UNESCO World Heritage Sites India List

India has a rich cultural and natural heritage, with sites recognized for their diverse history, architecture, traditions, and more. Forty-two sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites India List are dotted across different regions of the country. We journey across India to discover some of its most celebrated World Heritage Sites that enrich India country profile.

List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India

Site	Location	Year Listed	Category
Agra Fort	Uttar Pradesh	1983	Cultural
Ajanta Caves	Maharashtra	1983	Cultural
Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi	Madhya Pradesh	1989	Cultural
Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park	Gujarat	2004	Cultural
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus	Maharashtra	2004	Cultural
Churches and Convents of Goa	Goa	1986	Cultural
Elephanta Caves	Maharashtra	1987	Cultural
Ellora Caves	Maharashtra	1983	Cultural
Fatehpur Sikri	Uttar Pradesh	1986	Cultural
Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area	Himachal Pradesh	2014	Natural
Group of Monuments at Hampi	Karnataka	1986	Cultural
Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram	Tamil Nadu	1984	Cultural
Group of Monuments at Pattadakal	Karnataka	1987	Cultural
Hill Forts of Rajasthan	Rajasthan	2013	Cultural
Humayun’s Tomb	Delhi	1993	Cultural
Jaipur City	Rajasthan	2019	Cultural
Kaziranga National Park	Assam	1985	Natural
Keoladeo National Park	Rajasthan	1985	Natural
Khangchendzonga National Park	Sikkim	2016	Mixed
Mahabodhi Temple Complex	Bihar	2002	Cultural
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary	Assam	1985	Natural
Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks	Uttarakhand	1988, 2005	Natural
Qutb Minar and its Monuments	Delhi	1993	Cultural
Rani ki Vav (Queen’s Stepwell)	Gujarat	2014	Cultural
Red Fort Complex	Delhi	2007	Cultural
Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka	Madhya Pradesh	2003	Cultural
Sun Temple	Odisha	1984	Cultural
Taj Mahal	Uttar Pradesh	1983	Cultural
The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier	Punjab, Haryana	2016	Cultural
Jantar Mantar	Rajasthan	2010	Cultural
Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensemble	Mumbai	2018	Cultural
Western Ghats	Multiple States	2012	Natural

Cultural Heritage Sites

UNESCO recognizes 34 World Heritage Sites in India for their outstanding universal value. Here are some of the most iconic cultural sites at a glance:

Taj Mahal, Agra (1983)

No journey through World Heritage Sites in India would be considered finished without visiting the Taj Mahal. Emperor Shah Jahan built this extraordinary architectural marvel from the Mughal dynasty as a tribute to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal’s flawless symmetry and exquisite embellishments adorned with precious gemstones have made it a prevalent subject for photographers worldwide.

Sun Temple, Konark (1984)

On the UNESCO World Heritage sites India list is an engineering marvel from the 13th century, the Sun Temple is designed as a colossal chariot of the sun god with twelve pairs of exquisitely carved wheels and horses. Its architecture fuses elements of Indian astronomy, making it a stunning amalgamation of art, architecture, and astronomical features.

Hampi Group of Monuments (1986)

The sprawling ruins of Vijayanagara, the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, are intriguing to explore. Its atmospheric landscape contains over 1,600 structures like temples, royal enclosures, pavilions, and more, providing a glimpse into a bygone golden era.

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Khajuraho Group of Monuments (1986)

Renowned for its erotic sculptures, Khajuraho is adorned with intricately carved temples depicting Indic mythology, jataka tales, and erotic art. Its Nagara-style architecture and sculptures are a pinnacle of Indian craftsmanship from the Chandela dynasty.

Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi (1993)

This beautifully landscaped complex was the first garden tomb on the Indian subcontinent and inspired several major architectural innovations. The architecture of this world heritage site influenced the design of later Mughal grandeur structures like the Taj Mahal.

Jantar Mantar, Jaipur (2010)

This unique astronomical observation site comprises geometric devices for measuring time, tracking stars, determining planetary movements, and more. Its sundial is amongst the world’s largest. Even today, it provides a compelling insight into India’s ancient advances in astronomy.

Nature’s Art – The Natural Sites

India’s diverse landscapes are also home to several sites of natural significance with rich biodiversity and endangered ecosystems. Here are a few natural gems from the UNESCO World Heritage Sites India List:

Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks (1988, 2005)

Nested high in the Himalayas amidst snow-capped peaks, the scenic landscapes of these national parks stretching across alpine meadows and glacial valleys are home to many rare and endemic plant species. Their towering mountain silhouettes and flowering meadows are a sight to behold.

The Great Himalayan National Park (2014)

This rugged alpine park boasts over 1500 plant species and a diversity of rare medicinal herbs and floral varieties adapted to harsh climates. It also provides refuge to the endangered snow leopard and Bharal (blue sheep), adding to its ecological importance.

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Kaziranga National Park (1985)

Teeming with exotic wildlife and one of the top wildlife sanctuaries of India, Kaziranga’s floodplain and wetland scenery is best known as the habitat for two-thirds of the world’s Great one-horned rhinoceros. Spotting different animal species amidst tall elephant grass is a memorable jungle experience.

Keoladeo National Park (1985)

Declared a Ramsar site, this wetland, and its avian diversity are spectacular. Over 400 bird species, including aquatic fowl and migratory waterfowl from as far as Siberia, attract birdwatchers worldwide to its nurturing swamplands and woodlands.

Khangchendzonga National Park (2016)

Inscribed in 2016, this park, combining scenic Himalayan landscapes, pristine forests, and endemic wildlife like the red panda, is a sanctuary of natural beauty with cultural significance for local communities.

Living Legacies of the Past

To truly understand World Heritage Sites India, one must also explore its wealth of archaeological vestiges spread across vast excavated ruins, fortifications, and places of worship, revealing the majesty of empires whose histories were shaped here. Some such fascinating living monuments include:

Qutub Minar and its Monuments (1993), Delhi

Towering over the remnants of the first Muslim city of Delhi, the impressive 72.5m tall Qutub Minar, built in the 12th century in red sandstone and marble, stands out. Its surrounding archaeological park contains other historic structures like the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque and Alai Minar.

Mahabodhi Temple Complex (2002), Bodh Gaya

The site where Buddha attained enlightenment, its present temple houses the holy Bodhi tree. Its architecture and sculptures illustrate the development of early Buddhist art and have great religious significance for Buddhists worldwide. This is one of the most famous and richest temples of India.

Group of Monuments at Pattadakal (1987)

Its nine well-preserved 7th-8th century ornate Hindu temples built during the Chaleukyan reign portray various architectural styles from Nagara to Dravidian. Standing as proof of Karnataka culture, the exquisite stone carvings narrating tales from Hindu mythology are a feat of craftsmanship.

Fatehpur Sikri (1986), Agra

This perfectly planned red sandstone city was once the temporary capital of the Mughal Empire. Its palace complex of over 40 palatial buildings fuses Indo-Islamic designs reflecting Akbar’s secular rule. Its unique architecture amalgamating Hindu and Muslim styles makes it historically notable.

Preserving our Roots

World Heritage Sites India immortalize the glorious cultural heritage that our ancestors left behind for us. Their inscription on the World Heritage List raises global awareness about preserving and conserving our monuments, monoliths, megafauna, and mother nature’s gifts bestowed to enrich the wealth of India’s diversity.

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Sustaining their outstanding universal values is essential for our future generations to appreciate the artistic mastery and natural beauty that shaped the evolution of our nation. And for the world to continue drawing knowledge and inspiration from the many facets of India’s Cultural and Natural Heritage through the ages.

Site Conservation and Local Impact

To safeguard World Heritage Sites in India, UNESCO works with governments, trusts, local communities, and international non-profits. Initiatives include sustainable development projects, restoration activities, research, and training to promote responsible tourism. Local communities play a significant role and benefit through opportunities in conservation, education, infrastructure, and livelihoods. This balanced approach enables future generations to experience Bharat’s rich natural and cultural heritage.