Must see UNESCO World Heritage Sites of India

• 2021-09-01 11:45:22

1. Taj Mahal, Agra- The Taj Mahal, known as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, was established on the banks of the Jamuna River by Emperor Shah Jahan in loving remembrance of his wife, Mumtaj Mahal. It is a superb example of Mughal architecture and one of the most well-known structures in the world, having been built in 1653. It is known as the "Jewel of Muslim Art in India" and is regarded as the best example of Mughal architecture in the world. It was included in the World Heritage List in 1983.
2. Khajuraho Group of Temples, Khajuraho- Khajuraho, located 175 kilometres south of Jhansi, is a unique cultural site known for a complex of Hindu and Jain temples. Their Nagara-style symbolism and sensual figures and sculptures are well-known. Khajuraho is a prominent UNESCO World Heritage site in India enlisted in 1986, located in Madhya Pradesh. These erotically depicted stone sculptures of human and animal forms in sensual situations are artistically pleasing and provide witness to India's rich cultural past. The Chandella dynasty ruled from 950 to 1050 CE, when the majority of these monuments were constructed. It has a total of 85 temples spread out over a 20-square-kilometer region. The most well-known is the Kandariya temple.
3. Red Fort Complex, Delhi- The Red Fort is a gigantic structure composed of red sandstone that is regarded as the pinnacle of Mughal architecture in India. Museums, gardens, lofty gates, Chawri Bazar, Chhatta Chowk, Mumtaz Mahal, and Diwan-i-Aam are all part of the Red Fort Complex. The Red Fort Complex encompasses both the Red Fort and the Salimgarh fort, which was completed in 1546 by Islam Shah Suri. The palace's design is inspired by Islamic precedents, although each structure incorporates architectural features from Persian, Timurid, and Hindu traditions. It was listed as a World Heritage Site in 2007.
4. Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka, Bhopal- These shelters, which were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003, are located on the foothills of the Vindhya range, on the southern edge of the central Indian plateau. The paintings were discovered in the shape of five clusters of natural rock shelters that date back to the Mesolithic and other times after it. The inhabitants of the surrounding areas have cultural customs that are remarkably similar to those depicted in the paintings.
5. Hampi Group of Monuments, Hampi- Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Karnataka's northern region enlisted in 1986. It is located inside the remains of Vijayanagar, a historic and prosperous country. The Hampi ruins are a collection of cultural monuments that showcase the superb Dravidian art and architecture. The Virupaksha Temple is the most significant heritage monument on the site, and it continues to be a significant Hindu religious centre. This historic site also includes a number of other sites that are collectively known as the ‘Group of Monuments at Hampi.' The Krishna temple complex, Narasimha, Ganesa, Hemakuta group of temples, Achyutaraya temple complex, Vitthala temple complex, Pattabhirama temple complex, Lotus Mahal complex, several puras or bazaars surrounding the temple complex, as well as living quarters and residential areas, are some of the other well-known ones.
6. Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhgaya- The Mahabodhi Temple at Bodhgaya is the most important Buddhist temple and one of the four holy sites associated with the life of the Lord Buddha. In 2002, the Mahabodhi Vihar, located about 96 kilometres from Patna, Bihar, was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
7. Mahabalipuram Group of Monuments, Mahabalipuram- Pallava kings built these series of monuments along the Bay of Bengal's Coromandel coast in the 7th and 8th century. These temples have intricate and unique architectural forms like rathas (chariot temples), mandapas (cave sanctuaries), and massive open-air reliefs such as the ‘Descent of the Ganges.' It also contains the Rivage temple, which contains thousands of statues dedicated to Shiva's splendour. Listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, these proudly speak of the times bygone.
8. Ellora Caves, Aurangabad- The Ellora Caves, famous for their Indian-rock-cut architecture, date from around 600 to 1000 AD. These caves are important because they help us comprehend the lifestyles of the people who lived in ancient periods. The presence of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain temples side by side demonstrates ancient India's higher level of tolerance for one another and varied faiths and beliefs. In 1983, the Ellora complex was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
9. Ajanta Caves, Aurangabad- Buddhist rock-cut cave monuments, ornately decorated paintings, and frescoes akin to those seen in Sigiriya. The Ajanta Caves are one of India's first World Heritage sites, dating from from the 2nd century BCE to 650 CE and including the most stunning works of 31 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments, paintings, and sculpture. The caves were constructed in two stages. Under the patronage of the Satavahana Dynasty, the first of the Satavahana Period began (230 BCE-220 CE). Second, the caverns of Emperor Harishena of the Vakataka Dynasty during the Vakataka Period. In 1983, the caves were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
10. Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi, Sanchi- It is the oldest Buddhist sanctuary in existence and was a prominent Buddhist centre in India until the 12th century A.D. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1989. Monolithic pillars, palaces, temples, and monasteries) all in various levels of preservation, the majority of which originate from the 2nd and 1st century B.C.
11. Sun Temple, Konark- The Sun Temple, which dates from the 13th century and was built by King Narasimhadeva in AD 1250, is located in Konark. The temple is unique in that it is shaped like a giant chariot, complete with a stone wheel, pillars, and walls. The chariot is led by six massive horses. The Sun Temple is one of India's largest Brahmin shrines, reflecting the splendour of traditional Kalinga architectural style. It was recognised as an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.
12. Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi- Mughal Architecture, A Tomb, Many Water Channels, A Pavilion, and A Bath were all built before the Taj Mahal- Famous as the precursor, Humayun’s Tomb was built in between 1565 and 1572. Begum Bega, Humayun's first wife, constructed this World Heritage Site in India, which was declared in 1993. It is the only monument in the world that has undergone multiple restorations and is now complete. It's a tomb complex with other minor monuments, including the tombs of Isa Khan Niyazi, an Afghan noble in the Suri dynasty's Sher Shah Suri's court.
13. Group of Monuments in Pattadakal, Pattadakal- This UNESCO World Heritage Site was added to the list in 1987 and is known for its Chalukya architecture. This architectural style began in Aihole and was eventually mixed with Dravidian and Nagara styles. There are eight temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in the group, with many more dedicated to Jainism. Virupaksha Temple, Chandrashekhara Temple, Sangameshwara Temple, Ganga Nath Temple, MallikarjuTemple, KashivishwanathTemple, JainTemple, and others are some of the group's notable landmarks.
14. Hill Forts of Rajasthan- It features six ancient forts in Rajasthan's Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Sawai Madhopur, Jaisalmer, Jaipur, and Jhalawar, all of which were designated as World Heritage Sites in 2013. The forts' majestic and imposing exteriors reflect the Rajput sovereignty over this country from the eighth to the eighteenth centuries. These walls encircled urban centres, palaces, trading centres, and temples, all of which were hotbeds of art and culture. Because the forts exploited natural resources like hills, deserts, forests, and other sacred locations for defence, some urban centres, as well as most temples and other sacred places, have survived.
15. The Complexe du Capitole, Chandigarh- This UNESCO World Heritage Site is made up of 17 Le Corbusier-designed buildings distributed across seven nations. The Palace of Assembly or Legislative Assembly, Secretariat, High Court, Open Hand Monument, Geometric Hill, and Tower of Shadows are all part of the Complexe du Capitole in Chandigarh, which consists of three buildings, three monuments, and a lake. In 2016, it was included in a list of World Heritage Sites along with other creations.
16. The Great Living Chola Temples, Tamil Nadu- Chola architecture, sculpture, painting, and bronze casting makes these temples well-known. During the Chola Empire's reign, these temples were constructed in the southern part of India. The most important of these temples are the Brihadisvara Temple, the Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, and the Airavatesvara Temple. The Brihadisvara temple was constructed during the reign of Rajaraja 1 and is a landmark in Chola architecture. Rajendra 1 was the patron of the Gangaikondacholapuram temple, which was dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Airavatesvara temple, on the other hand, was built during the reign of Rajaraja II and is visually distinct from the other two. These temples are still active temples, with rites and festivals that have been practised for thousands of years. As a result, these three temples embody Tamilians' ancient culture and traditions and are inextricably linked to their past. These were designated as World Heritage Sites in 1987 and 2004.
17. Churches and Conventions of Goa, Goa- The Portuguese colonial rulers' art can be seen in the Churches and Convents of Goa, which were built during the 16th and 18th centuries. They are mostly found in the state's Old Goa region, also known as Velha Goa. The principal site of this group, which houses St. Xavier's tomb, is the Basilica of Bom Jesus. The entire number of churches and convents was previously estimated to exceed 60, but many have since decayed. These have been a famous tourist destination, in 1986 they were added to the list of World Heritage Sites.
18. Fatehpur Sikri- Since 1986, a major tourist site near Agra has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Fatehpur Sikri, popularly known as "The City of Victory," was built by Emperor Akbar in the second part of the 16th century and served as the Mughal empire's capital for a brief period. It is home to a number of monuments and shrines, including the Jama Masjid, one of India's largest mosques.
19. Jantar Mantar, Jaipur- Designated as a World Heritage SIte in 2010, Maharaja Jai Singh II constructed the largest of its kind Observatory, known for its architectural astronomical instruments. The Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory in Rajasthan that was built in the 18th century. It was built in 1738 CE by Rajput King Sawai Jai Singh of Rajasthan as an astronomical observatory. It has 19 astronomy equipment, including the world's largest stone Sundial. All of these instruments were created by humans. The observatory houses instruments for calculating celestial coordinate systems, the horizon-zenith local network, the equatorial system, and the ecliptic system, among other things. This landmark, one of India's best-preserved observatories, is a remarkable example of the science of astronomy.
20. Jaipur City- The fortified city of Jaipur, which was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2019, has rows of collonaded businesses and markets, stalls, apartments, and temples on the main streets with matching facades. The building is influenced by Hindu, modern Mughal, and Western civilizations, with a grid structure in the style of Vedic architecture.
21. Kaziranga, National Park, Assam- Enlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, Kaziranga National Park, located in India's North East, is home to several endangered animal and plant species, including rhinoceros. The sanctuary comprises grasslands, forests, streams, and lakes and is located in the Brahmaputra River plains. Rhinoceros, hoolock gibbon, capped langur, tiger, sloth bear, leopard, Ganges dolphin, otter, wild boar, water buffalo, gaur, sambar, swamp deer, hog deer, and Indian muntjac are among the sanctuary's most endangered species.
22. Agra Fort, Agra- The Agra Fort, which lies close to the Taj Mahal, is one of the Mughal empire's most prominent monumental constructions. Though it was built during the Mughal era, during the reign of Akbar, the Agra Fort is a blend of Timurid Persian art and Indian architectural styles. This is due to the fact that the fort was once a brick structure known as Badalgarh, which was ruled by Raja Badal Singh, a Hindu Shikarwar Rajput King. Sikander Lodi was the first Sultan of Delhi to relocate to Agra and live in the fort after the invasion. Khas Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Muhamman Burie (an octagonal Tower), Diwan-e-Khas, Diwan-e-Am, Moti Masjid, and Nagina Masjid are among the landmarks in the Agra Fort. It was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1983.
23. Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur- Keoladeo National Park, formerly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is the erstwhile Maharajas' duck-hunting area and is the ideal place to see a variety of our feathered friends. Decorated with the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, the park is home to over 350 bird species, including the uncommon Siberian crane, and it is one of the principal wintering places for a huge number of aquatic birds.
24. Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, Champaner & Pavagadh- In Gujarat's Panchmahal district, the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park is a heritage site. Prehistoric (chalcolithic) sites, an early Hindu capital hill fortification, and the remains of Gujarat's 16th-century capital. From the 8th through 14th centuries, it contains fortresses, palaces, religious buildings, residential precincts, agricultural structures, and water facilities, among other things. The Monuments of Champaner Pavagadh, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, include eleven various types of buildings around the Pavagadh hill, including the Kabutarkhana Pavilion, Jama Masjid, Lakulisa Temple, Kevada Masjid, Helical Stepwell, and Sat Kaman.
25. Rani ki Vav, Patan- This stepwell was created as a tribute to a king on the banks of the Saraswati River. Stepwells are easily accessible underground water supplies and storage systems that have existed on the Indian subcontinent since the third millennium B.C. This stepwell is built in the Maru-Gurjara architectural style and is adorned with over a thousand sculptures exhibiting a mix of religious, mythical, and secular images. It is fashioned in the shape of an inverted temple to emphasise the sacredness of water. In 2014, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
26. Khangchendzonga National Park, SIkkim- In 2016, this national park was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is found in Sikkim, India, in the northwestern Himalayan area. The park, also known as Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, is located between 1829 and 8500 metres above sea level. It is home to some of India's top trekking trails as well as Khangchendzonga Peak, the world's third highest peak. This park's flora and fauna are fascinating. The white snow leopard, which is a very unusual sight, can also be seen.
27. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai- Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, formerly known as Victoria Terminus, is a Victorian Gothic structure. The mammoth-sized Chhatrapati Shivaji's statue at CST is a sight to behold and is a notable landmark of Mumbai. Every year, various reconstruction works are carried out to maintain this British Era monument that holds the actual core of the city, which is regarded as a sign of progress. In 2004, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
28. Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Park, Uttarakhand- The rough mountain wildness of Nanda Devi National Park, high in the West Himalayas, is supplemented by India's Valley of Flowers National Park, which is known for its meadows of unique alpine flowers. Rare and endangered creatures such as the Asiatic black bear, blue sheep, brown bear, and snow leopard live in this diversified environment. These were designated as World Heritage Sites in 1988 and 2005.
29. Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area, Greater Himalayas- Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014, this park is well renowned for its high alpine peaks, alpine meadows, and riverine forests, and is located in the western part of the Himalayan highlands in the state of Himachal Pradesh. It also encompasses the catchment area as well as the glacial and snow meltwater sources of multiple rivers. It is a biodiversity hotspot, with 25 different types of forests home to a diverse range of faunal species, some of which are endangered.
30. Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal- The Sunderban National Park, famed for its Royal Bengal Tigers, is a known Tiger reserve and a Biosphere Reserve in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is located on the Bay of Bengal's Sunderban Deltas, which are formed by the Ganges River. It is one of India's largest reserves, with lush Mangrove forests covering the majority of the land. It's the largest mangrove forest reserve on the planet. There are also other animal species such as the Gangetic dolphin, spotted deer, wild boar, and other mammalian and amphibian species, as well as the critically endangered Royal Bengal Tiger. Another highlight of the reserve is the uncommon saltwater crocodile. In this place, India's tiger population is at its peak. It was included in the list UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1987.
31. Ahmedabad City, Gujarat- Ahmedabad, the first city in India to be listed on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Cities in 2017, is located in the heart of Gujarat. The city is studded with many Indo-Islamic monuments from the 15th to 17th centuries, and is known for its rich architectural legacy, vibrant culture, and deeply ingrained traditions. The freedom revolution led by Mahatma Gandhi against the Britishers was also observed in Ahmedabad. Despite urbanisation and all of the changes that have occurred over the centuries, the vibrant city celebrates the history left by various kings in the past.
32. Western Ghats- Designated as a World Heritage Site in 2012, the Western Ghats are a mountain range that runs parallel to India's western coast, going through Kerala, Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. They span for 1600 kilometres and are only broken once by a 30-kilometer Palghat gap at roughly 11 degrees North. They also have an impact on the Indian monsoon weather patterns, which help to moderate the region's warm tropical climate and act as a barrier to rainy monsoon winds from the southwest. Tropical evergreen woods, as well as 325 globally endangered species, may be found in the Western Ghats.
33. Mountain Railways of India- The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, and the Kalka-Shimla Railway are three mountain railways in India that are World Heritage Sites. North Bengal has some of the most gorgeous scenery on the planet. The fun Toy Train, lovely Tea Plantations, extensive tunnels, and Tiger Hills will all delight you. These engineering wonders, built throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, were a brave and clever solution to the challenge of connectivity in the harsh highlands, as well as a jewel in India's legacy. Aside from that, they pass through some of the most gorgeous terrain, and you'd want to take a romantic and enjoyable ride here. They were included in the World Heritage Sites list in 1999, 2005 and 2008.
34. Manas National Park, Assam- Manas Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected wildlife reserve in India that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, enlisted in 1985. It's in the Indian state of Assam, in the north-east. The name comes from the River Manas, which is taken from the Goddess Manasa's name. The surrounding areas' lush green forested hills and dense foliage create a comfortable setting for the many endangered species of animals that live here. The Wild Life Sanctuary is a Project Tiger Reserve, Elephant Reserve, Biosphere Reserve, and home to endangered species such as the Assam Roofed Turtle, Hispid Hare, Golden Langur, and Pygmy Hog. In fact, more endangered species are found in this park than in any other in India.
35. Dholavira, Rann of Kutch- Dholavira was awarded the prestigious title of world heritage site in India in 2021, owing to its effective water management system, well-planned streets, multi-layered defensive systems, significant use of stone in building, unusual architectural elements, and specific burial structures. This ancient city is renowned as the well-planned city of the Harappan era and is also considered the first Indus Valley Civilisation site in India, with universal recognition. Copper, ivory, shell, and stone artefacts, semi-precious stone jewellery, terracotta kitchenware, and gold decorations discovered during excavation are fine representations of humanity's legacy.
36. Elephanta Caves, Maharashtra- The Elephanta caves are situated on an island in the Arabian City, not far from Mumbai. Gharapuri is the name given to a series of sculpted caverns on Elephanta Island. There are countless archaeological remnants that provide insight into Indian civilisation's rich cultural past. The rock-cut sculptures and engravings depicting Shiva as the Creator and Destroyer of the Universe are well-known in these caves. Cave 1 is the most important of all the caverns here, with the Sadashiva at the cave's entrance depicting Shiva's three aspects: Creator, Preserver, and Destroyer. The caves are 10 kilometres east of town and are formed out of solid basalt rock. These were enlisted as World Heritage Sites in 1987.
37. Nalanda Mahavihara, Nalanda- From the 3rd century BCE through the 13th century CE, the ruins of a monastic and scholastic institution can be found. Stupas, shrines, viharas (residential and educational buildings), and major stucco, stone, and metal artworks are also included. It is thought to be the oldest university in the Indian subcontinent and was declared as a World Heritage Site in 2016.
38. Kakatiya Rudreshwara Temple, Mulugu- Ramappa Temple, an 800-year-old Rudreswara temple in the state of Telangana in southern India, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site enlisted in 2016. This Shiva temple is named after Ramappa, the temple's chief architect who worked tirelessly for 14 years to complete the temple. Apart from its architectural precision, Ramalingeshwara Swamy's temple is known for unique features such as a roof made of floatable bricks and pillars that produce musical notes when tapped in specific locations. The temple was constructed in 1213 during the rule of the Kakatiya kingdom.
39. The Victorian and Art Deco Ensemble of Mumbai- The Victorian and Art Deco Ensemble of Mumbai, which was added to the list of Heritage Sites in June 2018, is a collection of 94 buildings of high cultural significance found in the Fort Area of Mumbai, arranged around the Oval Maidan, formerly known as Esplanade. On the east, the Oval is flanked by 19th-century Victorian Neo-Gothic structures such as the Bombay High Court, the University of Mumbai's Fort Campus, and the Old Secretariat Building, among others. Watson's Hotel, David Sassoon Library, and Elphinstone College are all part of the Victorian side of the Ensemble, as is the Rajabai Clock Tower, a notable landmark in the City of Dreams. The Art Deco building from the twentieth century stands to the west.
40. Qutub Minar Complex, Delhi- After the destruction of the last Hindu dynasty in the 13th century, Qutab-Ud-din Aibak built the Qutub Minar, which stands at a soaring height of 73 metres in the Mehrauli district of the capital city. This 5 storey minaret, also known as the Tower of Victory, marks the commencement of Islamic sovereignty in India and is the main attraction of the Qutub complex, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India. Other noteworthy sites in the complex include the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, Alai Darwaza, Alai Minar, and the tomb of Iltutmish, all of which contribute to Delhi's rich history. It was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1993.