The Taj Mahal ranks amongst the seven wonders of the world. There is no doubt about the impressive construction of this Mughal-era architecture that is also considered a symbol of love. The famous white marble mausoleum might be among the seven wonders of the world, but it is not doing any wonders when it comes to attracting foreign tourists lately. Yes! you’ve read it right. The Archaeological Survey of India released a new report on World Tourism Day that ranked the top 10 historic monuments that tourists from abroad love to visit. And, in what comes as a surprise, the Taj Mahal is no more the most visited tourist site in India.
The World Tourism Day 2022 by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) shares some of the most visited monuments in India by foreigners:
1. Mamallapuram
The historic town Mamallapuram is better known for its age-old rock-cut temples, caves, architecture, and literature. The city formed of different historic monuments including a giant rock elephant structure, and a shiva temple, was one of the major cities of the Pallava kingdom.
2. Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal, the stunning white marble monument which is a symbol of love, is the second most loved place by foreigners. The white monument was built by Mughal ruler Shah Jahan in the loving memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Construction of the structure started in the year 1643. Reports suggest it took 10 years to build the entire Taj Mahal complex with a whooping cost of Rs 32 million, approx.
3. Saluvankuppam Temple
The Saluvannkuppan Murugan temple situated in Tamil Nadu is said to be one of the oldest Murugan Temple on Earth. The temple that was found in 2005 had a two-layer structure. The temple was constructed between the 3rd century BC during the Sangam period and the granite temple, which was built in the 8th century AD during the Pallava reign.
4. Agra Fort
A few distances away from the Taj Mahal, the historical fort built by Mughal Emperor Akbar is situated in heart of the city Agra. The architecture made of red sandstone is situated on the bank of the river Yamuna.
5. The Thirumayam Fort
The Thirumayam Fort spread on the sprawling 40-acre land is located in the town of Thirumayam in the Pudukkottai District. Tamil Nadu. The fortress constructed by King Vijaya Raghunatha Sethupathi in 1687, is known worldwide for its great historical importance and splendid architecture.
6. Senji Fort
Senji Fort aka Gingee Fort and it is also called Troy of the East the name given by Britishers, is another famous memorial that is heavily visited by a huge number of tourists from India and overseas every year.
