Tuesday, 24 September 2013

Famous World Heritage Sites of North India


North India is home to many historical sites, forts, monuments and cultural objects. There are also some world heritage sites declared by UNESCO in the region which are very popular among tourists coming from different parts of the world. World heritage monuments of Northern India proudly depict the rich culture and history of the country; and they all are known for stunning architecture and never fail to lure visitors. Here is brief information about most popular UNESCO world heritage sites (monuments) of northern India.

Agra Fort – UNESCO World Heritage Site Declared in 1982
Agra Fort is a magnificent red sandstone constructed citadel of the third Mughal Emperor Akbar. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and architecturally beautiful monument in the city of Agra in Uttar Pradesh. It was included in world heritage site list in the year 1982. There are several beautiful structures and interesting places inside the complex. Diwan-I-Aam, Diwan-I-Khas, Anguri Bagh, Golden Pavilions, Sheesh Mahal, Shah Jahani Mahal, Shahi Burj, Naubat Khana, Rang Mahal, Takht-i-Jahngir, Nagina Masjid (Gem Mosque), Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque), Mina Masjid (Heavenly Mosque), Jahangiri Mahal, Machhi Bhawan (Fish Enclosure), Musamman Burj, etc prominent attractions within the complex; all are known for their stunning architecture and beauty.

Taj Mahal – UNESCO World Heritage Site Declared in 1983
Located in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh on the banks of the Yamuna River, the Taj Mahal is a magnificent white marble mausoleum constructed by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the loving memory of his most darling wife Mumtaz Mahal after her death. The monument is extremely popular among tourists because of its stunning beauty which is matchless and of course beyond description. It alone attracts millions of visitors from all over the world. It also called the Symbol of Love and Romance. It is India’s star tourist attraction, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (declared in 1983) and one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Fatehpur Sikri – UNESCO World Heritage Site Declared in 1986
Fatehpur Sikri is a prominent tourist destination of Northern India located in Agra district of Uttar Pradesh in the outskirt of Agra – the City of the Taj Mahal. It was found by the third Mughal Emperor Akbar as his capital. But unfortunately this capital was abandoned sooner because of scarcity of drinking water. The historical town of Fatehpur Sikri has been designed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 1986 because of having one of the best preserved collections of Mughal architecture in India. Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid, Salim Chisti Tomb, Jodha Bai Palace, Birbal Mahal, Panch Mahal, etc are prominent monuments at Fatehpur Sikri which have made it very popular among tourists.

Humayun’s Tomb – UNESCO World Heritage Site Declared in 1993
The Humayun’s Tomb is the tomb of the second Mughal Emperor Humayun. The beautiful tomb monument was constructed by Humayun’s widow (the first wife) Bega Begum. The site is also the burial sites Bega Begum and Hamida Banu Begum, the first and the second wives of the emperor. Noted for stunning architecture, beautiful carvings and lush lawns in surroundings the tomb memorial is one of the most sought after tourist attractions in Delhi and Northern India. It was declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 1993.

Qutub Complex – UNESCO World Heritage Site Declared in 1993
Qutub Complex with Qutub Minar and other monuments & buildings is a UNESCO World Heritage Site declared in the year 1993 for its unique representation of the Islamic architectural and artistic excellence. It is one of the most visited and popular tourist attractions in Delhi and North India. With 3.9 millions visitors, the Qutub Complex was India’s most visited monument in the year 2006, surpassing the most beautiful Taj Mahal that draws about 2.5 million visitors. The Qutub Minar is the tallest brick minaret in the world. It is an excellent example of early Afghan architecture. Alai Darwaza, Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, Iron Pillar, Iltutmish Tomb, Imam Zamin, Alauddin Khilji Tomb & Madarsa, Alai Minar, etc are some other attractions at Qutub Complex.

Red Fort Complex – UNESCO World Heritage Site Declared in 2007
Red Fort Complex, constructed in red sandstone by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, is a magnificent fortress with many other beautiful structures and places of interest inside. It was declared as world heritage site by UNESCO in the year 2007. Diwan-I-Aam, Diwan-I-Khas, Mumtaz Mahal, Zenana, Moti Masjid, Hayat Bakhsh Bagh, Nahr-I-Behisht, Royal Baths, Drum House, Zafar Mahal, Museum, Salimgarh Fort, etc prominent places to see inside the fort complex. Every on 15 August (the Independence Day of India), the tricolor national flag of India is hoisted here by the Prime Minister of India. The fort is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Delhi and Northern India.

Jantar Mantar – UNESCO World Heritage Site Declared in 2010
Jantar Mantar is an observatory constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh II. It has a collection of architectural and astronomical instruments. It has been inscribed as cultural property on the UNESCO World Heritage List in the year 2010. It is a popular tourist attraction in Jaipur, the Pink City of India, Rajasthan.

Visiting and exploring all the world heritage monuments of Northern India will provide you a great experience of lifetime. Though these all are located in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur; you can enjoy best of these via Golden Triangle Tours because the popular travel circuit of golden triangle covers Delhi, Agra and Jaipur as its destinations.
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