In addition to being home to the world’s oldest Hindu epic, Ayodhya is also one of the most ancient cities in India. Located on the Sarayu River, this ancient city was the capital of the antiquated kingdom of Kosala. Founded by the Hindu God Manu, the city has been celebrated for its numerous sacrosanct temples. Some of the top attractions in Ayodhya include the Treta Ke Thakur Temple, Guptar Ghat, Gulab Bari Temple, Kanak Bhavan, and the Mausoleum of Bahu Begum.
Lothal is a site from the Indus Valley era and is located in present-day Gujarat. Archaeological Society of India excavated Lothal between 1955 and 1960. The city is the first known example of docked cities, and was 2000 years ahead of the Greeks when it came to navigation. It was also an advanced civilization, exhibiting skills in bead-making and metallurgy. You can learn more about the history of these ancient cities and their civilization in this article.
Delhi
Most ancient cities in India include Delhi. The area was first mentioned in the Mahabharata, an epic narrative about warring cousins. Around 1400 BCE, the Pandavas established their capital, Indraprastha. But, the city was never a thriving metropolis. The city’s first occupant was Raja Dhilu, who built a fort near the Qutb Minar tower and named it after himself.
This city was home to the Mughal Empire for two centuries and is today a culinary hub. Try Karim’s for a delicious meal, or try a traditional halwa at Ghantewala. You can also browse through the old market at Chawri Bazaar, which was originally a hardware market. Later, the market shifted to wholesale paper and other paper products. While you’re there, don’t miss out on the spicy street food in Chandni Chowk.
After the British took over the Indian territories in 1857, Delhi was no longer a major city. British colonial rule diminished its importance, and it was treated as a Mughal city until 1857. The British shifted the capital to Calcutta and built New Delhi south of Shahjahanabad. Most ancient cities in India include Delhi. Book Taj Mahal Tours from Delhi.
Varanasi 
The spiritual and cultural significance of Varanasi has been preserved over centuries and this attracts the tourist for Varanasi Tour Packages. Its riverfront exemplifies the city’s unique confluence of history, mythology, intangible heritage, and religious institutions. The city’s ghats, or stone steps leading to the river, are a major draw for tourists, and they are a symbol of the city’s heritage and religious significance.
The river Ganga was the origin of the city, and the directional change of the river symbolizes its importance as a crossroads between heaven and earth. A holy dip in the Ganga purifies the soul, and a procession through the city’s streets and Ghats is a major feature of Varanasi. A procession of four hundred bodies is held in the city every day, and the eldest son of the deceased sets fire to it.
Another great attraction in Varanasi is the Banaras Hindu University, a university which has a campus of nearly 30,000 students. The Banaras Hindu University is considered the Oxford of the east, and the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum and Tulasi Manas temple are both worth visiting. For the religious-minded, visiting Varanasi during an important national event or festival will be a great way to experience this city’s rich culture.
Vrindavan
One of the oldest cities in the world, Vrindavan has been around for hundreds of years. During the late 1800s, pilgrims flock to Vrindavan to find peace and spirituality. Its forests are a sanctuary of calm and tranquility, dotted with peacocks and deer. Though the city is surrounded by dense forests, you will find little or no pollution here.
The city is also the home of several festivals, including the vibrant Holi celebration and the Janmashtami festival. You’ll also find many beautiful temples in the city. But the most famous site is Keshav ghat, a holy brook where pilgrims bathe to appease the Lord. If you’re lucky, you can also visit Vrindavan’s sacred river, Keshi Ghat, for a glimpse of the spiritual side of the city.
In contrast to other cities, Vrindavan has a unique problem: sewage. Before, the city relied on an eco-system for disposal. The toilet waste was thrown out every day and composted. It’s a beautiful arrangement of nature and humanity, but in 1970 the city government decided it needed a modern sewage system. That was the first step toward improving the environment.
Puri
Puri is one of the oldest cities in India, and it continues to attract tourists from all over the world. The city is famous for the infamous Hindu deity Lord Jagannath, but its history also includes the ancestors of Jesus and Mohmed. Its mysterious aura and ancient culture and traditions add to the city’s cosmic charm. A recent documentary, ‘Puri: The Mysterious City’, explores the city’s mystical architecture and eternally ecstatic people.
Puri is a prominent Hind pilgrimage city. Every year, millions of people come to visit the famous Jagannath Temple, which features the world’s largest kitchen. The city is also home to the Konark Sun Temple, one of the largest sights in the surrounding area. Visitors can also enjoy the city’s tranquil seas and a ride on a camel. And for those who love ancient temples, Puri has plenty of other attractions to keep visitors entertained for hours.
Located in Gujarat, Dwarka is one of the seven most ancient cities in India. This city is one of the holiest sites in Hinduism, and is an important stop on the Char Dham Yatra, which includes Badrinath, Puri, and Rameswaram. If you are looking to learn more about the history and culture of ancient India, then this is the place for you. Book India Tour Packages
Dwarka 
Archaeologists have recently discovered a sunken city off the coast of modern-day Dwarka. Many artefacts have been discovered, but it’s unclear how old they are. They are currently planning an underwater dig to search for the foundations of ancient city walls. If they are correct, a sunken city would be of tremendous historical significance for India. This ancient city was destroyed by the sea over three thousand years ago. Book Maharajas Express
Archaeologists have long adored the city of Dwarka, as it’s associated with the great epic Mahabharata and the mythical sunken city. Several explorations of the sea around Dwarka have led to a wealth of ancient artifacts. Beginning in 1963, the seaward side of the city was subjected to archaeology. A stone jetty and submerged settlements were discovered, bringing many interesting facts to light.
Dwarka’s most important industry is tourism. Most of the revenue is generated through pilgrimages, and the city is a popular vacation spot in India. The beaches, particularly Beyt Island, are well worth exploring. The island is 30 km south of the city’s main town and is home to coral reefs. Another tourist attraction is the 43-metre-high lighthouse. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Ayodhya
Although many people only associate Ayodhya with the Ramayana or the Ram Janmabhoomi agitation, this city actually dates back 2,000 years. Before the Ramayana was written, the city was one of the most important cities of ancient India. The city was once 120 miles long and 30 miles wide. It was also a prosperous city. Many of its buildings were multi-storied and studded with gems. The water from this city was so sweet that it reminded people of the sweetness of sugar cane juice.
The city is also a religious center for Vaishnavites. Most of the temples in Ayodhya were dedicated to Lord Vishnu until the eleventh century. There are similar shrines in Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. The city also is home to a statue of Hanuman and Anjani. Devotees believe that they can grant all their wishes at the Hanuman Garhi. Book Now – Ayodhya Tour Package with Delhi Agra
Ujjain
In ancient times, Ujjain was the capital of the Avanti kingdom, which flourished from the 6th to 4th century bce. It was also the seat of Ashoka, the last Mauryan king and the most influential early Buddhist. In the 2nd century ce, Ptolemy named the city Ozene, and later, the Greek, Scythian, and Parthian rulers of western India ruled Ujjain. After the Mauryas and the Guptas, Ujjain passed to the Chandra Gupta II of Magadha in 400 ce.
In the sixth century CE, Ujjain was the center of astronomical and mathematical research in northern India. It was home to many famous mathematicians, including Brahmagupta, who was responsible for spreading the use of negative numbers as a method of calculating distance. The sixth century saw the birth of astronomers and mathematicians. In addition to astronomers, Navaratna was also responsible for the development of mathematics and arithmetic.
Madurai
If you are planning to visit one of the ancient cities of India, you should not miss Madurai. The city is full of temples and is considered the oldest city in India. The city was well connected with the rest of the world and is home to the oldest language in the world, Tamil. Madurai is a temple town and you can take beautiful pictures of the city to share on social media. You can also submit your photos of Madurai to be featured with a smiley selfie. As a tourist in Madurai you can do Taj Mahal Tour from Madurai by taking a flight from Chennai.
A beautiful and historical city, Madurai is home to numerous ancient temples built by Dravidian, Pandyan and Madurai Nayak kings. It is also one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage centres in India. The city is also known as the Temple City, the City of Junctions, the City of Jasmine, and the City of Four Junctions. Madurai is a major transit point for travelers headed south, as well as a commercial hub.
Thanjavur
Thanjavur is located in eastern Tamil Nadu, about 50 km east of Tiruchchirappalli. The ancient city was governed by the Renati Chola king Erikal Muthuraju Dhanunjaya Varma. In 1799, the British captured Thanjavur and its city walls. Today, you can see many of the ancient buildings, and explore the historical sites.
In ancient times, Thanjavur was known as Tanjore and is the birthplace of the famous Tanjore style of painting. There are several important cultural sites in Thanjavur, but the Great Living Chola Temples are the most famous attraction. The Chola Empire ruled India for nearly five hundred years, and Thanjavur was the capital of their kingdom. Its history stretches back to the Sangam period, and the city has a rich heritage in arts and crafts.
The city was also home to many dynasties over the centuries. It was a great center for religious activity and was even mentioned in the ancient Rig Veda. Recent excavations have confirmed earlier estimates, and suggest that the city was thriving for more than 1600 years before the Roman Empire was founded in Europe. So, it is important to visit these ancient cities and learn more about their past.
Pushkar
The lake in Pushkar is an icon of Hinduism and is the most revered site for Hindu pilgrims. It is called the ‘Tirtha Raj’, which means king of pilgrimage sites, and a visit here is not complete without a dip in the lake. The lake is 8-10 metres deep, semi-circular in shape, and surrounded by over 400 temples.
In the eastern part of Pushkar, there is a Gurdwara Singh Sabha. It was built to commemorate the first and tenth gurus’ visits to Pushkar. The city is also home to the Varaha Temple, the largest temple in the area. The Varaha temple is dedicated to the third incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and is one of the most popular places in Pushkar.
There is also a fair held here every year. Pushkar has a small population and is easy to navigate by foot. The bus we took to the main streets was only a short walk away. The lake is also sacred, as it is associated with Brahma. There are also many temples in Pushkar. Despite the small size of the city, there are a lot of things to do in this picturesque town.
Gwalior
This ancient city is home to many historical sites, museums, and other attractions. It is also home to a zoological garden, a zoological museum, a central technical institute, and an industrial research laboratory. Jiwaji University, which was founded in 1964, has several affiliated colleges in Gwalior. Music is a very important part of Gwalior’s culture and it is known to be home to over 34,000 species of fish. You can enjoy the marvels of this city in your Golden Triangle Tour with Gwalior by car.
The area surrounding Gwalior was once the centre of a princely state. The Sindhia family, a branch of the Maratha dynasty, ruled much of northern India in the 18th century. Ranoji Sindhia founded the state in 1745 and it reached its zenith under the mighty Sindhia Mahadaji (1761-94). This ruler oversaw vast territory in central and northern India.
There are several parks in Gwalior. The Italian Garden was once home to the Scindia family, who used the garden for relaxation. Gandhi and Ambedkar parks are also prominent parks in the city. You can also visit the Gwalior Zoo, which houses animals such as tigers, golden pheas, hyena, and bison. In Gwalior, you can learn about the history of Hindu religion and culture at various museums.
Kollam 
Ancient settlements in Kerala and South India were known as Quilon. The town was renowned for its trade in pepper. Marco Polo, a Chinese mandarin, visited Kollam in 1275 and is believed to be the oldest city in India. Marco Polo noted that the city was inhabited since the Stone Age, and he saw Jews and Christians living here along with merchants from China. Marco Polo’s account of the town is documented in writings such as the Travancore manual.
In the early twentieth century, several historical events took place in Kollam. Sree Narayana Guru and his ally Ayyankali found the town pleasant and conducive to their work. In 1918, the Ezhava community met in Kollam and demanded admission to Hindu temples and adequate representation in the legislature. The Nivarthana Agitation was staged in the town.
Vadodara
Formerly known as Baroda, Vadodara is one of the ancient cities of India. With over 2000 years of history, the city is full of architectural masterpieces that are timeless in their design. It is the third largest metropolis in Gujarat, after Surat and Ahmedabad. The city sits on the banks of the Vishwamitri River and is home to many historical buildings.
Founded in the 9th century, Vadodara is the third-largest city of Gujarat. With its strategic location, Vadodara is easily accessible from both Mumbai and Delhi. It is also known as the Gateway to the Golden Quadrilateral, thanks to its proximity to both cities. You can also find a variety of other historic monuments and ruins in Vadodara.
In the ancient past, early man settled in the area and was probably a hunter-gatherer. During this period, the Mahi River formed a floodplain, and people lived on the banks of the river. They would grub roots with crude stone tools and hunt animals. Today, Vadodara is home to a diverse population, including a sizable population of former foreign nationals.
Patna
The city of Patna is located on the southern bank of the Ganges River, straddling the Sone River and the Gandak River. It is approximately 35 kilometers long and 16 to 18 km wide. In the past, Patna was an important trading center and was home to the world’s oldest silk factory. After independence, the city’s economy flourished, producing a variety of vegetables and oils. However, as the country moved towards liberalisation, the city suffered. With the decline of the textile industry, Patna lost its manufacturing industry, as well as its sugar mills.
There are several ancient cities in India. The oldest ones are listed below. Each one has incredible cultural significance and should be visited if you have time to devote to studying history. Here are the top 10 oldest cities in India. If you are visiting India for the first time, you must visit these ancient cities. They are a window to a different era and the evolution of human civilization. So, plan your trip accordingly and make time to explore these historic places!
Hampi
One of the oldest cities in India, Hampi is renowned for its art and architecture. The Vijayanagara kings cherished religion and art and invested in Hampi. Krishna Deva Raya ruled the city from 1509 to 1529 and brought Hampi to its peak in terms of trade and development. The Vijayanagara Empire was so powerful that it reached as far as the south of India, and the ruins of Hampi are testament to this. Unfortunately, the Vijayanagara Empire fell into Muslim hands and Hampi was left in ruin.
In Hampi, visitors can explore an empty temple complex, considered the most beautiful building in the town. This monument lies near the Tungabhadra River and is the main entrance to the famous Nagaratha temple. It is a beautiful example of stone sculpture and is carved to perfection. You can also visit the temple of Lord Shiva. The temple is one of the most important temples of Shiva in India.
Kannauj
The history of Kannauj dates back to the 8th century. In this period, the town was a centre of three major power struggles, with the Pratiharas, the Bargujar Kings, and the Rashtrakutas of Bengal and Deccan dominating the region. In the 8th century, the Pala King Dharmapala installed a proxy as the ruler, while the Pratihara king Nagabhata II and the Rashtrakuta emperor Indra III captured the city in the 9th century.
Today, the town is a center for perfume, rose water, and tobacco. It is also the home of a distinct dialect of Hindustani, the Kanauj dialect, which has two registers. The city also served as the capital for three different empires and is home to a famous temple and distillery. In the past. Kanauj is one of the major ancient cities in India, with references in the Mahabharata and the Jain scriptures.
The city has been distilled flowers and other aromatic substances for more than 400 years. Mughal emperor Jahangir was a ruler in Kannauj and is believed to have founded 800 perfume distilleries in the city. Today, the tradition of Ittar manufacturing continues to be passed down from generation to generation. The ingredients of an Ittar vary according to season, with white jasmine being the most popular in the summer and monsoon seasons. The winter varieties contain musk and heena.
