The Most Popular Monument in India, Ranked

Choose the monument you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 20, 2024 07:21
Curating a list of India's most popular monuments offers tourists and local enthusiasts a unique insight into the rich cultural fabric of the country. Through such a ranking, individuals can appreciate not only the architectural magnificence but also the historical significance of these treasures. It serves as an invaluable guide for those planning visits or seeking deeper understanding of India's heritage. Each vote cast in this dynamic survey reflects personal experiences and collective reverence towards these monuments. By participating, users directly influence the list, ensuring that it remains current and meaningful. This interactive engagement makes the ranking a useful tool for both educational purposes and travel planning.

What Is the Most Popular Monument in India?

  1. 1
    35
    votes
    Taj Mahal
    Yann; edited by Jim Carter · CC BY-SA 4.0
    A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic monuments in India, the Taj Mahal is a mausoleum built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is known for its stunning white marble architecture and intricate carvings.
    The Taj Mahal is a magnificent white marble mausoleum located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is considered one of the most beautiful architectural masterpieces in the world and represents the epitome of Mughal architecture. Commissioned by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, it was completed in 1648.
    • Location: Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India
    • Architectural Style: Mughal
    • Materials: White marble, semi-precious stones
    • Construction Period: 1632-1648
    • Dimensions: Height: 73 meters (240 ft), Length: 58 meters (190 ft)
    Taj Mahal in other rankings
  2. 2
    21
    votes
    Red Fort
    Alex Furr · Attribution
    Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Red Fort is a historic fort located in Delhi. Built in the 17th century by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, it served as the residence of the emperors of the Mughal dynasty.
    The Red Fort, also known as Lal Qila, is a historical fort located in the heart of Delhi, India. It is considered one of the most iconic monuments in the country. Constructed using red sandstone, the fort stands as a significant architectural marvel of the Mughal era. It served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors for nearly two centuries.
    • Location: Old Delhi, India
    • Construction period: 1639-1648
    • Architectural style: Mughal
    • Material: Red sandstone
    • Area: 254.67 acres
  3. 3
    14
    votes
    Qutub Minar
    Indrajit Das · CC BY-SA 4.0

    Qutub Minar

    Qutb-ud-din Aibak
    A minaret located in Delhi, the Qutub Minar is the tallest brick minaret in the world. It was built in the 12th century by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the first Muslim ruler of Delhi, and serves as a symbol of the Islamic conquest of India.
    The Qutub Minar is a towering minaret located in the Qutub Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in New Delhi, India. It is considered the most popular monument in India and attracts a large number of visitors annually. The minar is made of red sandstone and marble, and its design exhibits a beautiful fusion of Indo-Islamic architecture. Standing at a height of approximately 73 meters (240 feet), it is the tallest brick minaret in the world and has been a prominent symbol of Delhi for centuries.
    • Height: 73 meters (240 feet)
    • Material: Red sandstone and marble
    • Architecture Style: Indo-Islamic
    • Construction Period: 1192–1220
    • Purpose: Minaret
  4. 4
    21
    votes
    Humayun's Tomb
    Eatcha · CC BY-SA 4.0

    Humayun's Tomb

    Hamida Banu Begum
    A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Humayun's Tomb is a mausoleum located in Delhi. It was built in the 16th century by Mughal Empress Bega Begum in memory of her husband, Emperor Humayun. It is considered to be the first garden-tomb in India.
    Humayun's Tomb is a grand mausoleum located in Delhi, India. It is often considered to be the precursor to the Taj Mahal and is a shining example of Mughal architecture. The tomb was built in 1572 by Hamida Banu Begum, the widow of Mughal Emperor Humayun, in his memory.
    • Entrance Gates: Four main gates
    • Location: Delhi, India
    • Architectural Style: Mughal architecture
    • Construction Period: 1569-1572
    • Height: 47 meters (154 feet)
  5. 5
    10
    votes
    Gateway of India
    A.Savin · FAL

    Gateway of India

    Designed by George Wittet
    A monument located in Mumbai, the Gateway of India is a triumphal arch built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai in 1911. It is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.
    The Gateway of India is an iconic monument located in Mumbai, India. It is an architectural marvel that stands proudly on the waterfront of the Arabian Sea. Built during the 20th century, it serves as a major landmark and a symbol of historical significance.
    • Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
    • Construction Period: 1911-1924
    • Architectural Style: Indo-Saracenic Revival architecture
    • Height: 26 meters (85 feet)
    • Material: Yellow basalt and reinforced concrete
  6. 6
    16
    votes
    Lotus Temple
    Muhammad Mahdi Karim · GFDL 1.2

    Lotus Temple

    Fariborz Sahba
    A Bahá'í House of Worship located in Delhi, the Lotus Temple is known for its unique lotus-shaped architecture. It is open to people of all religions and serves as a place of worship and meditation.
    The Lotus Temple, also known as the Bahá'í House of Worship, is a monumental religious structure located in New Delhi, India. It is renowned for its unique lotus-shaped design and serves as a significant symbol of the Bahá'í Faith. The temple, completed in 1986, was designed to promote unity and harmony among all religions and welcomes people of any faith or nationality.
    • Location: New Delhi, India
    • Year of Completion: 1986
    • Architectural Style: Modernist
    • Design: Lotus-shaped
    • Religious Affiliation: Bahá'í Faith
  7. 7
    12
    votes
    A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ajanta and Ellora Caves are a series of rock-cut caves located in Maharashtra. The caves are known for their stunning Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain sculptures and paintings, which date back to the 2nd century BCE.
    The Ajanta and Ellora Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, India. These caves are renowned for their exquisite rock-cut architecture, stunning paintings, and intricate sculptures. The site consists of 34 caves at Ellora and 29 caves at Ajanta, showcasing a blend of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain art and culture. The caves were carved out of the volcanic basaltic rock during the 2nd century BCE to the 6th century CE.
    • Location: Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, India
    • Number of caves: Ajanta - 29 caves, Ellora - 34 caves
    • Style: Rock-cut architecture
    • Time of creation: 2nd century BCE to 6th century CE
    • Religious influence: Blend of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain
  8. 8
    9
    votes
    Konark Sun Temple
    Dhruv Raj Kashyap · CC BY-SA 4.0
    A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Konark Sun Temple is a 13th-century temple located in Odisha. It is known for its intricate carvings and sculptures, which depict scenes from Hindu mythology. The temple is designed to resemble a chariot, with 12 wheels representing the 12 months of the year.
    The Konark Sun Temple is a magnificent ancient Hindu temple dedicated to the Sun god Surya, located in Konark, Odisha, India. Built in the 13th century by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, it is widely regarded as one of the greatest architectural marvels of India.
    • Location: Konark, Odisha, India
    • Architectural Style: Kalinga Architecture
    • Construction Period: 13th Century
    • Dedicated to: Sun god Surya
    • Material: Khondalite rocks
  9. 9
    6
    votes
    Mysore Palace
    Muhammad Mahdi Karim · GFDL 1.2

    Mysore Palace

    Henry Irwin
    A palace located in Mysore, Karnataka, the Mysore Palace is known for its stunning architecture and rich history. It served as the seat of the Wodeyar dynasty, who ruled the Kingdom of Mysore from the 14th to the 20th century.
    Mysore Palace, also known as the Amba Vilas Palace, is a magnificent palace located in Mysore, Karnataka, India. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country and a remarkable example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. The palace serves as the official residence of the Wadiyar dynasty, the royal family of Mysore.
    • Location: Mysore, Karnataka, India
    • Architectural Style: Indo-Saracenic
    • Construction Period: 1897-1912
    • Creator: Henry Irwin
    • Height: 97 feet (30 meters)
  10. 10
    5
    votes
    Amer Fort
    A.Savin · FAL

    Amer Fort

    Raja Man Singh I
    A fort located in Jaipur, Rajasthan, the Amer Fort is known for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings. Built in the 16th century by Raja Man Singh I, it served as the residence of the Rajput Maharajas.
    The Amer Fort, also known as the Amber Fort, is a magnificent palace located in Amer, a town near Jaipur in the state of Rajasthan, India. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country, showcasing a blend of Hindu and Rajput architectural styles. The fort overlooks Maota Lake and offers breathtaking views of the Aravalli Hills.
    • Location: Amer, near Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
    • Architectural Style: Hindu and Rajput fusion
    • Year of Construction: 1592
    • Built By: Raja Man Singh I
    • Type: Fort and Palace

Missing your favorite monument?

Graphs
Discussion

Ranking factors for popular monument

  1. Historical Significance
    The importance of the monument in Indian history, including events, cultural developments, and famous personalities that are associated with it. 2. Architectural Importance: The artistic and engineering marvels of the monument, including its unique design, structural innovations, and decoration techniques. 3. Cultural Impact: The influence of the monument on Indian culture and the way it reflects or has shaped cultural values, including religion, art, and society. 4. Popularity and Tourism: The number of visitors and tourists that come to see the monument, as well as its recognizability and prominence as a symbol of India. 5. Preservation and Conservation: The condition of the monument and the efforts being made to preserve and restore it for future generations. 6. Accessibility and Location: The ease of reaching the monument and its proximity to other attractions within India. 7. Size and Scale: The size and prominence of the monument, both physically and in terms of its impact on the landscape. 8. Educational Value: The amount of information and learning opportunities that are available at or related to the monument. 9. Natural Beauty and Surroundings: The picturesque qualities of the monument's surroundings, including its integration with nature and surrounding landscape. 10. Uniqueness and Rarity: The distinctiveness of the monument and the ways in which it stands out from other monuments in India.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular monument in India. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Monument is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1386 views
  • 152 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Monument once every 24 hours. The rank of each Monument is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular monument in india

India is a country rich in history and culture, and its monuments reflect this diversity. From the Taj Mahal to the Gateway of India, there are countless architectural masterpieces that attract tourists from all over the world. India's monuments are not just symbols of the country's heritage, but they also represent the spirit and the beliefs of the people. The most popular monument in India is a topic of debate, as it's difficult to choose just one among so many stunning structures. However, through various polls and rankings, we have discovered which monument holds the top spot in the hearts of the Indian people.

Share this article