A major part of India’s historical, architectural and archaeological treasures are located within North India.
These historic places exhibit the different traces of human life, over the ages, on the Indian subcontinent!
So if you’re a history enthusiast, here’s a list of places from North India you can immerse yourself into for a slice of the bygone eras!
Krimchi
Krimchi is a small village in Udhampur, Jammu & Kashmir and has some of the oldest temples of India, popularly known as the Pandava Temples. Here, you can also visit Pancheri, which is a Hill Resort.
How to reach: Jammu Tawi is the nearest railway station in Jammu. From there, you’ll have to hire a taxi to reach Krimchi.
Accommodation: According to your requirements, you can find budget hotels, luxury or five star resorts.
Best time to visit: Winter months, as you get to see the snowfall too!
Kangra
In the state of Himachal Pradesh lies this beautiful valley of Kangra. Kangra is home to the Himalayan Pyramid – Masroor Rock Cut Temple. Other places to visit include the Kangra Fort, Taragarh Palace, Indrahar Pass and the Kareri Lake.
How to reach: Chandigarh, Jammu and Amritsar are the nearest airports. Regular taxis and buses are available from here to Kangra.
Accommodation: You have beautiful guest houses and hotels in the valley, with breathtaking views.
Best time to visit: The months from March to June are ideal for visiting Kangra.
Khajuraho Group of Monuments
These groups of monuments, located in the Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh, are basically a group of Hindu and Jain temples, famous for their erotic sculptures which are carved in Nagara-style architecture!
How to reach: The best way to reach is by road or by air. Khajuraho Airport is the nearest.
Accommodation: Luxury hotels are available. The Madhya Pradesh tourism runs hotels at very nominal rates.
Best time to visit: Winter months are the best to visit Khajuraho.
Jageshwar
In the Almor district of Uttarakhand is situated this beautiful Hindu pilgrimage town called Jageshwar. There are a total of 124 small temples, formed in a cluster!
How to reach : Best by road, taxis or private vehicles. The nearest railway station is Almor.
Accommodation: Limited stay options in Jageshwar. Best options are available in Almor.
Best time to visit: Any time of the year.
Ayodhya
Ayodhya, believed to be the birth place of Lord Rama, is a town adjacent to Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh. It has a rich history and is basically a city of temples.
How to reach: Road and rail transport is the best. The nearest railhead is Lucknow
Accommodation: You can stay there in hotels and dharamshalas.
Best time to visit: Winter season is the best to visit this place.
Varanasi
Varanasi, situated on the banks of the Ganga, in Uttar Pradesh, is said to be the oldest city of the world. It’s not just famous for its ghats, but also for the colorful and vivid life of its people!
How to reach: By air, rail or road- whichever suits you best.
Accommodation: The Ashrams around the ghats provide lodgings and hotel facility. Luxurious hotels are also available.
Best time to visit: It would be great to visit Varanasi in winters.
Bhimetka Rock Shelters
Another archaeological site showcasing the earliest traces of human history are the Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, located in the Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh. This place has remains belonging to the Paleolithic Age!
How to reach: Raja Bhoj airport is the nearest. You can hire taxis from there. Also, the nearest railhead is Bhopal.
Accommodation: Pocket friendly hotels are available for your service.
Best time to visit: Winters is the ideal time to visit Bhimbetka.
Kurukshetra
Kurukshetra, situated in the state of Haryana, is a great religious and historical place- the land where the Bhagavad Gita was preached by Lord Krishna to Arjun! The historical places to see here include the Brahma Sarovar, Sri Krishna Museum and the Bhisma Kund.
How to reach: Delhi airport is the nearest. Taxis and buses are available. You can even reach Kurukshetra by train.
Accommodation: Budget hotels and dharamshalas are available.
Best time to visit: Winter.
Panipat
Legend has it that Panipat, in Haryana, was founded by the Pandav brothers during the period of Mahabharata! It is also known for the famous battles of Panipat. The places of interest in this eventful city are the Panipat Museum, the grave of Ibrahim Lodhi, Kabuli Bagh and Kala Amb.
How to reach: You can reach there via flights, trains and even buses.
Accommodation: Well-maintained budget hotels are available.
Best time to visit: Best months are November, December and January.
Gwalior
In the state of Madhya Pradesh lies the historic city of Gwalior. This city holds a very important place in the history of India. Places to visit here are the Gwalior Fort, Raja Man Singh Tomar’s Palace, Scindia Museum and the Gopachal Parvat.
How to reach: Best by rail or road.
Accommodation: A number of luxurious and budget hotels are available.
Best time to visit: Winter season.
Vrindavan
Known as Krishna Bhumi, Vrindavan is a town in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. This place has a large number of temples dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha, and is considered to be one of the holy places for the Hindus.
How to reach: Either by road or by train. The closest railway station is Mathura.
Accommodation: Avail of the guest houses at Iskcon Temple and the hotels around.
Best time to visit: Winters.
Karnal
If you’ve read the Mahabharata, then Karnal, in Haryana, is the place to visit. It is also called the Rice Bowl of India. The various sites to visit are the Karnal Fort, Karnal Lake, Cantonment Church Tower and the Pukka Pul.
How to reach: Best by rail and road.
Accommodation: Budget hotels are the best.
Best time to visit: From October to March.
Hisar
Hisar, in Haryana, is yet another historic city that has the evidences of the existence of pre-historic man! Some of the monuments to visit here are the Banavali, Gumbad, Fort of Prithviraj and Devi Bhawan Mandir.
How to reach: Regular buses are available. Travelling by train is also an option.
Accommodation: Hotels and guest houses are available.
Best time to visit: From September to November.
Alwar
The city of Alwar is located in the state of Rajasthan. It is a majestic town with places and forts and looks beautiful with its picturesque scenic beauty. The Bhangarh Fort in Alwar is a major tourist attraction as it’s said to be haunted!
How to reach: The nearest airport is Sanganer Airport at Jaipur. Taxis are available from there. Rail and road transport is also convenient.
Accommodation: Beautiful palaces turned into hotels, budget hotels and luxurious hotels are available.
Best time to visit: From October to March.
Hansi
Hansi is a historic city in the state of Haryana and has many buildings of archaeological interest. Hansi has one of the oldest forts of Haryana and it also has statues of the founder of Buddhism, Gautam Buddha and the Jain God, Mahavir.
How to reach: Either by rail or road.
Accommodation: Budget hotels.
Best time to visit: From December to February
So, get your history groove on and travel to these places! We promise you, you will not be disappointed. Tell us about your experiences in the comments section below!