13 Indian Heritage Sites That Your Kids Must Know About

13 Indian Heritage Sites That Your Kids Must Know About

18 Apr 2022 | 8 min Read

Reema Shah

Author | 740 Articles

India is rich in art and architecture which makes the country popular all around the world. The monuments represent the harmony of various cultures and traditions while adding to the beauty of the country. 

While heritage means something old, that does not mean that everything old is heritage. It’s those things that are passed down from one generation to the other.

India is full of such heritage sites but unfortunately, smartphones, tablets and video games have started to rapidly replace books and most children are unaware of these valuable heritage sites in our country.

It is important that as parents, we acquaint our kids with the rich culture and history of India. Indian monuments are a perfect way to educate children about the diverse Indian culture. 

We have curated 13 best heritage sites that will help your child learn about the rich Indian culture and history.

Indian Heritage Sites To Visit With Kids

1. Taj Mahal

Visit the Taj Mahal in Agra with your little ones / Source – Pixabay

When you start the discussion on the heritage sites of India with your child, you can begin with the majestic Taj Mahal. It is one of the most beautiful monuments and is located on the banks of the river Yamuna in Agra.

Built by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, the Taj Mahal was made in the memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The monument is made entirely of white marble which makes it look mesmerizingly beautiful. It has a magnificent architecture with a royal touch which makes it one of a kind. It is considered an outstanding architectural figure that represents the Indo-Islamic culture. 

The majestic monument looks aesthetically enchanting as it blends in perfectly with its natural surroundings. It has been cited as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

2. Red Fort Complex

Constructed by Shah Jahan in 1546, the fort is named after its large sandstone walls and is located in Delhi. It was built as a palace fort of the new capital Shahjahanabad. 

The Indian flag is hoisted every year on 15 August since 1947, at the main gate of the fort along with the delivery of a speech by the Prime Minister, to celebrate Indian Independence day.

3. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

Located in Darjeeling, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway also known as DHR, is a 2 ft gauge railway that runs between Darjeeling and New Jalpaiguri n the state of West Bengal. 

This heritage railway was built between 1879 and 1881 and it is about 88 km long. The amazing fact about this railway is that it climbs from about 328 ft above sea level to 7,218 ft with six zig zags and five loops to gain altitude. It is India’s highest railway station.

The toy train as it is popularly runs on a steam engine that was built by the British. It was given heritage status in 1999.

The other heritage railways in India are the Nilgiri Mountain Railway which was cited as a heritage site by UNESCO in 2005, Kalka Shimla Railway declared as a heritage railway in 2008 and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai which got it’s heritage status in 2004.

4. Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks

Located in Uttarakhand amidst the wilderness in the West Himalayas, is the Nanda Devi National Park It has the most beautiful India’s Valley of Flowers National Park, surrounded by meadows of endemic alpine flowers. Many endangered animals like the Asiatic black bear, blue sheep and brown bear are found in this diverse area. Take your child here to explore the wildlife.


5. Fatehpur Sikri

This place is located in Uttar Pradesh and is also known as the City of Victory. It is said that the purpose of building this place was to provide leisure to the Mughal Emperor Akbar. 

The site has mosques, tombs, the Buland Darwaza which is a lofty gateway, an elephant tower and a drum house that was used by musicians to announce the arrival of the emperor. In the Pachisi Court at Fatehpur Sikri, there’s a human ludo that has been square marked to play.

6. Konark Sun Temple

The Konark Sun Temple is one of the popular world heritage sites located in the state of Odisha. It is believed to have been built in the 13th century by Narasimha Deva. 

It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984. The splendid architectural beauty of this Indian Monument makes it worth visiting. Built with twelve pairs of wheels in the form of a chariot pulled by seven horses, the temple is also commonly referred to as Sun Temple.  

The three images of sun gods in three different directions add to the marvellous design of the temple. It also has remarkable sculptural work with intricate carvings. Your child will love it if they love history.

7. Western Ghats

This place is popular for being among the world’s top ten “Hottest Biodiversity Hotspots”. The western ghats consist of a chain of mountains that start from Tamil Nadu and go through Kerala, Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka. It has a variety of globally threatened species of animals and has several national Parks. You can also visit the  wildlife sanctuaries and reserve forests when visiting the Western Ghats.

8. Hampi

Hampi is visited by tourists around the world / Source – Karnataka Tourism

Hampi is one of the most popular world heritage sites located near the Hospet town in Karnataka, Hampi. What makes it worth a visit is the magnificent ruins and the breathtaking landscape.

The protected monuments here showcase the Dravidian style of art and architecture. Hampi has the remnants of the late kingdom of Vijayanagar. Some notable historical sites here include the Sule Bazaar, the Vittala temple, the Nandi statue and the Virupaksha temple.

9. Temples of Mahabalipuram

Located in Tamil Nadu, the architecture of temples represent the finest art and culture of Indian history and will take you back in time. The eleven rock-cut temples known as “Mandapas” are a must-visit here. Another place that you must check out here is the holy shore temples that are sea-facing.

10. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus

Start with the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus to explore Mumbai with your kid/ Source – Google Arts and Culture

If you want your little one to learn amazing facts about world heritage sites, visit the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus which is an iconic landmark of Mumbai.  The terminus was built by Frederick William Stevens and got completed after 10 years. It is a world heritage site and represents the Victorian Gothic Revival style of architecture.

It was previously known as Victoria Terminus. The stone dome, the pointed arches and the turrets make the design eye-catching. This terminus is one of the busiest railway stations in India and has newer additions to it too.

This station connects to all parts of Mumbai city and you can start exploring Mumbai with your child from the terminus. 

11. Chittorgarh Fort

One of the most popular World Heritage sites in Rajasthan, this fort is also called the Water Fort.  This place represents the rich Rajputana architecture and grandeur. It is set on the top of a hill which is 180 meters above the ground and spreads across an area of 700 acres. The fort is believed to be built in the 7th century by the Mauryans and carries mythological importance as well. Visit this historical site with your child and take them back in time. 

The Aga Khan Palace located in Pune signifies the Indian freedom movement / Credit – MKGandhi.org

12. Aga Khan Palace

Situated in Pune, this is a significant landmark that represents the Indian freedom movement. This elegant mansion was built in 1892 by Sultan Aga Khan III. It is a must-visit with children to teach them more about Indian history. Additionally, the interiors of the palace showcase photographs, possessions of Mahatma Gandhi and personal objects.

13. Ranthambore Fort

Located on the top of a hill in Ranthambore National Park at a height of 700 feet, this fort is in ruins with only a few parts that stand intact. You can visit both the fort and the national park. Take a wildlife tour with your little one at this historical site. 

Make plans to visit these places with your little ones and teach them more about the Indian culture and traditions closely. They will learn a lot about Indian history and retain them better.

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