India is a diverse country steeped in history. Its past has seen a melting pot of different religions, rulers and empires , all of which have left their mark on the countryside. Many historical places in India are listed as World Heritage sites due to their cultural importance.

India is a land with a rich and varied history. Many different rulers, dynasties, and empires have fought over and controlled different parts of the Indian subcontinent during its eventful history. The various rulers and dynasties left behind their legacy in the form of grand monuments and buildings, in different historical places in India.

Most of India's cities have a history worth exploring, for the tales of the past are truly fascinating. The various monuments including palaces, forts, victory pillars and tombs in different historical places in India, tell glorious stories of India's fascinating history.

The capital city of Delhi was originally the capital of the Tomara clan in the 11th century A.D and later it became the capital of the Mughals. The city has some of the famous historical monuments; out of which some were built by the Mughals and the Britishers. Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Humayun's Tomb, Rashtrapati Bhawan, and Parliament House are the main monuments in Delhi, depicting its ancient history. Monuments of Prithviraj Chauhan, the Lodi Tombs, and the Siri Fort of Allauddin Khilji are some of the other monuments that you can see on your tour to Delhi.Neighboring Delhi is the city of Agra well known as the imperial capital of the Mughal Empire. City of Agra got its real grace during the reign of Shah Jahan. In 1631,the Mughal ruler built the beautiful mausoleum of Taj Mahal, in the memory of his consort Mumtaz Mahal. The monument is still an inspiration for true lovers. The historical city of Agra also has many other Mughal monuments like the Agra Fort, the tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah, and Akbar's fort at Sikandra.

1. The Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal looms fairytale-like from the banks of the Yamuna River. It's actually a tomb that contains the body of Mumtaz Mahal – the wife of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. He had it built as an ode to his love for her. Dating back to 1630 AD, the Taj Mahal is made out of marble and took 22 years and 20,000 workers to complete. One of the most captivating things about it is the way its color appears to gradually alter in the changing light of the day.

2. Hampi

Now a laid back village, Hampi was once the last capital of Vijayanagar, one of the greatest Hindu empires in India’s history. It has some extremely captivating ruins, intriguingly intermingled with large boulders that rear up all over the landscape. The ruins, which date back to the 14th century, stretch for just over 25 kilometers (10 miles) and comprise more than 500 monuments. An incredible energy can be felt at this ancient place.

3. Khajuraho Temples

If you want proof that the Kama Sutra originated in India, Khajuraho is the place to see. Erotica abounds here with over 20 temples devoted to sexuality and sex. The temples are best known for their erotic sculptures. However, more than that, they show a celebration of love, life and worship. They also provide an uninhibited peek into ancient Hindu faith and Tantric practices. No where else will you find such unique temples with meticulously detailed carvings.

4. Ajanta and Ellora Caves

Astonishingly carved into hillside rock in the middle of nowhere are the Ajanta and Ellora caves. There are 34 caves at Ellora dating from between the 6th and 11th centuries AD, and 29 caves at Ajanta dating back to between the 2nd century BC and 6th century AD. While the Ajanta caves are rich in paintings and sculpture, the Ellora caves are renowned for their extraordinary architecture. The most incredible thing about these caves is that they were crafted by hand, with only a hammer and chisel.

5. Fatehpur Sikri

A city that was once the proud capital of the Mughal Empire in the 16th century, Fatehpur Sikri now stands deserted as a well preserved ghost town. It was abandoned by its occupants after only 15 years due to insufficient water supply. Constructed out of red sandstone, Fatehpur Sikri is full of regal palaces and courtyards. You can almost feel yourself being transported back to medieval times here.