Top Historical Places in East India

Known For : Taj Mahal Agra Fort Taj Mahotsav

Home to one of the 7 wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal, Agra is a sneak peek into the architectural history with other structures such as Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri and hence makes for a must visit for anyone living in or visiting India.

Best Time: October to March

20 Agra Attractions

Known For : Victoria Memorial Fort William Kolkata Belur Math

Kolkata, India's second biggest city, is a perpetually ongoing festival of human existence, concurrently luxurious and squalid, refined and frantic, pointedly futuristic, while beautifully in decay. A vibrant 350-year-old metropolis located on India's Eastern Coast, the capital of West Bengal thrives on contradictions and imposing spectacles; nothing is commonplace in this city. Famously known as the City of Joy, Kolkata is, in every sense, the artistic, cultural and intellectual capital of the country. Kolkata's streets are vivid, hectic, chaotic, and yet, brimming with life and creativity. Driven by the indomitable spirit of the self-made middle class, the city has created a beautiful juxtaposition of the old colonial-era charm with the nascent upcoming hipster culture that thrives amongst the city's millennial residents.

Best Time: October to March

79 Kolkata Attractions

Known For : Bara Imambara Chota Imambara British Residency

A city of kebabs and nawabs, of architecture and history, of literature and culture – that is Lucknow in a nutshell for you. The capital and the largest city of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, situated on the banks of river Gomti, welcomes you with a heartwarming note of "Muskuraiyein, kyunki aap Lucknow mein hai". Known as the ‘City of Nawabs’, Lucknow has a charm to it that is hard to resist. While the city itself is rich and opulent, the people of Lucknow also follow an endearing 'pehle aap' (you first) culture, which always leaves behind a smile on the faces of its visitors. From a slice of rich colonial history to modernized museums, the 'City of Nawabs' beautifully brings together the opulence of a glittering past and the simplicity of a modern city.

Best Time: October to March

47 Lucknow Attractions

Known For : Morgan House Durpin Dara hill Cactus Nursery

Kalimpong is a virgin hill station in West Bengal renowned for its panoramic valley views, Buddhists monasteries and churches and Tibetan handicrafts etc.

Best Time: March to June, September to December

24 Kalimpong Attractions

Known For : Tagore's ashrama Poush Mela Amar Kutir

Known to few, mainly as Rabindranath Tagore's home and now a university, Santiniketan is a small town located in the Birbhum district of West Bengal. The town comprises mainly of Visva Bharati University.

Best Time: Mid August to March

15 Santiniketan Attractions

Known For : Talatal Ghar Rang Ghar Ahom Museum

Dating back to the Ahom dynasty, this cultural town is full of historic tourist attractions from forts with underground architecture to numerous temples.

Best Time: October to March

9 Sibsagar Attractions

Known For : Nalanda University Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall The Great Stupa

The most popular Mahavihara of the ancient times, a significant Buddhist seat of academic excellence and a modest pilgrim center, all wrapped in a wisp of spirituality, Nalanda continues to be an equally enriching location in the present. It offers vibrant substance of spirituality, history, culture, architecture, and tourism.

Best Time: October to March

8 Nalanda Attractions

Known For : Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Tiger Hill Batasia Loop

Jaw-dropping locales, mesmerising sunrises, the untouched beauty of the hills, the old-world charm of the past, and the welcoming smiles of the local people all add up to make Darjeeling one of the most beautiful hill stations in Eastern part of India. Spread over a steep mountain ridge, nestled amidst acres of lush green tea plantations, Darjeeling stands at the height of 2,050 meters above sea level, thus boasting of cool climes all year round. This scenic hill station is the perfect getaway for a romantic honeymoon and is just around 700 kilometres away from Kolkata.

Best Time: February to March, September to December

30 Darjeeling Attractions

Known For : Gandhi Ghat Patna Sahib Gurudwara Srikrishna Science Centre

Prospering along the southern banks of river Ganges and set in the conglomerated backdrop of rich ancient heritage and a glorious historical past, Patna boasts of a dominating presence in history and enjoys the distinction of being one of the oldest cities in the world. Originally called as Pataliputra, Patna is currently a hot-bed for the culminating political fortunes. In addition to being one of the major and most popular tourist destinations in India- owing to its plethora of artefacts, monuments and grand architectural heritage which provide a peek in the bygone era, this capital city of Bihar also holds significant religious and spiritual importance. It is a gateway to pilgrimage sites of Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists.

Best Time: October to March

41 Patna Attractions

Known For : Rajbari Madan Mohan Temple Sagardihi

Cooch Behar, once the province of Koch dynasty, is a small planned town in North West Bengal Coch Behar makes up as a good option for weekend getaways for the eco-tourists along with those with an inclination towards history and archaeology.

Best Time: Throughout the year

5 Cooch Behar Attractions

Known For : Dakhil Darwaza Gour Firoz Minar

If you are in the mood to revisit your roots, Malda is the picture perfect place for you. Located at the confluence of the rivers Mahanadi and Kalindi, in the interiors of West Bengal, about 350 km from Kolkata, the charming town of Malda is popular not only for its mango orchards but also for its rich history and heritage. Malda literarily has Indian History written into every street and every corner of the city. Mango, silk and jute are popular products of the district. Mulberry plantations and mango orchards occupy a large area.

Best Time: October to November, February to March

14 Malda Attractions

Known For : Loktak Lake and Sendra Island Kangla Fort Tharon Cave

Imphal has a untouched charm surrounding its natural beauty, sceneries and landscapes as well as a significant history leaving hints of the past around the city.

Best Time: October to Apr

17 Imphal Attractions

Known For : Kapileshwar sthan Saurath Nagar Fort

An ancient city, Madhubani in Bihar is known for the richness in art and culture that the district strives for. Mentioned in the Ramayana, the city is known for the world popular Madhubani paintings whose origin lie here.

Best Time: October to February

5 Madhubani Attractions

Known For : Ujjayanta Palace Unakoti Neermahal

Home to the Manikya Kings in the past, Agartala is the perfect mix of natural beauty combined with diverse and rich culture.

Best Time: Throughout the year

15 Agartala Attractions

Known For : The Ashoka pillar Vishwa Shanti Stupa , Abhishek pushkarni (coronation tank) and Archeological museums Buddha's stupa

Located in the interiors of Bihar, Vaishali is a small district which is also a revered Hindu, Buddhist and Jain worshipping site. It is the city where Lord Mahavir was born. Considered as the first republic of the world, Vaishali is believed to have been named after King Vishal, from the time of Mahabharat.It is also the city where Buddha delivered his last sermon. Surrounded by groves of mango and banana and extensive rice field, it is now a part of Trihut division of Bihar. The village is an important religious and historical attraction site and is flocked by tourists year in and year out.

Best Time: October to January

7 Vaishali Attractions

Known For : Dzukou Valley and Japfu Peak Kohima Museum Touphema Village

Kohima is the hilly capital of Nagaland, which is one of the seven sister states of India. ‘Kohima’ is the anglicized name given by the British, the original name being 'Kewhira' derived from the Kewhi flowers found in the region. Famous for its ethereal environment and untouched beauty, it is a land of folklore passed down through the ages. Situated at a height of 1500 metres above the sea level, it is endowed with quaint hills, emerald forests and a picturesque landscape. It is the go-to place for all you adventure enthusiasts as it is ideal for trekking, camping and hiking.

Best Time: October to June

11 Kohima Attractions

Known For : Bhitarkanika National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary Barabati Fort Stone Revetment

Referred to as the cultural capital of Orissa, Cuttack is a commercial city with plenty of impressive tourist attractions.

Best Time: July to March

5 Cuttack Attractions

Known For : Mahabodhi Temple Great Buddha Statue Tibetan Refugee Market

One of the most important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists, Bodhgaya is a village in the state of Bihar. It was here under the Bodhi tree that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment. The place is bustling with pilgrims all through the year who come to pay their homage in the monasteries, shrines and temples. It also attracts tourists from India and abroad owing to its magnificent Buddha statue, the Mahabodhi Temple and the Bodhi tree.

Best Time: October to March

26 Bodh Gaya Attractions

Known For : Ganga Lake Ita Fort Namdapha National Park

With the snow capped Himalayas towering on the northern end and the fertile Brahmaputra river plains on the southern, Itanagar is a natural paradise.

Best Time: October to March

11 Itanagar Attractions

Known For : District museum Khonsa museum Khonsa waterfall

Tirap never fails to enchant its tourists with gushing rivulets, green and vibrant orchids and the freshness in air which heals the restless mind. Another spectacular attribute of this place is the ethnicity of tribals and their festivals, fairs and flawless artworks which are created with intense dedication.

Best Time: March to June

8 Tirap Attractions

Known For : Longkhum Ungma Village Langpangkong Caves

The most significant urban centre in all of Nagaland after Dimapur and Kohima and the home of Ao Naga.

Best Time: October to June

7 Mokokchung Attractions

Known For : Chandan Nagar Museum The Patal Bari The Chandan Nagar Strand

Wrapped in the interiors of West Bengal, in the Hooghly District, is the small yet significant town of Chandan Nagar. This small town which could have been in place of present day Kolkata, had history gone as planned, has the most unique and formidable history in perhaps all of India.

Best Time: October to February

6 Chandannagar Attractions

Known For : 108 Shiv Mandir Christ Church Golap Bagh

With a convergence of religion, nature, man-made marvels and the proverbial old world charm, Bardhaman is the ideal fit for a weekend getaway.

Best Time: October to March

14 Bardhaman Attractions

Known For : Prayag Kumbh Mela Triveni Sangam Khusro Bagh

A few kilometres away from Varanasi, Allahabad is reminiscent of all that is spiritual and sacred in Hinduism. The largest city in Uttar Pradesh, Allahabad is famous for being the meeting point of three rivers - the Ganga, the Yamuna, and the Saraswati. Built on the site of the ancient town of Prayag, Allahabad has, since time immemorial, held the largest Hindu gathering on the banks of the Sangam' the Maha Kumbh Mela. While Allahabad is often passed over for more travel-friendly cities, there is a lot to Allahabad besides just its religion. The places oozes heritage, history, and stories galore, and once you visit the place, you will definitely have seen Allahabad differently for having travelled to and through it.

Best Time: October to March

23 Prayagraj Attractions

Known For : Netaji Subash Chandra Bose Museum Ambotia Shiva Mandir Tea Gardens in Kurseong

Also known as the 'Land of White Orchids', Kurseong is a hill station located close to Darjeeling famous for its waterfalls, temples and Buddhist gompas apart from the excellent view that the place provides.

Best Time: April to May, August to October

9 Kurseong Attractions

Known For : Susunia Hill Joyrambati Bishnupur

With much historical significance, Bankura is a town famous for its hills and temples and a treat for adventure sports enthusiasts such as trekkers and hikers.

Best Time: October to March

9 Bankura Attractions

Known For : Rasmancha Lalji Temple Susunia Hill

A small town in West Bengal famous for its terracota temples, Bishnupur is famous among tourists, especially for its rich culture including architecture, music and handicraft.

Best Time: October to March

12 Bishnupur Attractions

Known For : Venuvana Japanese Stupa Vulture's Peak or Griddhakuta

Rajgir is town where the air that surrounds its beautiful sceneries carries hints of spirituality and vibrant hues of history with links with both Buddhism and Jainism.

Best Time: October to March

29 Rajgir Attractions

Known For : Sun Temple, Konark Chandrabhaga Beach ASI Museum

Konark, in the state of Orissa is renowned world over for the Sun Temple which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Annual dance festival and its beautiful sandy beaches.

Best Time: September to March

5 Konark Attractions

Known For : The F fort Diamond Harbour Lighthouse at Diamond Harbour

Located only 50 kms away from Kolkata and yet a world apart, Raichak, is a riverside town and is nothing short of a breathe of fresh air in its ultra urban and commercialized surrounding.

Best Time: October to March

8 Raichak Attractions