History is a very important part of India. As a country that has been around for centuries, India has a rich historical past. When you book your air tickets to India, you sign up for a ton of fun, no matter what city you choose to visit. But, if you are a history buff, then you need to head to cities that have beautiful historical monuments and museums that you can visit. Although you will find something or the other in every part of the country, some places have more for you to discover, when compared to other places.
Searching for cheap air tickets to India and then making your reservations for your chosen dates are the first steps towards your holiday in India. But before you book your air tickets to India, you must first decide upon a place that you’d like to visit. Given the abundance of places that you can explore, choosing one city can be a difficult choice to make. To help you out of this conflict, we have made a list of the seven most historically rich cities in the country. These cities are perfect for you to start your vacation and take a closer look at the history of India.
- New Delhi: The capital of India surely deserves the top spot on this list. As Delhi has been the seat of authority in India for the longest time, you can discover so much about the past of the country here. The city is littered with monuments and historical sites such as the Qutub Minar, Humanyun’s Tomb, Red Fort, Agrasen Ki Baoli, and much more. These scenic historical sites take you back in time when the country was ruled by Mughal rulers. You can also see the remnants of the British Raj here, as Delhi was also the capital when the British colonized India.
- Varanasi: The holy city of Varanasi is an important place of pilgrimage for Hindus in India and across the world. Varanasi is located on the banks of the holy river Ganga, and people come here to perform the last rites of loved ones who have passed on to the next life. This city is considered as a door to salvation by Hindus. As one of the cities in the entire world that has been continuously inhabited, Varanasi is a great city to explore when you visit India. Whether you are religious or not, the historical significance of Varanasi is enough to charm you out of your wits.
- Ayodhya: Ayodhya is one of the oldest cities in the country, and is about 9000 years old. It is said to have been established by a Hindu God by the name of Manu. It is situated on the banks of the river Sarayu and is also the birthplace of a Hindu God Ram. When it comes to the history of India, a lot of it has to do with religion and mythology. The city was also the capital of the Kingdom of Kosala at one point. As one of the popular tourist destinations in the country, it is definitely a place that you should add to your itinerary.
- Hampi: Hampi is a hidden gem in the south of India. This small village is home to several ancient ruins and temples made of stone. These beautiful ruins and temples are today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This village was once the capital of the Vijayanagar Empire, and it was also one of the wealthiest cities in India back then. Merchants all the way from Persia and Portugal were attracted by the wealth and glory of this place at one point. Today this village is a popular tourist site for architecture aficionados and history buffs.
- Gwalior: located in Madhya Pradesh, Gwalior is a brilliant city that is home to royal palaces, temples, forts, and other historical sites. The most famous historical site in the city is the Gwalior Fort and must be at the top of your itinerary. For those who want to dive deeper into the history of this place, taking a guided tour is highly recommended. There is much to learn about the history of the city and the state at this place. Other places that you need to check out here include the Tomb of Muhammad Ghaus and Tansen, Gujari Mahal, Bir Singh Mahal, and Padavali.
- Thanjavur: Popularly known as Tanjore, this is another hidden gem of India. This town used to be the capital under the reign of the Cholas. This town was especially important during the latter half of the eighteen century. The Brihadeeswaraar temple here is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that you need to explore. Today this town is famous for its yield of paddy and sugarcane and is also known as the rice bowl of South India.
- Vrindavan: Last but not least on the list is Vrindavan, which is situated on the banks of River Yamuna. The city is said to be the home of Lord Rama and was named after the two forests at Seva Kunj and Nidhivan. The city holds great religious and historical significance. The ISKCON Temple and Banke Bihari Temple are two of the most popular temples here and are located amidst the lush greenery of the thick woods of Vrindavan. If you are looking to visit this vivacious city, then you must come during the Holi celebrations. The city is known for its colorful and cheerful celebrations of this popular festival of colors.
These cities have much more than history to offer all visitors. If you aren’t big on learning about history, there is still much you can do here. Whatever your idea of a perfect vacation is, these seven beautiful cities will allow you to enjoy every second of your trip. There is no room for doubt that India is the place for you if you need to get away from your monotonous life. The thrill and excitement of being in a foreign country are reasons enough for you to get your hands on cheap air tickets to India.