, and culture.
The history of these three cities is filled with adventure, war, love, and architectural splendor.
Jaipur—History of the Pink City of India
Foundation:
Jaipur was founded in 1727 AD by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II.
The previous capital of Rajputana was Amber Fort, but space there was limited.
So Jai Singh established a planned city—which became India’s first systematically planned city.
Jodhpur – History of the Blue City
Establishment:
Jodhpur was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha,
king of the Rathore dynasty and founder of the Marwar kingdom.
The capital was originally Mandore, but for security, Rao Jodha built a new fort—
Mehrangarh Fort—which remains one of the largest and most beautiful forts in India.
Udaipur – City of Lakes
Establishment:
Udaipur was founded in 1559 AD by Maharana Udai Singh II.
After the Mughals attacked Chittorgarh, he established a new capital amidst the Aravalli Mountains—
surrounded by lakes and greenery—thus giving Udaipur the name “City of Lakes.”
5. Kolkata (West Bengal)
Capital of the British period.
Victoria Memorial, Indian Museum, Old Colony Area.
Kolkata, once known as “Calcutta,” is a historical, cultural, and intellectual center of India.
It is also known as the “City of Joy” and the “Cultural Capital of India.”
Kolkata’s history is deeply intertwined with British rule, the independence movement, literature, art, and education.
The name “Kolkata” derives from “Kalikata,” which was formed by the union of three villages—Sutanuti, Govindpur, and Kalikata.
The word “Kalikata” likely derives from “Kali” (Goddess Kali) and “kata” (plowing a field) or “khalakatta” (digging a canal).
This area was formerly a small trading village on the banks of the Ganges River (Hooghly).
Arrival of the British East India Company (1690 AD)
In 1690, Job Charnock, an officer of the British East India Company, established a trading post here.
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The company leased land from local landowner Sabaran Roy Choudhury.
The area soon became a major base for the company.
British Era—India’s First Capital (1772–1911)
In 1772, Warren Hastings declared Kolkata the capital of British India.
The city rapidly became a center of trade, administration, and education.
Magnificent colonial buildings were built here—
Writers’ Building,
Governor’s House (Raj Bhavan),
Victoria Memorial,
St. Paul’s Cathedral,
Howrah Bridge,
Eden Gardens.
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