Heritage Tourism India | Best Heritage Places & Attractions to Visit in India

India is rich in cultural heritage. It is one of the most popular global tourist destinations. Every mile in India reveals a unique trove of different cultures through its tourist attractions. Sometimes the temples you see echoes stories from mythology or the monuments you visit reveal the great architecture, craftsmanship, philosophy, tradition and mysticism etc.

India is a land where tradition and modernity coexist in harmony and it is reflected through India’s rich heritage and culture. Heritage Tourism in India is one of the best in the world. When it comes to heritage tourism in India, India has more than 40 Heritage destinations to lure the heart of the tourists. When it comes to cultural tourism, India is a voice of different cultures. There is no dearth of places related to Indian Cultural Heritage. Every tourist destination in India holds a great universal value which will take you beyond the luxuries of beaches and resorts.

Who knows, you might never want to go to your homeland if you visit India once. Some places might fulfill your transcendental quest and some places might fulfill your picturesque views and sightseeing quest. No matter what you will always find something to soothe your soul in India.

Heritage tourism in India is the best way to explore and get insights on India’s rich ancient past. The stories are endless because the land India housed some of the most ancient civilizations in the world.

Indian Heritage Tour will never be monotonous for a tourist as insights on India’s artforms and music, folktales, cuisines, pilgrimage places, magnificent monuments, numerous national parks and forests – Everything has a story to tell. There will never be a dull moment in your life in India as India’s heritage and cultural tourism is so vast and interesting.

Bon Travel India offers best Heritage Tour Packages to the tourists to quench their thirst for heritage site exploration. We offer soul soothing hospitality by offering best deals in Heritage Tour Packages, heritage travel guide, transportation, accommodation and the best travel experience. So, what are you waiting for? Book your Heritage Tour Package with Bon Travel India and get the best deals on it.

Humayun’s Tomb

Humayun Tomb Delhi

Humayun’s Tomb is one of the most popular heritage tourist destinations in India. It’s the first garden tomb ever built on Indian subcontinent. Several architectural innovations like Taj Mahal are inspired by this masterpiece. Humayun garden tomb is also called ‘Dormitory of Mughals’ as 150 Mughal members are buried in the cells of the tomb.

Qutub Minar

Qutub Minar Delhi

Qutub Minar is a magnificent architectural wonder of the medieval era and is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Qutub -ud- din Aibak laid the foundation of Qutub Minar but unfortunately, he died before its completion. The tower was completed by Iltutmish and Firoz Shah Tughlaq. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Delhi. Qutub Minar is the world’s tallest brick minaret.

Capitol Complex, Chandigarh

Capitol Complex Chandigarh

Chandigarh’s Capitol complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is an architectural masterpiece of Le Corbusier. The Capitol Complex buildings include Punjab and Haryana Secretariat and Punjab and Haryana Assembly, Punjab and Haryana High Court, Martyrs Memorial, Geometric Hill and Tower of Shadow. It’s a symbol of modern architecture to cater to the needs of society.

Jaisalmer Fort

Jaisalmer Fort Rajasthan

If you are in Rajasthan, you must visit Jaisalmer Fort. It is one of the most popular heritage tourist attractions in Rajasthan. Golden hues of the desert in the background, mesmerizing Trikuta Hill, magnificent temples and fort houses of excellent aesthetic beauty and craftsmanship will blow your heart away. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Jaipur, Pink City

Jaipur City

Jaipur is the most visited tourist attraction in Rajasthan. The city boasts of the rich heritage and culture of Rajasthan from every corner. Colorful Bazaars, magnificent temples, royal forts and gardens adorn the land of the pink city Jaipur. It received the World Heritage City Certificate in 2020.

Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Park, Uttarakhand

Valley of Flowers Trek Travle Blog

Situated in west Himalaya, it is known for its stunning beauty and endemic alpine flowers. The area is rich in flora and fauna. The enchanting land of Valley of flowers resound in the calls of snow leopard, brown bear, blue sheeps etc. It is one of the most popular heritage tourist destinations to visit in Uttarakhand. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh

Fatehpur Sikri Uttar Pradesh

Fatehpur Sikri was once the capital of Mughal emperor Akbar. It is said that he wanted a son, so he went to Sikri to get the blessings of a renowned saint, Sheikh Salim Chishti. He soon was blessed with a son and this compelled him to establish his capital here. He built three beautiful palaces (for his 3 favorite wives) and a mosque. He named this city Fatehpur Sikri. It is one of the best heritage destinations to visit in India.

Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal Agra

Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. She died in 1631 AD while giving birth to her 14th child. This architectural wonder is a symbol of eternal love. It is one of the seven wonders of the world. It is entirely made of white marble, brought from Makrana, Rajasthan. Beautifully carved pietra dura inlaid with semi-precious stones.is the center of attraction of Taj Mahal. Visiting India would be incomplete if you haven’t seen the Taj Mahal.

Agra Fort

Agra Fort Uttar Pradesh

The foundation of Agra Fort was laid by Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 and it was later completed by Shah Jahan. It is a stunning red sandstone fort surrounded by a 21.4 high fortification wall. Today some parts of this fort are reserved under Indian army. It is one of the best heritage tourist destinations to visit in India. If you are here don’t forget to visit Nagina Masjid. Nagina Masjid located near the fort.

Red Fort, Delhi

Red Fort Delhi

It is the heart of Delhi Tourism. Red Fort was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. It is an amalgamation of beautiful traditions and architecture – Islamic, Timurid, Hindu and Persian. It is of great universal value. Tourists from all over the world come to Delhi to see this enchanting royal fort. Its brilliant architectural style has inspired numerous monuments in Rajasthan, Agra and Delhi etc. Every year on Independence Day our PM hoists the National Flag from the ramparts of Lahore Gate. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places to visit in Delhi.

Popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites in South India

Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
Hampi, Karnataka
Brihadeeswarar Temple, Tamil Nadu
Pattadakal, Karnataka
The great Living Chola Temples, Tamil Nadu
Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Tamil Nadu

Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram Tamil Nadu

Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu is decked with UNESCO World heritage sites. Every corner of Mahabalipuram reveals bliss. It is very popular for its cave temples, monuments and sculptures. One must visit the rock cut temples of Mahabalipuram. It is also very popular for its seashell jewelries and stunning beaches. It is one of the best destinations to visit in Tamil Nadu.

Hampi

Hampi Karnataka

Ancient temples, forts and majestic monuments adorn the land of Hampi. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 1500 AD Hampi was the capital of the legendary Vijayanagar Empire. It houses the ruins of lots of temples and monuments belonging to the Vijayanagara era. Your Indian Heritage Tour would be incomplete if you haven’t seen Hampi.

Brihadeeswarar Temple

Brihadeeswarar Temple Tamil Nadu

Built in the 11th century, Brihadeeswarar Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple has unique sculptures and carvings which makes it one of the must visit destinations in Tamil Nadu. The inscriptions in the temple depict life 1000 years old ago.

Pattadakal

Pattadakal Karnataka

Located in the banks of the river Malaprabha, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pattadakal group of monuments is a legacy of the great Chalukya Kingdom. There are nine temples which are the best example of exquisite artwork. All the temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the best heritage places to explore in India.

The Great Living Chola Temples

Chola Temples - Briihadeeswarar Temple Thanjavur Tamil Nadu

The great living Chola temples are a beautiful legacy of the great Chola kingdom. The site contains three great chola temples belonging to the 11th and 12th century- the Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur, the Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikondacholisvaram and the Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram. These temples are the UNESCO World Heritage Sites known for exquisite paintings, sculptures and bronze casting. It is a great example of Chola Style architecture in India.

Nilgiri Mountain Railway

Its one the most beautiful railheads in India. Nilgiri Mountain Railway is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a stunning 49 km long gauze single track hill railway of Tamil Nadu. The construction of Nilgiri mountain railway started in 1891 and finished in 1908.

Western Ghats

Western Ghat

One must see the stunning beauty of Western Ghats which are older than Himalayan Mountains. Our Indian monsoon pattern is influenced by this site’s high montane forest eco- system. It is rich in biological diversity. It is considered as the eighth biodiversity hotspot in the world. The forests of the western Ghats are blessed with 13 National Parks and 39 Reserves. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ellora Caves

Ellora Caves Maharashtra

It is one of the most visited tourist destinations in India. Ellora Caves are maintained by Archaeological Survey of India and it was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. Ellora Caves is an outstanding example of Rock cut architecture. It comprises 12 Buddhist caves, 17 Hindu caves and 5 Jain caves.

Ajanta Caves

Ajanta Caves Maharashtra

Ajanta Caves comprises 32 Buddhist caves. It has a great universal value as it shows exquisite artworks of the Kushana Period, Gupta Period, Satavahana and Ikshvaku periods. It was declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1893 which makes it one of the best heritage destinations to visit in India.

Rani ki Vav

Rani ki Vav Gujarat

Built as a memorial of a king Rani Ki Vav in Patan is a stunning stepwell built in Maru-Gurjara style of architecture. It was listed in UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 2014. It is divided into seven levels of stairs and the beautiful sculptural panels of outstanding artistic quality are the best sights to behold. More than 500 sculptures depict imagery from mythology and other literary works. If you are in India, you must visit Rani Ki Vav to cherish the ancient past.

Dholavira

Dholavira Gujarat

The archaeological site of Harappan civilization is declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021. Dholavira is one of the two largest Harappan sites in India and it is the 5th largest Harappan site in the subcontinent. It is of great cultural value. It represents India’s ancient past. It showcases outstanding examples of modern civilization. Facilities like modern water conservation system, drainage system for sanitization, fortified wall, reservoir, rainwater harvesting system still make any one curious about the talent and tact of the people of Harappa. They are ahead of time.

Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad City

It was declared as UNESCO’S first world Heritage city in India. Deep rooted in history and tradition, Ahmedabad is one of the most beautiful cities to visit in India and it’s a very popular heritage destination. In Ahmedabad two worlds live together. In the eastern banks of Sabarmati River, the old world is deep rooted in tradition and culture and the new town on the western banks the Urban World. It’s one of the best tourist places to visit India.

Champaner and Pavagadh Archaeological Park

Champaner and Pavagadh Archaeological Park Gujarat

It is a well maintained Islamic-Pre Mughal-city comprising numerous Hindu and Jain temples, mosques, stepwells, granaries and the royal palaces to blow the heart away of tourists. It is one of the best historical tourist sites to explore in India if you are a history buff or are interested in exploring heritage sites. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Maharashtra

It is one of the best railway stations in the world. Earlier it was named as Victoria Terminus to honor queen Victoria but later it was renamed as Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in 1996. It is the best example of Victorian Gothic revival architecture and it was designed by British architecture F.W Stevens. Its three-dimensional stone carved decor, ornamental turrets, pointed arches, and decorative sculptures will delight your senses. It is one of the best Heritage tourist attractions to visit in India.

Victorian Gothic and Art Deco

Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Maharashtra

In 2018, UNESCO listed the beautiful Victorian Gothic of 19th century and 20th century Art Deco in its list. It is the best place to visit in Mumbai for a day trip. You will be able to see 94 buildings conjoined by the Oval Maidan along the sea. Some of the prominent buildings are the Bombay High Court (1878), Watson’s Hotel (1869), David Sassoon Library (1870) and Elphinstone College (1888), etc.

Churches and Convents of Goa

Churches and Convents of Goa is the former capital of Portuguese Indies which helped in spreading forms of Manueline, Mannerist and Baroque art in all the countries of Asia where missions were established. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are 7 monuments of the 16th to 18th centuries which influenced the architecture, sculpture, painting of Manueline, Mannerist and Baroque art along with the missionary work in Asia. It is the best historical site to visit in Goa.

Popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites in East India

Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Nalanda, Bihar
Sun Temple Konark, Odisha
Khangchendzonga National Park, Sikkim
Sundarban National Park, West Bengal
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, West Bengal

Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Nagaon district of Assam. It is declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It houses the rare endangered population of one- horned Rhino. If you are a wildlife enthusiast then you must visit Kaziranga National Park. Apart from One- horned Rhino, the world-famous Rock python, king cobra, Elephants, endangered Ganges River dolphin and tigers etc. will quench your thirst for wildlife exploration.

Nalanda

Nalanda Bihar

Perhaps one of the greatest education institutes in the history of India is Nalanda Educational Institute in Bihar. It is now in ruins but once upon a time travelers and students from all around the world arrived here for study. Chinese traveler Hieun Tsang arrived here in the 7th century and mentioned Nalanda in his works. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sun Temple Konark

Sun Temple Konark Odisha

It is the only UNESCO Heritage Site of Odisha. The temple is dedicated to Sun God. The temple is exquisite in terms of artwork and architecture. It was built in the 13th century in the Kalinga School of architecture. Tourists from all over the world come here to cherish the ancient past and cultural heritage of India. Konark also completes the golden triangle formed by Bhuvaneshwar and Puri. It is one of the best places to explore in Odisha.

Khangchendzonga National Park

Located in the heart of Himalayas, Khangchendzonga National Park is one of the most visited tourist heritage destinations in India. This National Park has 18 glaciers and 17 alpine lakes. Lofty mountain peaks, stunning views and lush greenery will refresh your soul and body. Beautiful birds like blood pheasants, Himalayan snowcock and black-necked crane etc. will soothe your years. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016.

Sundarban National Park

Sundarban National Park West Bengal

Sundarban National Park is one of the largest mangrove forests in the world. It was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. It is very popular with the Royal Bengal Tiger. Variety of flora and fauna and 260 species of birds will delight your mind and soul. You must visit Sundarban National Park if you are a wildlife enthusiast and a nature lover.

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

One must not miss the fun of toy train ride while enjoying the blissful surroundings of Darjeeling. It is one of the best things to do in Darjeeling. Beautiful views of hills, verdant forests and crispy mountain air while enjoying the ride will be the once in a lifetime experience. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Must Visit Heritage Tourism Cities in India

Varanasi Ghat

City Name	State Name	Major Attractions	Best Time to Visit
Varanasi	Uttar Pradesh	Holy River Ganges, Ghats, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Buddhist Temples, Jain Temples…etc	Round the Year
Ahmedabad	Gujarat	Sabarmati Ashram	Round the Year
Ujjain	Madhya Pradesh	Holy Kshipra (Shipra) River, Temples	Round the Year
Hampi	Karnataka	Historical Monuments	Round the Year
Patna	Bihar	Buddhist Temples	Round the Year
Gaya	Bihar	Hindu Temples	Round the Year
Jaipur	Rajasthan	Monuments & Temples	Round the Year

Also Check Out: Popular India Tours | Tour Packages | International Tour Packages

With Bon Travel India, you can book affordable heritage tour packages that come with exclusive deals & discounts that let you visit the most famous heritage attractions and tourist destinations in India!

Like & follow us on our following official social media channels

Facebook | Twitter | Linkedin | Instagram | Youtube

Char Dham Yatra Related Blogs

Summer Travel Related Blogs to Read

Winter Travel Related Blogs to Read

Wildlife Travel Blogs to Read

Holiday Packages Deals & Discount Related Blogs

Share on Facebook

Blog

Heritage Tourism in India

Popular Heritage Sites in North India