20 Best Architectural Buildings in India

If you are about to choose one of the most amazing countries in the world which is full of astonishing drams, stories, events, and anecdotes happening since ancient times, then there is no doubt that India should be the numero-uno choice for you.
India is considered the world’s oldest civilization with its most diverse cultural history. Several religions and races such as Shakas, Hunas, and Kushans, made India their home and they all contributed their mites to this country which makes it a goldmine for the study of architectural evolution throughout history. India has witnessed the rise and fall of great kingdoms, who had played a great personage and changed the destiny of this country many times. Every new kingdom has created an impact on Indian art and architecture. If you move from North to South in India, you can easily see the different architectural styles reflected by the building all across the country. Though there are many impressive monuments and buildings and impressive sites, we have sorted a compilation of the top 20 stunning architectural buildings in India which are an example of beauty and exceptional architecture. Take a look

 Fatehpur Sikri


Built-in the year 1573 AD by Mughal Emperor Akbar, in the capital city, Fatehpur Sikri is an amazing city complex that reflects the magnificent values and beliefs of the Mughal dynasty. This huge complex is a mixture of different architectural styles, from Indian to Islamic and Persian including Hindu and Jain styles. Fatehpur Sikri is founded around the hospice of Sheikh Salim Chishti, whom Akbar revered as his benefactor. This city is bounded by walls on three sides and it is flanked by the lake on the fourth side which probably is the only water source in the city. This huge complex has many individual pavilions for official, residential and religious purposes. The Jama Masjid, Diwan-I-Khaas, Diwan-I-Aam, hospice of Salim Chishti, and Buland Darwaja are several notable complexes but Buland Darwaja is the most notable complex among all. Unfortunately, this beautiful city was abandoned later in the completion of it because the emperor has shifted his base to Lahore and then to Agra.

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Taj Mahal, Agra


Known for its majestic architectural marvels, the Taj Mahal stands today on the list of 7 wonders in the world. This mesmerizing beauty is an example of undying memory and it is a symbol of the love and commitment of the Mughal King Shah Jahan (which means King of the world in Persian) for his beloved wife Mumtaz. Taj Mahal is a destination for couples to reaffirm their love for each other. Magnificent in its glory, the Taj Mahal which is located in Agra is a tomb that was built by King Shah Jahan at the death of his wife Mumtaz at the age of 38. When she died, she was giving birth to their fourteenth child. A report state that there were 22,000 artists which include masons, and calligraphers, commissioned by the emperor under the board which was led by Ustad Ahmed Lahauri. The construction was started in the year 1632 AD and it was completed in the year 1653 AD and a total of 32 million rupees was spent on it. The Taj Mahal is a larger complex with a surrounding paradisiacal garden and a red sandstone building, which many scholars believe reflects the scheme of paradise as mentioned in Islamic theological text. In total, the Taj Mahal is a proof of love, characterized by white marble and jewels.

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Ajanta-Ellora Caves, Maharashtra


Depicting the stories of Jatakas and Buddhist religion on its wall, Ajanta caves are considered one of the best examples of ancient Indian painting. In Ajanta, you will find a series of 30 rock-cut cave monuments that date back from the 2nd century BC to 650 AD. These caves were used for multipurpose such as education, living, and worship. During the monsoons, these caves also act as chaitya and Viharas for Buddhist monks. The walls of these caves are adorned with several exotic sculptures, murals, and fine carvings while other walls exhibit fine paintings. On the other hand, Ellora caves are a set of 34 rock-cut caves out of which some of them is Buddhist monasteries, Jain temples and other are Hindu temples which represent the supreme skills of architecture. These cave monuments are formed somewhere between 350AD to 700 AD. The main reason why this monument is popular is that it is cut out of a single rock into the side of the basaltic hill. Among all the amazing architecture, The Kailash temple at Ellora is a man-made wonder and known for its amazing chisel that invokes fascination among visitors. Located in Maharashtra, Both Ajanta and Ellora caves are major tourist destinations.

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Jain Statue, Shravanbelagola


Situated in Shravanbelagola Karnataka, it is one of the most sacred sites for Jains. A huge 57-foot-tall majestic statue of Bahubali is one of the architectural marvels in India, Gomateshwar was the son of Rishabh who was the first Tirthankaras and believed that was the founder of Jainism. He left his kingdom and became a monk. By attaining moksha, he became a revered figure in the religion. This magnificent statue was built in the year 983AD by Chamundraya, who was a minister of the Ganga Dynasty. This statue is located at a height of 3350 feet above sea level, this statue is built out of a single rock monolith and it is a famous Jains pilgrims’ site.

Meenakshi Temple


A mesmerizing beauty and amazing South Indian architecture, this wonderful edifice is an important heritage of the region. Meenakshi temple is one the largest temple in India it has 12 massive gates, with a huge gate situated on the outer walls, and are also known as Gopuram. There is a huge tank inside the premise and besides, there is a hall known as the hall of thousand pillars. Other halls of Meenakshi temple is also adorned with several beautiful design and figure and they are unique from each other. This beautiful temple was damaged during the Islamic invasion but it was reconstructed in year 17th century by Vishwanath Nayak, the first Nayak king of Madurai. This huge temple is spread over 45 acres area and it is a major pilgrims site for Hindu Devotees.

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Chand Baoli


Chand Baoli is considered the deepest step-wells in the world. Located in the state of Rajasthan, this baoli was built in year 9th century AD, to provide water to the people living in a neighbouring village. This square shape structure, this baoli is 100 feet deep and has a periphery of 140 meters with 3500+ steps that will take you inside the baoli. The structure of these baoli shows the geometrical intelligence and architecture of the local people of that era. This is a perfect example that shows how vernacular architecture is.

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Amber Fort Jaipur


Situated in the capital city of Rajasthan, Amber fort is one of the hill forts in Jaipur. This fort is an example of Hindu architecture in Rajputana Style and is only 11km away from Pink city. This beautiful fort is made up of Red- Sandstone and marble and they are famous for their self-sustaining features. It has a Motaka lake as its permanent water source and an advanced ventilation system that shows brilliant design. The whole architecture is a mixture of prominent displays of royalty and the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan.

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IIM Ahmedabad


Designed by famous American architect Louis I Khan, IIM Ahmedabad is one of the best institutional buildings in the country. This beautiful building is a great example that how modern architecture can co-exist along with traditional architecture. You can easily see the Indian Vernacular architecture in the selection of materials of its. The use of geometrical composition which gives its shape to it is inspiring. This building is designed in such a way that it makes a space for a hallway and plaza along with the huge classy classroom. The uses of voids in the façade of the building are one of its best features of it.

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Konark Temple, Orrisa


A massive chariot structure that is being drawn by seven pairs of huge galloping horses, The Konark temple is a UNESCO world heritage site. This temple represents the peak of the Odisha temple of architecture that was started about the 13th century AD. A minute engraving of various human and animal figurines on the walls of the temple makes it awe-inspiring for tourists The design of this temple is inspired by Shikhara styles. Though the main sanctum, dining, and dancing hall of this temple have not been able to survive much, still another portion of the temple such as the main audience hall is still safe and it’s fascinating. Another source of admiration is the total dimension of the temple complex which is 857ft. by 540ft.

Akshardham Temple New Delhi


Situated in the capital city of India, this breathtaking Akshardham temple is an amazing proof of Indian art and architecture that we have inherited. This huge temple is situated near the bank of the river Yamuna in Delhi. The interesting part about the temple is that this temple is entirely made up of stone with literally no stone and iron used in the construction. There is a total of 234 carved pillars, 9 domes, and 20 quadrilateral spires along with near about 20,000 idols and statues. Each statue depicts the journey of Indian philosophy and tradition for thousands of years. Besides this amazing temple, the temple authority plays film shows and water shows of spiritual, music, and dance which show India’s wealth and the philosophy of the Bhagwan Swaminarayan mandir. Sources state that about 11,000 craftsmen carved out the entire edifice which is 10 stories in height.

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Jantar Mantar, Jaipur


Built during the reign of Maharaja Jai Singh II in Jaipur, Jantar Mantar is a brilliant showcase of science and observation and it is the largest observatory in the world. Jantar Mantar was built during the 18th century by the Maharaja who himself was an avid astrologer and a scholar. The world’s largest sundial-like structure at this place caught the imagination of the architect, astronomers, and historians alike. This structure is built in such a way with a device that it measures the time by tracking the constellations and orbits of the Sun. Samrat yantra, Hindu chhatri, and Jaiprakash Yantra are several blocks inside the complex which reveal a similar purpose. This monument is an example of the royal heritage of the region and is a must-visit site for visitors. Jantar Mantar is a UNESCO world heritage site.

 Tawang Monastery, Arunachal Pradesh


Tawang monastery is the second largest monastery in the world which is located at a height of 10,000 feet above sea level. Tawang is an important Buddhist site that was founded by Merak lama around 1680 AD as per the desire of the 5th Dalai Lama. The structure of this monastery is unique in itself. The entrance has a colorful gate with a mesmerizing mural of different Buddhist saints and holy men painted on it. Apart from the main gain, the main building of the monastery is just like a large mansion that rises to three floors and it also contains residential uses for monks and students. The main structure of the monastery is known as Dukhang and is the centrepiece of it and it houses a large figure of Buddha sitting on it in the Lotus position.

Victoria Memorial Kolkata


Victoria Memorial is an architectural design that was planned and built in memory of Queen Victoria of England who passed away in 1901. This building is the assimilation of various styles which include Indo- Saracenic and Mughal architecture along with a mixture of Venetian, Egyptian, Islamic, and Decani Styles. This breathtaking structure was created under eminent architect William Emerson. Victoria Memoria is surrounded by a garden and this building is now used as a museum that exhibits memorabilia associated with British India such as coins, paintings, artifacts, and many more. This is an important tourist landmark of Old British India.

Golconda Fort


Golconda means “The Shepherd Hill” is a hill fortress that served as the capital city of the Golconda kingdom in past. Initially, this fort was under the rule of the Hindu Kakatiya dynasty, but later on, this was annexed by the Bahamani Kingdom during the medieval period. Time passes on and this fort came under various dynasties like the Qutub dynasty and Nizam Shahis to 1948. Golconda fort comprises several halls, parade grounds, royal apartments, and several mosques inside. Fateh Darwaja or the main gate is huge in size i.e., 13ft. by 225ft. and it is fixed with steel spikes that prevent the entry of elephants into the fort. However, the eastern gate of the fort is the only open gate for visitors and it is the largest gate.  The architect of this fort is unique. There is enough ventilation on the premises that brought respite to the family living inside from the summer. Apart from this, there is an extremely amazing acoustic effect inside the forts which was used to alert the soldier during any attack from the enemy side. It is believed that there is an underground tunnel inside the forest which was used by the rules as a medium of defense to escape during the attack.

India Gate, New Delhi


One of the most amazing icons, situated in the capital city of India, the India gate was built in memory of Indian soldiers who fought and dies in world war I and the Anglo-Afghan War from the British side. India Gate was designed by eminent architect Sir Edwards Lutyens, who was also the designer of several other British structures in Delhi. India Gate is a light-colored brick structure along with a central arch that rises 42 m from the ground and whose width is about 10m. There are about 13, 516 names mentioned on the walls of this structure. In the year 1971, a flame structure known as the Amar Jawan Jyoti is installed inside the middle of the Gate in order to commemorate the war heroes who dies during India – the Pakistan war. Now, this structure is a war memorial for all those Indian soldiers of the Indian Army who pay down their life for their motherland and it is an important spot for tourists

Mysore Palace, Mysore


Mysore palace is an important central icon of Mysore and is a prominent tourist destination. It was the seat of power of the Wodeyars royal family, who ruled this city from the year 1350 AD to 1950 AD. Mysore palace was originally constructed in wood which was later burnt down in the year 1897 after the death of Tipu Sultan. After that, the structure was rebuilt in its present form which incorporates the architecture of British, Hindu, Muslim, and Rajput styles.  This building is now a museum, which is embellished with a collection of painting, costumes, and several other items which shows the lifestyle of royal households. Inside the palace, there are numerous luxurious rooms, with white marble floors and exotic artworks. A report state that Mysore palace attracts 6 million visitors every year and it is the second most popular tourist destination in India.

Lotus Temple, New Delhi


A beautiful structure and a major tourist point of New Delhi, Lotus Temple is a House of Worship of the Baha’is faith. This place instructs a gathering of all the people irrespective of their religions. The construction of the Lotus temple was completed In the year 1986 and it was designed by famous Iranian architect Fariborz Sahba. This icon is shaped in the form of a Lotus with 27 marble petal-shaped structures that form its nine sides. The central hall of this temple is 40 meters tall and it can hold about 2500 people at a time. This temple is spread over an area of 16 acres, and there are several ponds and gardens which make the ambiance cool and calm.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai


Victoria Terminus or Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is a UNESCO world heritage site in India, which is an exotic and fascinating monument located in the financial capital of India Mumbai. This monument was planned and executed by F.W. Stevens, and the construction of this famous structure was completed in the year 1888. It took almost 10 years to complete. It is a mixture of Victorian Gothic styles and the architecture of the late 19th century. This building has beautiful carving which includes turrets, pointed arches, a high dome, and windows. The ground plan of the building is in a C shape, which is well-proportioned on both east and west axis. CST or the erstwhile Victoria Terminus was the same venue from where the first passenger train of India started its service. A report says that almost 3 million people pass through this gate daily as it is an important point of Mumbai’s daily commute. However, after this much rush, still this building is the finest colonial architecture in India.

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Nalanda University


Nalanda was one of the important centres of learning in ancient India from 5h century AD to the 12 century AD.  It was a large Buddhist monastery and complex situated in the Nalanda district of Bihar. This university greatly flourished under Gupta and Pala King, and it was eminent enough to attract students from faraway lands such as Tibet, China, Korea China, and Sri Lanka. It was believed that this university has even contact with Indonesia. During its peak of its, this university had the capability of having 10,000 students and about 1000 teachers. Nalanda University was greatly valued because of its manuscripts and rich collection of study materials. People said that even Buddha had visited here during his lifetime and stayed in Nalanda and this site was even visited by Emperor Ashok. Nalanda prospered in all its glory till the 12th century after which it started declining after the attack of Muslim invader Bakhtiyar Khilji and later it was abandoned.

Hampi


During the reign of the Vijayanagar empire in the 14th century, Hampi was an important city and was the capital of the empire. This city was spread over the expanse of 26 square km. Hampi was surrounded by the Tungabhadra River on one side while a Granite rocky terrain on the other three sides. It was the centre of the great construction of several temples and monuments. The architecture of Hampi is drawn from various schools of design. During the medieval time, when most of the temples are constructed in the Tami style of architecture, the palace here are designed in beautiful Indian and Islamic styles of architecture also known as Indo-Saracenic styles. According to historians and scholars, the monuments of Hampi can be classified into three categories, Civil, military, and religious with each having its code of conduct. Hampi is a very popular tourist destination.

India always leaves a unique memory while you are visiting to this country. These are here some listed best architectural building and some of them are also popular as the historical buildings of that you can explore. If you loves to see the architectural art and structure then you can easily find it here.