Historical Places in West India For A Stunning Heritage Tour

Known For : Amer Fort Hawa Mahal City Palace, Jaipur

Jaipur is a vibrant amalgamation of the old and the new. The capital of the royal state of Rajasthan, Jaipur has been ruled by Rajput kingdoms for many centuries and developed as a planned city in the 17th century AD. Along with Delhi and Agra, Jaipur forms the Golden Triangle, one of the most famous tourist circuits of the country.

Best Time: November to March

75 Jaipur Attractions

Known For : Ajanta Caves Grishneshwar Temple, Ellora The Buddhist Caves, Ellora

Ajanta and Ellora caves are considered to be one of the most important tourist destinations in the world owing to the magnificent paintings of Ajanta and well-carved sculptures of Ellora. The rock-cut caves containing carvings are the finest example of Indian paintings and sculpture.

Best Time: June to March

12 Ajanta Caves Attractions

Known For : Shaniwar Wada Aga Khan Palace Osho Ashram

Often referred to as the Oxford of the East, Pune is a bustling hub of multifarious people and activities and is in the contention for rapidly growing into one of the top metropolitan cities in the country. When someone says Pune, you immediately think of a laidback, yet lively town with a young and vivacious crowd that welcomes every visitor with an open heart.  However, there is a lot more to Pune than just its youthful vigour. Behind the modern commercialized façade of Pune lies the roots of ancient Poona, which gave birth to the Maratha Empire and had a very crucial role to play in the history of India’s independence. Pune is a city that perfectly blends modernity with tradition, and it deserves the title of being the cultural capital of Maharashtra.

Best Time: July to March

83 Pune Attractions

Known For : Laxmi Vilas Palace Sayaji Baug (Kamati Baug) Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park

Home to some of the most exemplary displays of architecture, Vadodara is a fitting memorial to Maratha leader Sayaji Rao Gaekwad III who had envisioned a dream to make this Big City an educational, industrial and commercial centre.

Best Time: October to March

29 Vadodara Attractions

Known For : Dhamma Chakra Stupa Ramtek Fort Temple Lata Mangeshkar Musical Garden

Commonly associated with its delectable juicy varieties of oranges, Nagpur is also the winter capital of Maharashtra and has a rich cultural heritage to enchant its visitors.

Best Time: October to March

37 Nagpur Attractions

Known For : Sikar Churu Nawalgarh

Shekhawati is a semi-arid getaway full of open air galleries, enchanting havelis & palaces and legendary forts. This region has been recognised as the open art gallery of Rajasthan"" having the largest concentration of frescos in the world."

Best Time: November to March

11 Shekhawati Attractions

Known For : Neemrana Fort Palace Zip Lining Baori

Neemrana town is located in Alwar in Rajasthan on Delhi-Jaipur highway. It is famous for its magnificent Neemrana Fort Palace. It was built in 1464 AD, a palace from where Rajput Maharaja Prithvi Raj Chauhan III reigned. Neemrana fort is now converted into one of the Rajasthan's oldest heritage luxury hotels.

Best Time: July to March

6 Neemrana Attractions

Known For : Grishneshwar Temple Bibi ka Maqbara The Ajanta caves

Aurangabad, which was declared by the Government as the Tourism Capital of Maharashtra back in 2010, is a famous tourist hub which greets its visitors with a richly woven tapestry of sights and sounds. From UNESCO World Heritage Sites to bustling markets brimming with delicate silk items and exquisite hand-woven garments, Aurangabad promises all tourists an exciting holiday experience. History buffs will be excited to know that Aurangabad has quite a bit of history attached to it. The city used to be the capital of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, which is how it derived its current name of 'Aurangabad'. While the city is rapidly heading towards industrial growth and globalization, it still retains most of its past glory, heritage, charms and traditions.

Best Time: October to March

37 Aurangabad Attractions

Known For : Sabarmati Riverfront Dada Hari Wav Swaminarayan Temple, Ahmedabad

A rapidly growing metropolis, an industrial hub, an educational hotspot, and a city with a magnificent past – Ahmedabad is one of the most important cities in Gujarat and is fast becoming a very popular tourist destination as well. Home to a plethora of remarkable temples, intriguing museums, serene lakes, good restaurants, and classy market, with a little bit of colonial history attached to it, Ahmedabad is a great example of how a city can still retain every bit of its old-world charm while still rapidly progressing on the path of globalization and commercialization. Located on the banks of the Sabarmati river, Ahmedabad is the former capital of Gujarat, and its delicious food, colourful culture and amazing hospitality attract a huge number of tourists all year round.

Best Time: October to March

64 Ahmedabad Attractions

Known For : City Palace, Udaipur Lake Pichola Jagmandir Palace

Udaipur, also known as the City of Lakes, is the crown jewel of the state of Rajasthan. It is surrounded by the beautiful Aravalli Hills in all directions, making this city as lovely as it is. This 'Venice of the East' has an abundance of natural beauty, mesmerising temples and breathtaking architecture which makes it a must-visit destination in India.  A boat ride through the serene waters of Lake Pichola will be enough to prove to you why Udaipur is the pride of Rajasthan.

Best Time: October to March

43 Udaipur Attractions

Known For : Mehrangarh Fort Umaid Bhawan Palace Mahamandir Temple

Also Known as the "Gateway to Thar", it is famous for its Mehrangarh fort, blue houses, temples, sweets and snacks. Apart from the fort, there are multiple temples, lakes, shopping streets that are like a mirage from a bygone era.

Best Time: November to February

43 Jodhpur Attractions

Known For : Sheesh Mahal, Nawalgarh Morarka Haveli The Poddar Haveli

Fondly known as "the land of Havelis" or "open air art gallery", this miniature town of Nawalgarh is located around 30 kms away from the town of Jhunjhunu and does absolute justice to the name given to it.

Best Time: November to March

4 Nawalgarh Attractions

One of the most remarkable excavations of the Indus Valley Civilization, Dholavira was one of the most developed civilization roughly 4500 years ago and makes an equally enchanting tourist destination today

Best Time: October to March

1 Dholavira Attractions

Known For : Chittorgarh Fort Padmini Palace Kalika Mata Temple

A depository of ancient monuments, an extremely rich heritage, and an immortal folklore boasting of its majestic glory, every building in Chittorgarh still reverberates with the history of its sacrifice and heroism. The capital of the erstwhile kingdom of Mewar, Chittorgarh is a land of forts, citadels, ruins, and evergreen stories. Situated in the South Eastern corner of Rajasthan, Chittorgarh stands at the helm of Chattari Rajput pride, and is remembered in the pages of history for its glorious battles, especially the siege of Alauddin Khilji. Once known for its grandeur and opulence, today, Chittorgarh has left its tales of bravery and betrayal far behind to catch up to commercialization, but those stories of splendour and magnificence will never be forgotten.

Best Time: October to March

19 Chittorgarh Attractions

Known For : Castle Mandawa Havelis, Mandawa Shopping in Mandawa

Known for its very popular Mandawa Fort, Mandawa is a quaint little town in the Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan. Popularly known as the Open Art Gallery, the town is replete with paved archways and magnificent havelis and fortresses. It is located in the heart of the Shekhawati region and is dotted with palaces and splendid mansions (havelis). The aura and vibe of the place reflect the social and cultural environment of the place in the bygone era. Owing to its royal rendition, it is also a hot spot for movie shoots and is filled in by media on and off the year.
An easy road trip from Delhi, a beautiful city suitably located in the heart of Shekhawati region, often called as an open art gallery, Mandawa is a good getaway for people fond of art and culture.

Best Time: October to March

4 Mandawa Attractions

Known For : Rani ki Vav Sahastralinga Talav Patola Saree Making Unit

Rani Ka Vav, the latest Indian entrant to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site is situated here, making Patan one of the newest tourist hubs in India.

Best Time: October to March

10 Patan Attractions

Known For : Pilucha Dhabdhaba Waterfalls Jai Vilas Palace

Vikramgad, situated about 80km from Mumbai is a small village on the Manor - Jwahar road in the Thane District of Maharashtra. It is a nature escapade and blessed with lush vegetation and ample flora and fauna.

Best Time: June to January

2 Vikramgad Attractions

Known For : Raigad Fort Diveagar Beach Jagadishwar Temple

Raigad, is a historically rich district is situated in the Konkan region of Maharashtra. Located at 2,851mts, it is surrounded by Mumbai Harbour, Thane, Pune, Ratnagiri and the Arabian Sea.

Best Time: November to March

5 Raigad Attractions

Known For : Sawantwadi Palace Moti Talao (Lake) Shopping in Sawantwadi

Sawantwadi is a scenic town situated in the Konkan region of Maharashtra in the Sindhudurg district. It is located on the National Highway (NH17) that connects Mumbai and Goa.

Best Time: September to March

4 Sawantwadi Attractions

Known For : White Desert of Kutch Mandvi Beach Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary

A desert city with long history of kings and empires make Bhuj one of the most interesting and unique historical places to see.

Best Time: July to March

23 Bhuj Attractions

Known For : Taragarh Fort Moti Mahal, Bundi Badal Mahal, Bundi

A princely state for a princely stay, in the northwest of India, lies the district of Bundi, in the Hadoti region of the royal state of Rajasthan. In ancient times, the area around Bundi was apparently inhabited by various local tribes.

Best Time: October to March

14 Bundi Attractions

Known For : Murud Janjira Fort Murud Beach Garambi Falls

Murud is known for it widespread sandy beaches adorned with majestic forts and outlined by palms and coconut trees, creating a perfect holiday scenery.

Best Time: Throughout the year

7 Murud Janjira Attractions

Known For : Jaigad Fort Swayambhu Ganpati Temple Jaigad Lighthouse

Situated in pretty surroundings, Ratnagiri is blessed with hills, sea shores, creeks, beautiful rivers, hot water springs, forests and water falls and offers a rejuvenating experience to travelers.

Best Time: October to March

29 Ratnagiri Attractions

Known For : Havelis Deeg Fort Bharatpur

Located in close vicinity to the city of Bharatpur, Deeg is a small town in the state of Rajasthan. Founded by Maharaja Suraj Mahal in the 18th century, Deeg served as the summer resort to the Royal family. Popular for its magnificent palaces, exquisite fortifications and desi bazaars, the town is an escape from the regular din of city life. You can soak in the rural landscape and laze in the culture. Not far from here is also located the famous Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary which is a must visit.

Best Time: September to March

3 Deeg Attractions

Known For : Nadine Cultural Centre Dholi Sati Dadi Mandir Temples in Fatehpur

Situated in the Sikar district of Rajasthan, Fatehpur is an ancient town, a prominent part of the Shekhawati region. Fatehpur is popular with tourists who want to try out a new destination, and have a knack for art and culture.

Best Time: October to March

4 Fatehpur Attractions

Known For : Paragliding Shinde Wadi hills Pawna Lake

Kamshet is a picturesque hill station in Western Ghats, renowned for paragliding and flying schools. Surrounded by Western Ghats, this place is regularly featured in the top 10 must visit destinations of India for an adventurous junkie.

Best Time: October to June

7 Kamshet Attractions

Known For : Barda Hills Wildlife Sanctuary Kirti Mandir, Porbandar Porbandar Bird Sanctuary

The birth place of Mahatma Gandhi, Porbandar is a beautiful beach town with some temples and dams, and is now also a popular trading hub.

Best Time: Throughout the year

24 Porbandar Attractions

Known For : Kalika Mata Temple Pavagadh Fort Jain Temples in Pavagadh

Being included in the elite list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites across the globe, this marvellous archaeological park set in the heart of the city of Champaner and amidst the Pavagadh hills is one of the most sought after places in Gujarat.

Best Time: October to February

8 Pavagadh Attractions

Known For : Jaisalmer Fort Desert Safari in Jaisalmer Gadisar Lake

Best Time: October to March

39 Jaisalmer Attractions

Known For : Sachiya Mata Temple Surya Temple Kali Temple

Osian is an ancient temple city located 65 kms north of Jaipur in the state of Rajasthan in western India.

Best Time: November to March

5 Osian Attractions