The riches of India’s heritage are reflected in its grand monuments. Their remarkable architecture is a testament to the ace craftsmanship of the artisans of those times. In this post, we focus on some of the greatly admired marble monuments in India.
Read below all the details about the top 5 marble monuments that you must add to your India bucket list.
List of Monuments
Top 5 Marble Monuments in India
1. Taj Mahal
The magnum opus of Mughal architecture, a symbol of immortal love, the Taj Mahal is simply unmatched in this world. It is a mausoleum that was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.
The Taj Mahal is one of the most iconic marble monuments in India. It is nestled on the banks of the Yamuna river in the city of Agra in Uttar Pradesh.
Commissioned in 1631, it took nearly 22 years and around 20,000 artisans to complete this impeccable structure. In 1983, UNESCO designated it as a World Heritage site.
The mausoleum complex houses tombs of the queen and the emperor. It is complemented by two symmetrically placed mosque buildings, a museum and beautifully laid-out gardens.
While the main structure is set in the Charbagh Garden, there is another garden on the opposite side of the monument, known as the Mehtab Bagh Garden.
Also Read: 15 Most Beautiful Gardens in India.
The sheer magnificence and the historic charm of this monument attract millions of visitors every year from India and abroad.
It is enlisted in the Seven Wonders of the World. There is probably no one who wouldn’t want to witness this exquisite monument at least once in their lifetime.
How To Get There
Agra has its own airport. You can get direct flights to Agra from cities like Mumbai, Lucknow and Bhopal.
If you are coming from Delhi, train is the best way for reaching Agra. The journey takes about 2 to 3 hours.
Buses also run between Delhi and Agra and the travel time is approximately 5 hours.
Where To Stay
Some of the best places to stay near the Taj Mahal that offer amazing views:
– Affordable: Hotel Taj Resorts
– Mid-priced: Crystal Sarovar Premiere
– Luxury: Radisson Hotel Agra
Check Prices and Availability of Hotels in Agra.
2. Victoria Memorial – One of The Finest Marble Monuments in India
The Victoria Memorial is a cherished landmark of the City of Joy, Kolkata. It was built to commemorate Queen Victoria, the Empress of British India from 1876 to 1901.
Upon the queen’s death in 1901, Lord Curzon conceived the idea of erecting an opulent memorial in her honor.
The foundation stone was laid by the Prince of Wales in 1906 and it took 15 years to complete the construction. In 1921, the memorial was opened for public viewing.
It is made up of Makrana Marble, the same white marble that was used to build the Taj Mahal.
A tasteful blend of British and Indian architectural styles, the building is truly an architectural gem of the city. Sir William Emerson, an eminent British architect designed it.
The memorial complex encompasses a huge museum, and a sprawling garden spread across 64 acres. The museum is divided into 25 different galleries.
You can see a fabulous collection of paintings, sculptures and other artifacts showcasing the lives of the British Royals.
The Kolkata Gallery is the most recent addition which was opened to the public in 1992. This gallery is dedicated to the history and heritage of Kolkata city (erstwhile Calcutta).
In the evenings, the memorial is illuminated when the light and sound show takes place. You can check the show timings on the Victoria Memorial website.
How To Get There
The best way to reach Victoria Memorial from other parts of the city is by taking a Metro train. Maidan is the nearest train station, approximately 1 km away.
If you are coming to Kolkata by flight, you can fly into Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Airport. It is located around 21 km from the memorial.
Kolkata is well-linked by train from other cities. It is served by 5 major railway stations including Howrah, Sealdah and Kolkata railway stations.
Where To Stay
Kolkata is a large city with several accommodation choices. Chowringhee Road, Park Street and Sudder Street are some of the best neighborhoods in the city.
Check Prices and Availability of Hotels in Kolkata.
3. Jaswant Thada
Settled about a kilometer away from the Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada is a grand memorial of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, a renowned Rathore king of Jodhpur.
He ruled over Jodhpur for more than 22 years, since 1873. His son, Maharaja Sardar Singh Bahadur, built this memorial in 1899.
The imposing structure stands as a symbol of a son’s affection for his father.
It was constructed using thin sheets of white marble, exquisitely carved and finely polished to give it a graceful look.
The monument walls exude a radiant glow when sun rays fall on them. It is undeniably one of the must-see marble monuments in India.
With an amalgamation of Rajputana and Mughal architecture, the edifice is an architectural masterpiece.
From pillars to Jharokhas and domes, the whole monument is adorned with intricate stonework. It also features marble lattice jaalis with striking patterns.
Besides the tomb, there are beautiful gazebos, well-maintained lawns and a tiered lush garden within the complex. Take a stroll to admire the picturesque surroundings.
How To Get There
You can easily reach there by an auto-rickshaw from anywhere in Jodhpur. It is within walking distance of Mehrangarh Fort.
The nearest airport is located in Jodhpur, around 7 km from the city center. Jodhpur Junction Railway Station serves as the nearest railhead.
Where To Stay
Jodhpur offers a range of lodging options from budget to luxury. For solo travelers and backpackers, Zostel Jodhpur is a great place to stay.
Among the mid-range hotels, Hotel Ratan Vilas is an excellent option. If you are looking for a lavish stay, pick Umaid Bhawan Palace. You can experience luxury at its very finest.
Check Prices and Availability of Hotels in Jodhpur.
4. Haji Ali Dargah
Located just 500 meters off the Worli coast, the Haji Ali Dargah is a noted architectural landmark of Mumbai. The monument was constructed in 1431 in honor of Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, a rich merchant turned Sufi saint.
He relinquished all his material wealth before setting out on a holy trip to Mecca. After that, he toured around the world and eventually settled in Mumbai.
The 700-year-old structure has undergone several renovations. It was rebuilt in Makrana marble when the most recent renovation was taken up in 2008.
The Haji Ali Dargah is an excellent example of the Indo-Islamic style of architecture. The complex has three main parts – the tomb of the saint, a mosque and a sanatorium.
The tomb is decorated with lovely mirror work displaying colorful patterns.
Counted amongst the most beautiful marble monuments in India, this Mumbai Dargah is well worth a visit. People of all faiths are welcome here. Anyone can visit to seek blessings of the saint.
A narrow walkway takes you to the Dargah complex from the shoreline. The place is accessible only during low tide.
Also Read: 12 Must-See Attractions in Mumbai.
How To Get There
You can reach Haji Ali Dargah by road or train from other parts of Mumbai. The nearest suburban train station is Mahalaxmi Railway Station, approximately 2 km away.
You will not find auto-rickshaws in South Mumbai. So, look for taxis or state transport buses to commute. The nearest airport, Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, is located in Santa Cruz.
Mumbai has train connectivity with almost all major Indian cities. CSTM (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus), Mumbai Central and Dadar Terminus are some of the busiest outstation train stations in the city.
Where To Stay
Mumbai offers a wide range of accommodation choices, from hostels to luxurious hotels. You can choose a place depending on your budget. For the first-timers, a few of the best neighborhoods to stay are Bandra, Colaba and Fort.
Check Prices and Availability of Hotels in Mumbai.
5. Bibi Ka Maqbara
Also known as the Taj of Deccan, Bibi Ka Maqbara is a mausoleum of Rabia-ud-Durrani, wife of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. It is located on the outskirts of Aurangabad city.
The mausoleum was designed by Mughal architect Ata-ullah. It exhibits striking similarities with the majestic Taj Mahal.
It is believed to have been built sometime during 1651-1661 AD by Aurangzeb’s third son, Azam Shah.
Originally the structure was planned to be a superior match of the Taj. However, the execution was hit hard by a severe fund crunch. So, the edifice was partly made of white marble, and partly of basaltic trap.
The non-marble portion was covered with a layer of fine plaster and touched up with a polished finish.
The structure is beautifully laid out in a quintessential Mughal Charbagh Garden comprising paved walkways, water channels and fountains.
In addition to the central chamber, where the mortal remains of the queen are kept, there are four minarets at its corners.
The mausoleum complex also houses a mosque that was built later by the Nizam of Hyderabad.
Bibi Ka Maqbara may not be a grandiose replica of the Taj Mahal, but it is definitely an elegantly built mausoleum. As a beholder, leave your bias behind and observe the beauty of the monument in its entirety.
How To Get There
The mausoleum is about 6 km from Aurangabad city. You can take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach there. The closest airport and the railway station, both are located in Aurangabad.
Where To Stay
You will find plenty of budget and mid-range lodging options in Aurangabad. Welcomhotel Rama International is a great choice among mid-range hotels. It serves as a perfect base for local sightseeing.
If you want something more affordable, look for 7 Apple Hotel Aurangabad. Check prices and availability of hotels in Aurangabad.
Check Prices and Availability of Hotels in Aurangabad.
Further Reading
You may also like some of these posts for India travel inspiration and visit-worthy destinations:
- 31 Amazing Things About India.
- 12 Most Famous Beaches in India.
- Top 12 Hill Stations in India You Must Visit.
- 10 Beautiful Islands in India That Will Mesmerize You.
Over To You Now…
So, this was our list of the top must-see marble monuments in India. Let us know in the comments below if this was helpful.