1 / 11India has numerous ancient and heritage cities that showcase their glorious past through architectural marvels, spiritual centres and cultural traditions. The country offers a vast number of places that tell stories of times gone by. For anyone seeking insight into India’s long and varied history, these ancient cities offer a direct look into the nation’s spiritual, architectural, and political past. From Varanasi to Jaipur, take a look at the top 10 ancient cities famous for their timeless heritage. (Image: Canva)
2 / 11Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: Considered one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, Varanasi is a centre of Hindu pilgrimage. Located on the banks of the sacred Ganges, the city is renowned for its ghats, abuzz with rituals and ceremonies.
3 / 11Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh: Located on the banks of the Shipra River, this ancient city is home to several old and new temples. Ujjain is also known for its Kumbh Mela, which takes place every 12 years. In your travel itinerary, you can include the Mahakaleshwar Temple, which is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and centuries-old ghats. (Image: Shutterstock)
4 / 11Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh: Revered as the birthplace of Lord Rama, Ayodhya is a major pilgrimage centre for Hindus. The city is mentioned in the epic Ramayana and features numerous sacred sites, including the newly constructed Ram Mandir. The ancient Indian city is situated on the banks of the sacred Sarayu River. (Image: PTI)
5 / 11Dwarka, Gujarat: Located in the northwestern Indian state of Gujarat, Dwarka is a must-visit destination for those interested in history and religion. This ancient city is famous as a Hindu pilgrimage site, particularly for the Dwarkadheesh Temple. It is also one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites.
6 / 11Hampi, Karnataka: Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its stone temples and ancient ruins. Situated in Karnataka’s Bellary district, you can explore the Virupaksha Temple, Vithala Temple, and the Lotus Mahal. It was once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. (Image: Canva)
7 / 11Delhi: New Delhi, India’s capital, has been the site of numerous empires and has a history that spans over 1,000 years. According to the Mahabharata, the ancient city of Indraprastha was situated where modern Delhi stands today. Known for its rich history, the city’s landscape is dotted with historical sites, including the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and Humayun’s Tomb. (Image: Reuters)
8 / 11Madurai, Tamil Nadu | Often called the “Athens of the East,” the city is a centre of ancient Tamil culture and history. Madurai, famous for its magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple, is a must-visit destination for history lovers. (Image: Shutterstock)
9 / 11Ajmer, Rajasthan | Known for its rich history, Ajmer offers a variety of historical, architectural and spiritual attractions. This popular city is well-known for the Dargah Sharif, which houses the shrine of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. Other attractions in the city include the Ana Sagar Lake, Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra and Nareliu Jain Temple. (Image: Wikimedia Commons.
10 / 11Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh | Renowned for its association with Lord Krishna’s childhood, Vrindavan is located on the banks of the Yamuna River. One of the most significant places for devotees of Lord Krishna, the city is home to several temples, including the ISKCON Temple and the Banke Bihari Temple. (Image WikiMedia Commons)
11 / 11Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh | Nestled in the heart of India, Gwalior is a major tourist attraction. The majestic town is home to several historical sites, palaces and beautiful temples. The city is known for its architectural marvels and rich cultural heritage.
