7 Places in India that History Buffs would Love to Explore

India has been a melting pot of various rulers, empires, cultures, and religions. All of these have left their indelible mark on the country. Each corner of India is steeped in history. Many of these places are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. If you are a history buff, do not miss out on these places:

1. Darjeeling, West Bengal

Once a used for sanatoriums during the days of the British, Darjeeling in West Bengal is a place soaked in the Colonial history of the country. This is the place where the British first experimented with tea plantation and once the experiments were successful, tea estates began to operate under the British. This place is also home to the historical Darjeeling Himalayan Railways (DHR), fondly known as “Toy Train” which was rolled out in 1881. In 1999, the DHR was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While there are many Colonial hotels in India, you may want to truly experience the Colonial past of Darjeeling, by booking your stay at the Windamere Hotel - the only authentic Colonial hotel in Darjeeling. This place was once used as a boarding house for the British planters. All the suites in this hotel carefully preserve the flavour of the Colonial past and will take you straight back to those times.

2. Hampi, Karnataka

When in Karnataka, visit Hampi, the last capital of the Vijayanagar Kingdom, one of the greatest empires in Indian history. In 1565, Muslim invaders conquered the city and devastated it completely, reducing it to ruins. The ruin of the ancient Kingdom is carefully preserved here including the palaces and Dravidian temples.

3. Agra, Uttar Pradesh

Located on the banks of the river Yamuna, Agra is a great place to experience the architectural style of the Mughal Empire. While the Taj Mahal is the most famous mausoleums in Agra, the place is also famous for other places of historical importance such as the Agra Fort, Tomb of Akbar and the Tomb of Itimad-Ud-Daulah. Also, visit the ghost town of Fatehpur Sikri founded by Emperor Akbar.

4. Delhi

The capital city of India has witnessed many dynasties come and go. Many rulers established palaces, forts and other establishments in the city making it a favourite place for history buffs. Famous historical places in Delhi include Mehrauli,  Hauz Khas, Tughlaqabad, Shergarh, Old Delhi (Shahjahanabad), Jantar Mantar, Agrasen ki Baoli and so on.

5. Bodh Gaya, Bihar

This is the land of the Mahabodhi Temple, one of the four holy grounds in Buddhism. This is the spot where Buddha was said to attain enlightenment.

6. Mumbai, Maharashtra

The financial capital of India is also a land of historical significance. While the Gateway of India is the most iconic monument in Mumbai, you may also love to visit the Elephanta Caves (a UNESCO world heritage site), Vasai, and August Kranti Maidan.

7. Hyderabad, Karnataka

The Charminar built by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah in 1591 is the most iconic mosques in Hyderabad. Also visit places such as Golconda Fort, Chowmahalla Palace, Malwala Palace and the Qutb Shahi Tombs.