Modern art and architecture, without a doubt, have been producing some great pieces of monuments, structures, designs, and other types of infrastructures that almost look like magic. However, ancient India wasn’t far behind in terms of detailing and love for art. Here is the list of The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in India (from Ancient times), showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage and architectural achievements.
The workers and the engineers were so skilled and hardworking that most of these structures still stand today. These places are also some of the most underrated tourist spots in India. People who visit them get lost in their history, their past, and their culture. Watch the full story in 4K video here.
Surely, it’s fun to visit the beaches, the mountains, the lakes, the deserts, and the waterfalls. But a trip to the ancient places listed below will be a completely different experience in your lifetime; it’s just like time travel. Let us begin with the most beautiful places of ancient India that you must keep on your bucket list!
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
- Best Places to Visit in India: Incredible Places of Ancient India
- #1. Places to visit in India from Anceint Times: Nalanda, Bihar
- #2. Places to visit in India from Anceint Times: Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra
- #3. Places to visit in India from Anceint Times: Ellora Caves, Maharashtra
- #4. Places to visit in India from Anceint Times: Vittala Temple Complex at Hampi, Karnataka
- #5. Places to visit in India from Anceint Times: Temples at Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
- #6. Places to visit in India from Anceint Times: Pancha Rathas, Tamil Nadu
- Let’s Make Your Road Trip Special with Zingbus
- People Also Search For
Best Places to Visit in India: Incredible Places of Ancient India
#1. Places to visit in India from Anceint Times: Nalanda, Bihar
| Nearest Airport | Patna Airport |
| Nearest Railway Station | Rajgir Railway Station |
| Climate | hot climate during summers and is cool in the winters |
| Major attractions | Nav Nalanda Mahavihara, Surya Mandir, Nalanda Archaeological Museum, Pawapuri, The Great Stupa, Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall, Nalanda University, Surajpur Baragaon, |
| Activities to do | Hiking to Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Walking tour in Nalanda, Photography, Shopping, etc. |
| Best time to visit | October to March |
This place in Bihar is famous all over the world for the Nalanda University, which was established in the 5th century BC during the Gupta Empire. This university was the finest education centre of its time, and it taught Vedas, grammar, science, medicine, and many other subjects.
It had students from all over the world, including Tibet, China, Central Asia, and more. In its prime time, the University had meditation halls, temples, classrooms, dormitories and more than 10000 students and 1900 professors.
#2. Places to visit in India from Anceint Times: Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra
| Nearest Airport | Aurangabad Airport |
| Nearest Railway Station | Jalgaon city |
| Climate | Wet season is oppressive and overcast, the dry season is mostly clear, and it is hot year-round |
| Major attractions | Bodhisattva Padmapani, King Janaka & Wife, Buddha Paintings, Doorway Painting, etc. |
| Activities to do | Explore the caves, Take photos, shopping, etc. |
| Explore the caves, take photos, go shopping, etc. | June to March |
These are almost 30 rock-cut Buddhist caves carved over a period from the 2nd century BC to 480 CE. They are located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra and are part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They are known for their beautiful wall paintings and intricate designs on the walls of the caves. Inside the cave, there are many temples and other structures that leave you mesmerised.
The caves also have many residential places for Buddhist monks, and it is believed that most of these paintings were made during the time of the Satavahana Dynasty.
#3. Places to visit in India from Anceint Times: Ellora Caves, Maharashtra
| Nearest Airport | Aurangabad Airport |
| Nearest Railway Station | Jalgaon city |
| Climate | Wet season is oppressive and overcast, the dry season is mostly clear, and it is hot year-round |
| Major attractions | Kailasha Temple, Ravana ki Khai, Vishwakarma Cave, Indra Sabha, Do Tal, Teen Tal, Rameshwara Cave, Dashavatara Cave, etc. |
| Activities to do | Explore the caves, Take photos, shopping, etc. |
| Best time to visit | June to March |
This is also a UNESCO World Heritage places to visit in India and is located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, just 104km from Ajanta Caves. It takes two and a half hours to reach Ellora Caves from Ajanta Caves. Ellora has more number of Caves and is dedicated to three religions- Hindus, Jains and Buddhists.
These caves are famous for their large monolithic excavations. These were built during the period from 6th to 9th century by Chalukya and Rashtrakuta Kings.
#4. Places to visit in India from Anceint Times: Vittala Temple Complex at Hampi, Karnataka
| Nearest Airport | Bengaluru Airport |
| Nearest Railway Station | Hospet Junction |
| Climate | summers are short, sweltering, dry, and partly cloudy and the winters are long, warm, muggy, windy, and mostly cloudy |
| Major attractions | Vijaya Vittala Temple, Sri Virupaksha Temple, Hanuman Temple, Hemakuta Hill Temple Complex, etc. |
| Activities to do | summers are short, sweltering, dry, and partly cloudy, and the winters are long, warm, muggy, windy, and mostly cloudy |
| Best time to visit | October to March |
Vittala Temple Complex is located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, and it is one of the largest and most famous monuments in Karnataka.
It is famous for its Stone Chariot and musical pillars, and it was built around the 15th century AD during the rule of King Deva Rai. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and the art and architecture of this structure are unmatched.
Today, it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is also one of the most famous tourist destinations in Karnataka.
#5. Places to visit in India from Anceint Times: Temples at Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
| Nearest Airport | Jabalpur Airport |
| Nearest Railway Station | Khajuraho Railway Station |
| Climate | wet season is oppressive and mostly cloudy, the dry season is mostly clear, and it is hot year-round |
| Major attractions | Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, Lakshmana Temple, Light And Sound Show, Javari Temple, Parsvnath Temple, Shantinatha Temple, Jagadambi Temple, etc. |
| Activities to do | Explore the temples, Take photos, shopping, etc. |
| Best time to visit | October to March |
The temples at Khajuraho are dedicated to Hindus and Jains, and these are located in the Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh. They are also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and are a type of Nagara style of temple architecture.
Most of these temples were built from 885 A.D. to 1050 AD by the kings of the Chandela Dynasty. These temples are known for their intricate designs and detailings that loudly express the symbolism and expressions of ancient Indian art.
#6. Places to visit in India from Anceint Times: Pancha Rathas, Tamil Nadu
| Nearest Airport | Chennai Airport |
| Nearest Railway Station | Chengalpattu Junction |
| Climate | the tropical wet and dry climate |
| Major attractions | India Seashell Museum, Shore Temples, Five Rathas, Tiger Caves, Mahabalipuram Beach, Arjuna’s Penance, Mahishasura Mardini Cave Temple, Krishna Cave Temple, etc. |
| Activities to do | Explore the temples, go to beaches, explore the lighthouse, Take photos, shopping, etc. |
| Best time to visit | October to March |
These temples are called Pancha Rathas, also called Pandav Rathas, and they are located in Mamallapuram in Tamil Nadu. These are also part of the UNESCO World Heritage site, and each of the ratha is carved on a single stone of granite.
These temples were built in the seventh century AD during the rule of the Pallava Dynasty. One can visit the temples from 6 AM to 6 PM, and the entry fee for Indians is Rs.10, and for foreigners, it’s more than Rs.300.
Let’s Make Your Road Trip Special with Zingbus
Have you read the blogs and considered where I would get the car for it and how I would manage the budget? Well! Who has told you that a road trip can only be made through a car?
Taking a bus will cost you far less than renting a car, along with full comfort and fun. zingbus offers you several discounts on your first booking. Also, you may install the Zingbus app to take advantage of additional benefits.
Our buses are clean and offer complete luxury and comfort with free wifi, blankets, water bottles, and entertainment / TV. You can make your booking as per your requirements.
Plan a road trip with zingbus. Book your bus tickets now!
People Also Search For
- How to Choose the Best Seat in Bus for a Safe and Comfortable Journey
When traveling by bus, choosing the right seat can make a big difference in comfort, safety, and overall travel experience. Whether you’re planning a solo trip for women, traveling in a women-only travel group, or simply looking for the best seat in bus, making… - Electric Buses in India: Redefining the Adoption of EVs in India
India’s public transport is undergoing a green revolution with the introduction of electric buses, a cost-effective and sustainable option. This transformation is largely due to government policies like the FAME scheme, which promotes electric buses in India. These policies are… - Maha Shivratri in 2025: A Journey Through India’s Most Sacred Temples and Celebrations to Experience the Divine
Maha Shivratri in 2025 is going to be one of the most auspicious festivals in India. Taking devotees through a sacred journey of devotion and self-reflection, it lends you an immersive experience dipped in the spiritual essence of… - Post-Vacation Blues: You’re Not Alone (Yes, They Are Real and Here’s What to Do)
Vacations are an exhilarating escape from the daily grind. It is often filled with new experiences, mesmerizing sights, and delicious… - 2025 Top 15 Jaisalmer Places to Visit: Best Travel Hotspots, Restaurants, Experiences & How to Reach Travel Guide by Zingbus
Jaisalmer, India’s golden city, is an ideal destination for individuals passionate about towering forts, Rajasthani cultural heritage, and desert life. The Jaisalmer tourist attractions invite you to enjoy the golden… - Places to Visit in Goa: North Goa or South Goa – Which is Better & Why and Best Things to Do in Goa at Night
Every friend’s group in college plans a trip to Goa. People from every age group are also excited to visit this Southern coastal destination. From the stretches of Baga Beach to the rental scooty rides, Goa offers a unique experience to every traveller; its daytime adventures are as exciting as the nightlife ones like the Purple Martini Goa! You will find amazing places to visit in Goa, regardless of… - What Is Sustainable Fashion and Where to Go Shopping in India?
As India is moving towards sustainability, there is no doubt that this social cause is seeping into every sector of the economy. Be it energy, construction, transportation, or fashion, consumers are looking for products and services that contribute to saving resources for the next generation. What is sustainable fashion and how can you be… - 10 Best Upcoming Photo Spots and Trips in India in March
India’s varied landscapes, rich cultural legacy, and energetic celebrations provide a paradise for everyone to explore. March has many chances to get amazing images because of its mild temperature and flowering plants. Especially in March, when India is bathed in vibrant colours and moderate temperatures, the nation’s vast and eyes-soothing photo spots give photographers plenty of fascinating… - California’s Climate Crisis & Rising Temperatures: Are EVs like Electric Buses the Answer to Wildfires and Heat Waves?
California is already experiencing a worsening climate crisis as we enter 2025. Rising global temperatures have translated into devastating wildfires and protracted heat waves, transforming the state into a battleground for climate change. California people are facing unprecedented record-breaking temperatures and frequent environmental disasters. Can electric buses serve as a practical… - 7 Famous Temple Treks In India
Everyone knows that trekking satisfies the inner mind rush, but when it comes to trekking temples. It creates a pure sense of gladness and gives us a unique blessing. And we can definitely say that you will never forget the touch of spirituality. In this article, we are going to cover Top Famous Temple Treks In India, which is… - Top 10 Hottest New Restaurants in India Right Now
Are you a foodie longing to indulge in delectable cuisines that delight your tastebuds? If yes, the good news is that there are several newly opened restaurants in India that invite you to relish meals and savor mouth-watering delicacies. These restaurants offer much more than just food. The innovative concepts and sophisticated interiors are sure to provide you with memorable experiences. This year, a number of much-awaited restaurants have opened doors in the country. While some foc… - Electric Vehicles in India: A Sustainable Future Beyond 2025
With our steps into the year 2025 and yet, sustainability has become part of an emerging global conscience of the very way to be sustainable in facing challenges of global warming and climatic change, reflected in the growing demand for electric vehicles in the world’s greatest democratic nation of India. Guided by the Paris Agreement goals and… - Ready for Basant Utsav 2025 on this Basant Panchami? Know the Important Dates and Tips Before You Book Your Travel Tickets to Enjoy the Vibrancy of this Festival
Vasant Panchami, also known as Basant Panchami, is a big event that is celebrated in India and marks the start of spring and Holi preparations, also called Holika. This year, Basant Panchami will be held on February 2, 2025, while the Basant Utsav 2025 or Basanta Utsab (a Bengali spring festival) on Friday, March 14, 2025, marking the beginning of the Bengali… - Places to Travel in India and Best Must-Do Activities to Enjoy Your Time More!
India is a wonderland on its own. The country offers a breathtaking view of the mountains, beaches, and everything in between. Whether you are a naturalist or a water lover, something special awaits everyone. Right from the Northern region to the Southern states, directly from the Western Ghats to the Eastern beauties, you will find little capsules of happiness everywhere. Among various places to travel in India, it is almost impossible to… - Top 15 Gurugram Places to Visit and Fun Things To Do In Gurgaon
Gurugram is a city with a blend of modern and old ways of living! This fastest-growing city has tall buildings, big shops, international businesses such as Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Dell, IBM, and many cultural sites. Gurgaon has a lot to offer people with all their hobbies and needs. There are multiple things to do in Gurugram, from high…
Leave a Reply