Many different dynasties and powers have fought and ruled over parts of the Indian subcontinent. Many of the monuments, palaces and forts they left behind, still remain as living history lessons in different locations across India.

The British Empire in India made significant architectural contributions to the Indian landscape. The new imperial capital of New Delhi has many grand buildings, which have been used by the Indian government post-Independence. Mumbai, Calcutta, and Chennai are other cities with notable British colonial buildings. Other colonial powers in India such as the Portuguese left grand buildings including many churches in Goa, as did the French in Pondicherry and Chandernagore.

Architectural Building in New Delhi

The colonial buildings in New Delhi can be seen in all their splendour as some of them are open to the public and others are the seat of the Indian government. New Delhi was designed and planned by the English architect, Edwin Lutyens. The Presidents Mansion, Parliament House, and India Gate, the war memorial in the central vista of New Delhi, are among Lutyens designs. South Delhi, which is known as the Lutyens Bungalow Zone, is a beautiful quiet green area, with wide tree-lined avenues and gracious bungalows set amidst sprawling lawns.

Architectural Buildings in Mumbai

The Gateway of India was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911 and proudly stands as a landmark of Mumbai even today. Victoria Terminus in Mumbai also called the Chhatrapati Shivaji Stadium, is one the busiest stations in the world and is known for its gothic architecture similar to St Pancras Station in London. Church gate, andother railway station and Rajabhai Tower, which resembles Big Ben in London are other examples of colonial architecture in Mumbai.

Heritage Buildings of Goa

Panaji, the capital of Goa is a heritage location with many colonial buildings, renowned churches and buildings constructed in Gothic style, situated on the left bank of the Mandovi river. The church dedicated to our Lady of Immaculate Conception, the Chapel of St. Sebastian, the Goa State Museum, the Secretariat building, the statue of Abbe Faria are must-see stops on the itinerary of any tourist. Old Goa has many famous colonial structures including the holy Basilica of Bom Jesus, which houses the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. It is a famous pilgrimage center among Roman Catholics. Other well-known churches are the Convent and Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Church of St. Cajetan, Church of St. Augustine Ruins, Church and Convent of St. Monica, Church of Our Lady of Rosary, Chapel of St. Anthony and Chapel of St. Catherine. These Portuguese colonial structures, exemplify the colonial architecture of erstwhile Portuguese rulers of Goa.

Architectural Buildings Kolkata

BBD Bagh was the center of power when Kolkata was the capital of British India. This is the place that houses the famous Writer's Building (clerks were known as writers in the British India) which is the seat of the government of West Bengal and the old Fort William.

Victoria Memorial is a huge white-marble structure and the most enduring remnant of the British Raj in India. The structure, which is now floodlit in the night, It has been now converted into a museum that houses the most impressive collection of memorabilia's from the days of the British Raj.

Fort William was constructed in 1781 after the unfortunate happenings of 1756 in which many British soldiers with their families were killed by Siraj-Ud-Daula. A large area around the village of Govindpur was cleared of the forests and this fort was constructed, which for some time also lent its name to the city. The fort is still in use and visitors are allowed inside only after getting special permits. The area around the fort is a very large patch of green known as the Maidan (ground). The Maidan is also known as the lung of Kolkata and stretches 1 km in width and 3 km in length.

Howrah Bridge is an excellent example of the engineering techniques of the early 20th century. The whole bridge is 450 m long without any pylons in the Hoogly River. The bridge also has the distinction of being the busiest bridge in the world catering to around 100,000 vehicles and innumerable pedestrians.

Architectural Buildings in Chennai

Fort St George: Built by the British East India Company in 1653 this fort houses St Mary's Church, the first British Church in Chennai and has a museum with a collection of British and French historical artifacts. It is currently used as the State Secretariat or seat of local government.

St Thomas Mount: One of Christ's disciples, St Thomas is believed to have visited India between 52 and 72 AD. He is believed to have died in the area called St Thomas Mount. The Portuguese built the Luz and Descanco churches. There are several churches and a museum to be seen on St Thomas Mount. Enjoy turning back time and stepping into history when you visit these monuments and more on your Colonial Buildings Tour of India.