Top 10 Must Visit Mosques of India

You must have read about the must visit Temples in India in our earlier blogs.We now share with you the Top 10 Must Visit Mosques of India in this latest article.Visiting the most popular mosques in India is truly an exhilarating experience as it exhibits the influence of Islamic religion on architectural style and culture.

Come; embark on a tour to the top 10 must-visit mosques in India with WaytoIndia.

Top 10 Must Visit Mosques of India

1. Jama Masjid, Delhi

Colossal is the word that truly defines Delhi’s palatial Jama Masjid. With a capacity to accommodate over 25,000 devotees, Jama Masjid is the largest mosque in India and is ranked among the most popular Muslim religious sites in the world. An architectural extravaganza in its true sense, the mosque was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 1644. If massiveness of the mosque doesn’t suffice your quench for architectural splendour, the impressive detailing over the gigantic domes, minarets, doors and arches will be an amazing feast for your eyes. The unique blend of white marble and red sandstone makes the Jama Masjid even more stunning and impressive.

2. Haji Ali Dargah, Mumbai

The Haji Ali Dargah is a mosque and Dargah, beautifully nestled off the coast of Worli, Mumbai. Situated amidst the sea, the mosque is one of the most popular landmarks of Mumbai that will instantly catch your glimpse as you drive off the beach. Being both a mosque and Dargah, the shrine attracts over 40,000 devotees on every Thursday and Friday. It is believed that prostration made in this mosque comes true. Haji Ali attracts numerous visitors, irrespective of religions, caste and creed. Undoubtedly, it is one of the top mosques in India.

3. Taj-ul-Masjid, Bhopal

Feted as the “Crown of Mosques,” the very impressive and fascinating Taj-ul-Masjid is located in the capital city of Madhya Pradesh – Bhopal. The history of the mosque dates back to 1844 when Nawab Shah Jahan Begum initiated building the holy Islamic shrine. It is claimed to be one of the tallest mosques in Asia. The mammoth minarets with marble domes, exquisite pink facade and exclusive trellis work will surely mesmerise your senses, if not the spirituality of this place.

4. Jamali-Kamali Mosque and Tomb, Delhi

An archaeological splendour of the 16^th century, the Jamali-Kamali Mosque and Tomb is located in Mehrauli Archaeological Park in Delhi and encloses a mosque and two tombs of Jamali and Kamali. Built during 1528-29, the mosque is considered a pioneer of Mughal architecture. A beautiful blend of red sandstone and marble facing gives the shrine a unique touch, while the Jharokha System is a feast for the eyes. It is truly an archaeological heritage of India.

5. Jama Masjid, Ajmer

An enchanting Muslim religious site built during the Mughals, Jama Masjid of Ajmer, Rajasthan, will simply win your heart. The grand mosque is constructed in pristine white marble, while the prayer hall is built in a star shape and is truly a beauty to behold. The Persian inscriptions on the walls of the mosque add a distinct charm to it and emphasises Persian influence on the Mughals. The holy shrine is located in close proximity to that of Moinuddin Chisti and is flocked by thousands of devotees during the annual Urs Festival. It is important to note here that non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the mosque during prayer time.

6. Hazratbal Masjid, Jammu and Kashmir

Located in Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir, the mosque is a hallowed Muslim religion site, nestled on the banks of the beautiful Dal Lake. The stunning white architectural marvel encompasses one minaret and one dome and contains a holy relic, named after the Moi-e-Muqqadas. It is believed that Moi-e-Muqqadas is the hair strand of Prophet Muhammad himself, and it is also from where the place and mosque get their name. Tucked amid scenic vistas, the quaint Islamic shrine looks amazing on days with clear sky and amazes the visitors when its reflection falls on the Dal Lake.

You may book Kashmir tour package by sending us an enquiry on info@waytoindia.com.

7. Quwwat Ul Islam Mosque, Delhi

If India’s architectural splendour and rich history intrigue you, Quwwat Ul Islam Mosque is one of the best mosques in India to visit. It is claimed to be the first mosque of Delhi post-Islamic invasion in the country and is a Jaami Masjid (Friday mosque) built during 1193 AD. Delightfully, it is one of the few surviving examples of Ghurid architecture in India and is indeed a spectacle to behold. Its floral motifs and holy Quranic verses engraved on the facade exhibit architectural brilliance at its best. The world-famous Qutub Minar was constructed in the mosque complex for the Muezzin to call for prayers.

8. Jama Masjid, Agra

Yet another popular mosque of India, the Jama Masjid in Agra was built in 1648 for Jahanara Begum, the daughter of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. The architectural marvel of the mosque is a spectacle to behold as it features three gigantic domes engraved with kalash finials and inverted lotus, beautifully carved mihrabs and red sandstone artwork. The renowned Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti is also situated within the Jama Masjid complex. The mosque is flocked by tourists from all over the world and is a popular tourist destination in India.

9. Adhai Din ka Jhonpra Mosque, Ajmer

A mosque with an intriguing history and architectural heritage, Adhai Din ka Jhonpra in Ajmer, Rajasthan, is ranked among the top 10 mosques of India. The mosque was originally constructed as a Sanskrit college to promote the progress of the language. However, during the reign of Muhammad Ghori, the construction was vandalised and he converted it into a mosque in 1198 by extending it with a seven-arched wall. The extended part is beautifully embellished with Islamic calligraphy, while the front wall has arches built of yellow sandstone. The amazing rectangular panels on the walls of the prayer hall resemble that of Persian mosques, giving the Islamic shrine a unique touch. It intrigues foreign tourists with its rich history and architectural beauty that is truly a feast for the eyes.

10. Bara Imambara, Lucknow  

Lucknow’s pride Bara Imambara was constructed by the 4^th Nawab of Awadh for a noble cause and is considered the biggest unsupported structure in India. The mosque is considered one of the most outstanding architectural marvels of the country which was started in 1784 and took fourteen years to complete its construction. Surprisingly, no metal or wood is used to build the mosque and is entirely constructed with Lakhnawi bricks and lime plaster. However, the most striking aspect of the building is the massive arched roof of the central hall which is built without using a single piece of girder or beam. No wonder, why it is recognised as one of the finest examples of unsupported structures in the world. The Bara Imambara also comprises of Bhool Bhulaiya or labyrinth that comprises of 489 identical doorways, over 1,000 passages and numerous staircases that run up and down. The Bhool Bhulaiya is one of the biggest attractions of the mosque.

Planning a unique holiday experienced? Do you want to explore the rich history and spiritual diversity of India? WaytoIndia takes you on a memorable journey to the famous mosques in India, ensuring the most blissful experience. We specialise in personalised tours as well as conduct guided tours for groups.