[10] Lesser Known Historical Places In India That Tells India’s Story

Each and every historical place in India has a story of their own.These historical monuments of India that are at all corners of our country relate to its glorious past, and various stories attached to the place.Apart from hiding great history, these sites also give delight for any traveler and act as tourist attractions for increasing tourism in India.

At travelescape, we explored few such great historical monuments of India that we have tried to map for the benefit of our travel community.The list talks about the story of the top ten amazing historical places of our country.

OUR LIST OF [10] HISTORICAL PLACES IN INDIA

MAHABALIPURAM SHORE TEMPLE, TAMIL NADU

Mahabalipuram shore temple

The ancient historical site which once served the old seaport of the Pallavas during the 8th Century.Mahabalipuram is a beach temple town located 60 Km south of Chennai.The majestic and ancient temple situated on the shore kissing the Bay of Bengal built by Narasimha Varman II (670-715 AD) dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu.While visiting the temple the local guide told us that the shore temple is lone survivor out of seven such temples.The rest was buried or fallen into the sea with the passage of time.

Mahabalipuram Info

BHANGARH FORT-RAJASTHAN

Bhangarh Fort-(source)

Perhaps most mysterious historical monuments of its kind.Chances are very high to hear numerous stories of supernatural activities from locals which happen in around and related to fort’s history.Bhangarh Fort in Rajasthan state declared as the most haunted place in India.Enjoy seeing the fort during daytime but remember to leave the fort until 5 PM or else you will remain in the secluded Bhangarh Fort

Bhangarh Fort Info

BEKAL FORT, KASARAGOD-KERALA

Bekal Fort Kerala

Remember the famous song from Mani Ratnam movie “Bombay”? “Tu hi re” was shot in this lesser known but biggest fort of Kerala situated at Kasaragod district of North Kerala. The historical firt is 60 km from Mangalore(the port town of Karnataka).Surrounded by a splendid Bekal beach, the historic Bekal Fort offers a superb and Panoramic view of the Arabian Sea.

Bekal Fort was a center to keep an eye on the enemy and not a center of administration.Bekal Fort served as an important military site of Tipu Sultan’s kingdom when he led the great military expedition to capture Malabar region of western India.

Bekal Fort Info

MAHABODHI TEMPLE, BODH GAYA- BIHAR

Mahabodhi Temple Bodh Gaya

Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya closely related to life and the teaching of Buddha.Included in UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Mahabodhi Temple is the historical place which marks the site where the Buddha has attained enlightenment under the Mahabodhi tree.

Monks coming from various parts of the world and dressed in saffron is often seen offering prayer in India’s landmarks temple premise.For sure we too experience a sense of calmness during our visit to historic  Mahabodhi Temple.

Mahabodhi Temple Info

TUGHLAQABAD FORT- DELHI

Tughlaqabad Fort Delhi(source)

Yes, a fort in the heart of our national capital, New Delhi.Built in the 13th century during the peak of Tughlaq dynasty in India.The story behind the ruins of the fort relates to the curse of Nizamuddin Auliya.

A saint given to Ghias-ud-din the then the first owner of Tughlaqabad Fort.The saint uttered a curse  Ya rahey ujjar, ya basey gujjar which can be translated to “either remain inhabited or would live gujjars“. So, after the fall of Tughlaq dynasty, Gujjars of the area captured the fort.

Tughlaqabad Fort Info

MURUD JANJIRA- MAHARASHTRA

Murud Janjira Fort

Kokan in the state of Maharashtra is a rocky section of the western coastline of India. It is a 720 km long coastline with numerous places and forts to visit in Konkan.Among them is a historical fort situated on an island just off the coastal village of Murud in the pristine Konkan region.

The fort built in the 15th century.There are many cannons of native and European make rusting on the bastion but now in ruins.One has to take local ferry from village to reach the main gate of the fort(source Wikipedia).

Murud Janjira Info

KONARK SUN TEMPLE- KONARK ODISHA

Konark Temple Sun Dial

Welcome to the eastern part of India.An important historical monument from the 13th century.Konark Sun temple still stands tall to tell the glorious past of India’s ancient civilization.Located at a distance of 65 Km from the state capital of Odisha, Konark Sun temple is in the shape of a gigantic chariot. The Sun temple finds its place in the coveted UNESCO World Heritage Site.The name ‘Konark’ derives from the combination of the Sanskrit words, Kona (corner or angle) and Arka (Sun), about the temple which was dedicated to the Sun God “Surya”(source

The Sun temple finds its place in the coveted UNESCO World Heritage Site.The name ‘Konark’ derives from the combination of the Sanskrit words, Kona (corner or angle) and Arka (Sun), about the temple which was dedicated to the Sun God “Surya”(source Wikipedia).You will find big stone wheels which will tell you the correct time without even looking at your watch.Do check out other interesting history associated with the great historical monument.

Konark Sun Temple Info

RAMESWARAM TEMPLE, TAMIL NADU

Rameswaram Temple (source)

We now move to the southernmost tip of India in the state of Tamil Nadu.Welcome to the land of Rama and our former late great President of India Dr. Abdul Kalam.We reach Rameswaram after crossing beautiful and fantastic Pamban bridge.
The Ramanathaswamy Temple lies in the heart of island town dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva is located and is closely associated with Rama and Ramayana. The Temple is considered to be one of the holiest places in India to

The Temple is regarded as one of the holiest & historical places in India to the Hindus and part of the Char Dham yatra.Legend has that Lord Rama worshiped Shiva at this location after defeating Ravana.The temple has striking long and vast corridors, running between massive colonnades on platforms above five feet high.Paintings on the walls of the temple look lively and vibrant in colors.

Rameswaram Temple Info

BASGO MONASTERY- LEH LADAKH, KASHMIR

Basgo Monastery-Leh Ladakh (source)

Let’s move to the northernmost of the country.A monastery from the 15th century, the powerhouse for the political and cultural center.Basgo Monastery located in Basgo or Bazgo in Leh District, Ladakh, which is 40 Km from the heart of Leh town.What is more unique is the design and look of the Monastery.The 500-year-old temple which has very powerful energy and wall paintings. For the traveler who likes a road less traveled, this is a must-see destination while exploring Leh.

Mahabalipuram Info

HAJI ALI DARGAH- MUMBAI

Haji Ali(source)

The Haji Ali Dargah is a mosque and dargah (tomb) located on an islet off the coast of the south Mumbai.The dargah is one of the most recognizable and visited landmarks of Mumbai.The historical place is from the 14th century and located off the sea coast.A visit to the Dargah during high tide will give you goosebump as if it feels like walking on the sea waves.

A visit to the Dargah during high tide will give you goosebump as if it feels like walking on the sea waves.Haji Ali Dargah is among the most visited historical places in Mumbai.

HajiAli Dargah Info

HAMPI- BELLARY, KARNATAKA

The ruins of Hampi are a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Karnataka.

The other famous historical monuments like the Taj Mahal, Qutab Minar, Charminar, Red Fort and Jantar Mantar are the most visited ancient heritage sites in India.