12 Monuments In India That You Must Witness At Night (2024)
India is an incredibly beautiful country with a strong cultural heritage, no wonder it is called “Incredible India”. It is home to several strikingly beautiful monuments that can steal your breath away with their historical splendour. But, the beauty of some of these monuments at night is incomparable. They look stunning at night and are a huge attraction for tourists.
12 Monuments In India That You Must Witness At Night
So, check out these unbelievably amazing monuments in India that are very attractive after sunset.
1. Taj Mahal, Agra
Taj Mahal, the native pride, elegantly holds an important place amongst the “Seven Wonders of the World”. This ethereal monument built by Shahjahan for his beloved wife, Mumtaz, holds a special charisma and looks stunningly beautiful at night. As the moon’s rays fall on this white-marble architectural marvel, the monument seems to speak of historical love stories of the past. Due to its cultural heritage and fame, The Taj Mahal is the most visited monument in India. Tourists visit the opulent structure to get a glimpse of its glory on the full moon night nowadays, though it was impossible to do so at one time.
But in 2004, the Supreme Court of India granted permission to tourists to visit the sparkling Taj Mahal from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 at night for about half an hour. People can visit the monument in a group of 50 people to visit the unreal and shimmering white Taj only on the full moon night, two days before and after the full moon night. Thus, the Taj Mahal can be seen only 5 nights a month, and the Archaeological Survey of India is responsible for the visits.
The authorities permit 50 people for half an hour from 8.30 to 12.30 a.m. According to the rules, only 8 groups or 400 people can see the Taj in one night. Don’t carry your handicams to the site at night. They are not allowed during the night viewing session. Also, make sure you reach half an hour before time so that you dont miss your chance to view the Taj Mahal at night.
2. Mysore Palace
Mysore Palace, or the Amba Vilas Palace, is an architectural marvel located in the Mysore district of Karnataka. This beautiful Palace was, at one time, the residence of the royal Wadiyar family from 1350 to 1960. The huge structure is a visual treat with its intricate details and fabulous architecture. One can enjoy the architectural beauty of the interiors of this Palace during the daytime. Still, it is a treat to the eyes to view this monument and its glory at night, specifically during the days leading up to Dussehra. Mysore palace is decorated with 1,00,000 lights for two months on the occasion of this festival.
If you want to appreciate the beauty of this stately structure, then get a ticket to the light and sound show organized in the evenings. This Palace is on the bucket list of most travellers and is considered second to the glorious Taj.
3. Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad
Falaknuma Palace, with its glorious white Italian marble, is also called the mirror of the sky by many. This fabulous structure is one of the architectural wonders of the 19th century and was built by Nawab Vikar- Ul-Umra in 1884. This magnificent Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad was built by an Indian architect and took nearly 9 years to complete.
Falaknuma Palace is a great place to stay and has 220 rooms and 22 halls, each designed significantly. The Taj group took over the Palace in 2010, and it is now a 5-star property. If you can get accommodation at this Palace do spend a night here. We promise you, the sight of the lit monument overlooking the city is one of the most picturesque ones you will ever get a chance to behold.
From the hilltop, in its silent zone away from the maddening hustle and bustle, the Palace overlooks the town with its night brightness. The Falaknuma Palace testifies to the majesty of the royal Nawabs of Hyderabad and looks magnificent when it is wholly lit at night.
4. Golden Temple, Amritsar
Gurudwara Shri Harmandir Sahib, popularly known as the Golden Temple, is located in the northwestern district of Punjab. The foundation stone of this sacred shrine was laid by Sai Milan Mir from Lahore, a Muslim Pir. As you touch the holy water of the Holy Sarovar of the Golden temple, you will see thousands of lights twinkling in the waters and devotees taking their holy dip. The holy lake glimmers with the beauty of golden lights, and the chants from the Guru Granth Sahib add a strange spirituality to the atmosphere. This is how the glorious Golden Temple or Harmandir Sahib looks for the tourist at night time. The peaceful chanting, rippling waters and golden sheen mesmerize the visitor into silence. Undoubtedly, the tall majestic golden temple with white marble is an admirable and incredible sight. The shades of the lights on the lake are a marvel that illuminates the whole area with its glory.
When lit up at night, this sacred place truly lives up to its name, looking like a golden gem. The shimmering and glittering when it is lightened up at night makes it even more surreal.
5. Jaisalmer Fort, Rajasthan
Jaisalmer, or the golden heaven on Earth, is an attractive city in Rajasthan, with hundreds of historical ‘Mahals’, mystical ‘Havelis’ and a huge expanse of Thar Desert adding majestic charm to its beauty. If you want to explore the real Jaisalmer, include a trip to the Jaisalmer Fort at night. You will see the real architectural and cultural concoction under the glimmer of the yellow lights. For this, book a night walk tour starting at the Jaisalmer fort and ending at Manak Chowk, Sagar Pol. The walk will enlighten you about the city’s cultural heritage and traditional aspects. The highlight of this walk is the gleaming fort at night with shimmering desert by its side. The sands sparkle as the lights shine, and the whole area illuminates with undefiled beauty. You will see ancient buildings, monuments, urban streets, hangout areas, and the Jaisalmer Fort.
6. Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
The iconic Hawa Mahal, made out of pink and red sandstone, is situated in the centre of the pink city of Rajasthan, Jaipur. This 5-storey building consisting of 953 windows is laced with brightly coloured glasses adding beauty and elegance to the building. In ancient times, this monument was built for females of Royal families to stay hidden and watch festivities on the street without being seen by the crowd. The night view of this iconic building is truly amazing when fully immersed with gleaming lights.
Made of red and pink sandstone, Jaipur’s pink palace boasts of unusual architecture. In fact, the opulent structure is majestic and a fabulous example of local artistic endeavours. From the top of this majestic Hawa Mahal monument, there is a breathtakingly beautiful view of the city.
7. India Gate, Delhi:
The historical India Gate of Delhi is the brainchild of Edwin Lutyens and is dedicated to 90,000 martyrs of India who lost their lives in World War I. Later, in memory of all those patriotic soldiers who gave their lives, fighting for freedom and their motherland in the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971, Amar Jawan Jyoti came into being. This “Mashaal” or “fire stick” burns and glows with glory.
India gate is nearly 42 metres high and is surrounded by lush green gardens and ethereal beauty. People of all age groups visit the India gate to see its beauty at night. The whole area is illuminated brightly with twinkling lights. The high structure stands regally in the middle of this greenery. Plenty of vendors sell eatables for the people who visit the monument late at night.
8. Rashtrapati Bhawan in Delhi:
On the western end of Rajpath lies the impressive Rashtrapati Bhawan. With fabulous architecture, the Rashtrapati Bhawan in Delhi is an impressive creation and home to the president of India.
If you want to see real beauty, get a glimpse of this intriguing and enthralling monument late at night. You may not be allowed inside the Rashtrapati Bhawan but can take a night walk along the Raisina hill to see its splendour from a distance. The Bhawan, with its exceptional architecture, indicates India’s democratic traditions, strength and secular nature.
During the night walk, guides tell you about the interesting history of the “H” shaped Rashtrapati Bhawan that Sir Lutyens and Herbert Baker conceptualized. The iconic monument that dazzles with light at night was originally built by the British. Imagine seeing a four-floored mansion with nearly 340 rooms lit up at night.
The Rashtrapati Bhavan has corridors spanning 2.5 kilometres and about 190 acres of lush green gardens. When the whole area is lit, you can see the painstaking efforts of hundreds of masons, carpenters, labourers, artists, cutters and carvers who helped complete the building. It spells power and domination and is symbolic of the traditions of Indian democracy.
9. Brindavan Garden, Mysore
The Brindavan gardens of Mysore, spread over 60 acres of land, lie in a horseshoe shape. These massive gardens were built in the complex of Krishna Sagar Dam by Sir Mirza Ismail, a Nawab of Mysore, at one time. The widespread greens sprawl across nearly 60 acres of land and have brilliantly illuminated terrace gardens. Beautifully lit-up lush green trees and bushes with a wide variety of flora can mesmerize the onlooker.
Wide varieties of lawns and plants are placed symmetrically in three terraces to add elegance and sophistication to these illuminated gardens. This undeniably beautiful sightseeing place lies just about 12 km North West of Mysore. It offers the visitors hours of bliss at its opulent terrace gardens and a well-lit musical fountain show every evening. The main beauty of this garden is its lightning amongst the botanical greens and water-filled fountains.
10. Victoria Memorial, Kolkata
Laid in the heart of the busy city of Kolkata is a true gem of colonial grandeur, the Victoria memorial. Lord Curzon proposed to build a state memorial in honour of Queen Victoria upon her demise in 1906 and came up with this majestic structure. Fully made of white marble sourced from Jodhpur, Rajasthan, The Victoria Memorial in Kolkata is a great depiction of European architecture. It comprises a huge museum with 22 beautiful galleries to add to its grace and elegance.
There is a light and music show in the evening named ‘pride and glory to enthral the visitor. This show depicts the British’s interesting history in India and traces the story of the glorious era of Calcutta. The memorial building also is beautifully lit up in varied colours.
11. Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
Built between 1929-1944, primarily to deal with drought situations in the region and give employment to 3000 people, Umaid Palace stands tall and regally in Jodhpur. It served as the residence of the Maharaja of Jodhpur, His Highness Maharaja Umaid Singh Ji and his successors during that era. Though a part of the grand Palace has been given to the ITC group of hotels for conversion into a 5-star property, the rest of it is still used by the royal family for their residence. This beautiful Palace offers a mesmerizing view at night because it is illuminated beautifully.
12. Red Fort, Delhi
The Red Fort in Delhi is a UNESCO world heritage site, originally known as Qila-e- Mubarak. This red-coloured fort is an iconic monument in Delhi with great historical reference. Adorned with lights, the building illuminates, and the brightness spreads all around at night. After 6 p.m., a Light and sound show is organized here daily at night.
The show is a historical musical saga that depicts the fascinating coronation of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Furthermore, the light and sound show adds a quaint, magical charm to the beauty of this old heritage monument.
A plethora of monuments in India exhibit a unique charm, especially at night when they are beautifully lit. These architectural marvels have beautiful carvings for visitors to admire during the day. Also, they illuminate the surroundings and spread the golden sheen all around at night. However, the list of monuments cannot be confined to just twelve because there are many more to add the necessary glamour to the dull environment and increase the grandeur of the atmosphere at night.