UNESCO Natural World Heritage Sites in India holding natural and cultural significance. Before going to the sites, lets ‘know about UNESCO.
What is a World Heritage site and why is it important?
World Heritage Sites are designated by UNESCO for having cultural, historical, scientific or other form of significance. The sites are judged to contain “cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity”.
A World Heritage Site is a culturally significant location designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. World Legacy Day provides us with an opportunity to safeguard and preserve our old heritage culture. They have a tremendous global worth.
Taj Mahal (1983)
The Taj Mahal is a magnificent monument complex built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 1632 to house the bones of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
The famous complex in Agra, India, was built over a 20-year period on the southern bank of the Yamuna River and is one of the most spectacular examples of Mughal architecture, which incorporated Indian, Persian, and Islamic influences.
The Taj Mahal, which is made of gleaming white marble that appears to change colour depending on the light, is at its heart.
White Makrana marble from Jodhpur was among the materials brought in from all around India and Central Asia. Baghdad, Punjab, Egypt, Russia, Golconda, China, Afghanistan, Ceylon, the Indian Ocean, and Persia provided precious stones for the inlay.
The Mughal architectural style is unusual in that it incorporates components and styles from Persian, Central Asian, and Islamic architecture.
It has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983, and it is still one of the world’s most famous landmarks and a breathtaking symbol of India’s rich history.
Ajanta Caves (1983)
Ajanta’s first Buddhist cave monuments date from the second and first centuries B.C. Many more lavishly adorned caves were added to the original group during the Gupta period (5th and 6th centuries A.D.).
It’s paintings and sculptures, which are considered Buddhist holy art masterpieces, have had a significant aesthetic influence.
The Buddhist Caves of Ajanta are a group of 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave structures in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, India, that date from the 2nd century BCE to around 480 CE.
Paintings and rock-cut sculptures recognised as among the finest surviving examples of ancient Indian art, particularly expressive paintings that communicate emotions through gesture, position, and form, may be found in the caves.
The Ajanta caves are completely dark. In fact, the lack of light is essential to the Ajanta experience, as it demands the viewer’s attention while heightening a sense of mystery.
Oil lamps may have provided dimmer artificial lighting in the past. Even now, however, the majority of the caves are almost completely dark, and without artificial illumination, the caves would remain gloomy.
The Ajanta Caves have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983, and they are a protected monument under the administration of the Archaeological Survey of India.
Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara at Nalanda (2016)
Nalanda stands out as the Indian Subcontinent’s oldest university. Over the course of 800 years, it engaged in the systematic transmission of knowledge.
The site’s historical growth reflects the evolution of Buddhism as a religion as well as the flowering of monastic and educational traditions.
It contains the ruins of a monastic and scholastic institution that dates from the third century BCE to the thirteenth century CE.
The Nalanda Mahavihara Archaeological Site is located in Bihar, India’s north-eastern state. The Archaeological site of Nalanda Mahavihara is spread out across 23 hectares and has remnants going back to approximately.
The property’s history reflects the evolution of Buddhism as a religion as well as the growth of monastic and educational traditions.
Ellora Cave (1983)
Ellora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Maharashtra, India, located in the Aurangabad district.
It is one of the world’s largest rock-cut Hindu temple cave complexes, with a focus on Hinduism and a few Buddhist and Jain monuments, as well as artwork dating from the 600–1000 CE period.
The Kailash temple, a chariot-shaped monument dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located in Cave 16 and is the world’s biggest single monolithic rock excavation.
Sculptures showing Hindu gods and goddesses, as well as relief panels summarizing the two great Hindu epics, may be unearthed in the Kailash temple excavation.
Agra Fort (1983)
Under the reign of Akbar, one of the greatest Mughal Emperors, the Agra Fort was constructed in 1573. The fort required over 4000 labourers and eight years of hard work to finish.
Knowing the importance of its position, Akbar erected the fort to serve as the Mughals’ principal residence. The fort served as the primary palace of the Mughal dynasty’s emperors until 1638.
Agra Fort, often known as the walled city, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, the fort is a popular tourist destination that draws visitors from all over the world.
Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram (1984)
Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, is an ancient city in Tamil Nadu, India, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It became an important centre of art, architecture, and literature during the reign of the Pallava dynasty, which lasted from the 3rd to the 7th centuries CE.
Before this period, Mahabalipuram had already established itself as a bustling seaport on the Bay of Bengal.
During the Pallava dynasty, the monuments were constructed. In numerous colonial-era books, they are referred to as the Seven Pagodas, but they are also known as the Mamallapuram temples or Mahabalipuram temples in current literature.
The Archaeological Survey of India has been in charge of the site since 1960, when it was repaired.
on the other hand a large number of coins and other items unearthed in this region also suggest a pre-existing commercial relationship with the Romans, even before the Pallava Empire was formed.
Konark Sun Temple (1984)
Konark is formed out of two Sanskrit words: kona, which means corner, and arka, which means sun. The town’s name comes from the fact that it is situated in such a way that the sun rises at an angle.
King Narasimha Deva I built the Konark Temple in 1244 to honour Surya, the Sun God. Konark was chosen as the site of construction because it was described in ancient literature as Surya’s holy seat.
The Konark Sun Temple and sun worship have a long history dating back to the 19th century BC. The Konark Sun Temple, the monarchs of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty dominated the historic territory of Kalinga.
Kaziranga National Park (1985)
Assam’s Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary is one of India’s last unspoiled wilderness places and is famous for its one-horned rhinoceroses. It is reported that Lord Curzon started the project to create this World Heritage Site in India after his wife begged him to take action to conserve this endangered species after failing to sight a single rhinoceros in the area. This park is located on the Brahmaputra River’s flood plains and is primarily made up of lush grasslands, woods, and lakes and streams. About 15 endangered Indian animal species can be found in Kaziranga, with the rhinoceros being the most vulnerable.
Capped langurs, hoolock gibbons, tigers, leopards, sloth bears, otter, wild boar, water buffalo, gaur, sambar, swamp deer, hog deer, and Indian muntjac are some other mammals.
Keoladeo National Park (1985)
Keoladeo National Park is situated in the Indian state of Rajasthan and is also referred to as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. It is recognised for being the wintering and nesting grounds for various non-native, migratory birds and is home to roughly 366 different species of bird. It started off as a duck shooting range but was later transformed into a 29 square kilometre wetland that is entirely artificial and administered by humans. In this area, hunting is now illegal and is a crime. Along with birds, there are 379 flower species, 50 fish species, 13 snake species, 7 lizard species, 7 amphibian species, 7 turtle species, and several other invertebrate species. This area serves as a reminder of India’s extensive ecological heritage. Siberian cranes, artificial wetlands, and ornithologists’ hotspot.
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (1985)
One of India’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites is the protected wildlife sanctuary known as Manas Wildlife Sanctuary. It is situated in the Assam region of northeastern India. The name is derived from the name of the goddess Manasa and comes from the River Manas. The numerous endangered species of animals that live here are comfortable because to the area’s beautiful green hills covered in forest and its dense flora. The Assam Roofed Turtle, Hispid Hare, Golden Langur, and Pygmy Hog are just a few of the endangered animals that call The Wild Life Sanctuary their home. It is also a Project Tiger Reserve, Elephant Reserve, and Biosphere Reserve. In fact, more endangered species are housed in this park than any other in India.
Elephant Reserve, Biosphere Reserve, Assam Roofed Turtle, Hispid Hare, Golden Langur, and Pygmy Hog are all protected areas under the Project Tiger programme.
Churches and Convents of Goa (1986)
The Portuguese arrived in India between the 15th and 16th century, settling at Goa on the Konkan coast in the southwest of the country. And the Portuguese’s arrival signifies the spread of Christianity across the Indian subcontinent. As a result, numerous churches and convents were constructed in Goa. These churches have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India because of their distinctive yet lovely architectural designs.
First Latin Rite Mass in Asia, as well as the Manueline, Mannerist, and Baroque art forms. Churches in Goa provide as illustrations of how Manueline, Mannerist, and Baroque art styles expanded throughout Asia as a result of Catholic Missions’ establishment in those nations. In the area that is now known as Old Goa, they were constructed by Portuguese colonial lords. The Basilica of Bom Jesus, which houses St. Francis Xavier’s relics, is the most well-known of these structures. This location serves as an illustration of India’s rich religious and cultural legacy.
Group of Monuments at Hampi (1986)
A UNESCO World Heritage site called Hampi is situated in Karnataka’s northern region. It is located among the remains of the long-gone, thriving kingdom of Vijayanagar. The Hampi ruins are a collection of historic locations that showcase the superb Dravidian style of art and architecture. The Virupaksha Temple, which is still an important Hindu holy site, is the site’s most noteworthy heritage landmark. This cultural site has a number of additional monuments; collectively, they are referred to as the “Group of Monuments at Hampi.”
Fatehpur Sikri (1986)
There are four prominent monuments in Fatehpur Sikri, which takes its name from Akhbar’s victory (Fateh) over Chittor and Ranthambore. The Buland Darwaza, the most important door in Asia and part of the Jama Masjid, is composed of a special Australian wood that sinks in water. Panch Mahal, also known as Jada Baai ka Mahal, is regarded as the birthplace of the Navaratnas (Birbal, Tansen, etc.). The Diwan-e-Khas and Diwan-e-aam were also inside. Salim Chishti’s Tomb is located inside the Buland Darwaza. These Mughal structures are all significant Indian historical monuments.
Khajuraho Group of Monuments (1986)
India’s renowned Khajuraho is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is situated in the state of Madhya Pradesh. A special heritage site 175 kilometres south-east of Jhansi known for a collection of Hindu and Jain temples is called Khajuraho. They are also recognised for their sensual figures and sculptures and symbolism in the Nagara style. These sultry stone sculptures of people and animals in amorous situations are beautifully rendered and a testament to India’s rich cultural past. The Chandella dynasty ruled between 950 and 1050 CE, during which time the majority of these monuments were constructed. It has a surface area of 20 square kilometres and has a total of 85 Temples. Of all of these temples in the area, the Kandariya temple is the most notable.
Elephanta Caves (1987)
The Arabian City’s Elephanta caves are situated on an island not too far from Mumbai. Gharapuri is another name for the Elephanta Island group of sculpted caverns. Archaeological relics abound, providing us with a window into the vibrant cultural past of Indian civilization. Shiva is portrayed as both the Creator and the Destroyer of the Universe in the rock-cut sculptures and engravings found in these caves. The most significant of these caves is Cave 1, which has a Sadashiva that represents Shiva’s three aspects—as the Creator, Preserver, and Destroyer—at the cave’s entrance. The caverns are located 10 kilometres east of the city of and are cut out of solid basalt rock.
Group of Monuments at Pattadakal (1987)
Karnataka’s Pattadakal is a major tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is renowned for the Chalukya style of architecture, which emerged in Aihole and was combined with Nagara and Dravidian architectural elements. All of the Chalukya monarchs were crowned at Pattadakal, which also served as their capital. There are eight temples devoted to Lord Shiva as well as Jain and Shaivite sanctuaries in this area, which is notable for the numerous temples the Chalukya kings built. Virupaksha Temple, Sangameshwara Temple, Chandrashekhara Temple, Mallikarju Temple, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Jagannath Temple, Jain Temple, and many more are among the well-known structures.
Great Living Chola Temples (1987, 2004)
Airavatesvara Temple in Darasuram, Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur, and Brihadisvara Temple in Gangaikondacholisvaram.
Chola architecture, sculpture, painting, and bronze casting are well known.
These temples were constructed in Southern India during the Chola Empire’s control. The most significant of all of these temples are the Brihadisvara Temple, the Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, and the Airavatesvara Temple. Rajaraja 1 oversaw the construction of the Brihadisvara temple, which is a significant piece of Chola architecture. Rajendra 1 supported the temple in Gangaikondacholapuram, which was devoted to Lord Shiva. And unlike the other two, the Airavatesvara temple was constructed under the reign of Rajaraja II. These temples serve as evidence of the Chola period’s artistic and architectural splendour and grandeur.
These temples still hold the rites and celebrations that people thousands of years ago observed, making them living temples. As a result, these three temples serve as a constant reminder of Tamil people’s rich legacy and ancient culture.
Sundarbans National Park (1987)
The largest concentration of tigers in India may be found here. This is one of the most significant Indian heritage sites for all of these reasons.
The Sunderban National Park is a well-known Tiger reserve and a Biosphere Reserve located in the Indian state of West Bengal and is well-known for the Royal Bengal Tigers. It is located on the Sunderban Deltas, which the Ganges River in the Bay of Bengal created. One of India’s largest reserves, it is primarily covered in deep mangrove forests. It is the biggest mangrove forest reserve in the world. Along with other animal species including the Gangetic dolphin, spotted deer, wild boar, and other mammal and amphibian species, Bengal is home to the critically endangered Royal Bengal Tiger. Another draw of this reserve is the rare saltwater crocodile.
Famous for its shared biosphere reserve with Bangladesh, largest estuarine mangrove forest, Bengal tiger, and saltwater crocodile.
Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks (1988, 2005)
Renowned for the Himalayan Monal, Asiatic Black Bear, Snow Leopard, Brown Bear, Blue Sheep, and World Network of Biosphere Reserves
Because the Kanchenjunga is known to share a border with Nepal, the Nanda Devi is both the highest mountain peak in Uttarakhand and in all of India. The mountain has two peaks, with the eastern peak known as Sunanda Devi. It has its importance back from the era of Puranas and Upanishads, remarked multiple times in the mythical works of the Hindus. Up to 6400 metres above sea level, it can be found.
The National Park known as The Valley of Flowers, which is close to the Nanda Devi summit, can be up to 8 kilometres long and 2 kilometres wide. The incredible diversity of flowers that cover the entire valley like a bedsheet are what make it so well-known. More than 520 species of fauna and more than 600 types of flowers can be found at this Indian World Heritage Site.
Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi (1989)
The oldest stone buildings in India are the Buddhist monuments in Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh, which represent Indian heritage. The Sanchi Stupa, which was built in the third century BCE on orders from Emperor Ashoka, is situated 46 kilometres to the northeast of Bhopal. Its central construction was a hemispherical brick building placed above Buddha relics, and the Chatra, a symbol of rank, was placed atop it. During the Satavahana Period, when the gateways and the balustrade were constructed and painted, the stupa was rebuilt after being vandalised in the second century BCE. There are a number of additional buildings here in addition to the Sanchi stupa, including monolithic pillars, temples, palaces, and monasteries.
It was a significant Buddhist pilgrimage place up until around the 12th century AD, when the faith started to lose favour.
Mauryan architecture, monolithic pillars, palaces, temples, and monasteries, as well as the inscriptions Ye Dharma Hetu.
Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi (1993)
The Qutub Minar, one of India’s most well-known World Heritage Sites, was constructed in 1193 by Qutub-ud-din Aibak, the Mamluk Dynasty’s first Muslim ruler of Delhi, following the destruction of Delhi’s final Hindu Kingdom. One of the many structures inside the Qutub complex is the Qutub Minar, which takes centre stage mainly because of its height. It is 73 metres tall and has a base diameter of 15 metres and a top diameter of 2.5 metres. To honour the well-known Sufi saint Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki, Aibak erected it.
The Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, which was constructed on the remains of the Lal Kot of the former Hindu empire and is regarded as one of the country’s first mosques, is located close to Qutub Minar. It is renowned for the brick minarets that encircle it as well. The Qutub Minar Complex, which consists of several monuments, is one of India’s earliest examples of Islamic architecture.
Qubbat-ul-Islam Mosque, Alai Darwaza, Alai Minar, Tomb of Iltumish, and Iron Pillar.
Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi (1993)
Begum Bega, Humayun’s first wife, constructed this World Heritage Site in India between 1565 and 1572. The only monument that has undergone multiple restoration efforts and is finished is this one. It is a collection of tombs that includes the tombs of Isa Khan Niyazi, an Afghan noble who served in Sher Shah Suri’s court during the Suri dynasty.
Mountain Railways of India (1999, 2005, 2008)
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, and the Kalka-Shimla Railway are three of India’s mountain railways and are included on the country’s list of World Heritage Sites. One of the most breathtaking natural temptations on Earth is found in North Bengal. Your pleasure will be catered to by the entertaining Toy Train, lovely Tea Plantations, extensive tunnels, and the Tiger Hills. These engineering wonders, which were constructed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, are a priceless piece of India’s past and offered a daring and creative solution to the connectivity issue in the challenging highlands. Additionally, they traverse the most stunning countryside, and you would want to go for a fun and romantic ride here.
Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya (2002)
Nearly 96 kilometres separate Patna, Bihar, and Bodh Gaya, one of the Indian cultural sites recognised by UNESCO. For Buddhists, it is a significant location of worship because it was here that Mahatma Buddha received enlightenment. Siddhartha attained Enlightenment under the revered Bodhi Tree, where he later transformed into Gautam Buddha. Around 250 BCE, during the reign of Ashoka the Great, the renowned Mahabodhi Temple was built. One of the first Buddhist temples, in fact. Bodh Gaya’s Mahabodhi Temple Complex currently consists of the 50-meter-tall Mahabodhi Temple, the Vajrasana, the sacred Bodhi Tree, and other six important sites of Buddha’s enlightenment, all of which are encircled by numerous historic votive stupas. Bodh Gaya is regarded as the most sacred place for Buddhist pilgrims because of all these reasons.
Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (2003)
The Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka, which were named a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2003, are where the earliest signs of human life on the Indian subcontinent were found. They are an archaeological site from the Mesolithic period (more than 100,000 years ago), which marks the start of the South Asian Stone Age, and are situated near the foothills of the Vindhya Mountains on the Deccan Plateau. The five boulders that make up the rock shelters were just discovered in 1957 and are famous for their Mesolithic age sculptures and paintings. These works of art play a significant role in illuminating the lifestyle and pursuits of the hunter-gatherers who lived before us and demonstrating the fusion of art and landscape at that time. Natural Rock Shelters with Rock Paintings, Stone Age Inscriptions, and the Bhima Sitting Place (Mahabharata).
Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park (2004)
In the Panchmahal district of the Indian state of Gujarat, there is a UNESCO World Heritage Site called the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park. It is a significant location historically and culturally, centering around the city of Champaner or Muhammadabad established by Sultan Mahmud Begada of Gujarat. The only entirely unaltered pre-Mughal Islamic city is located here. Another area of Champaner-Pavagarh that is thought to have mythological significance is still unexplored.
It contains 11 various kinds of historical structures dating from the 16th century, including mosques, temples, tombs, gateways, fortresses and walls, palaces and pavilions, helical wells, and custom houses. One may see a change from the former Hindu architectural styles to the Muslim architectural styles. Additionally, the area is home to some prehistoric Chalcolithic Indian sites from the Stone Age.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) (2004)
Mumbai’s Central Railway is headquartered at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, originally known as the Victoria Terminus. It was constructed by Frederick William Stevens between the years of 1878 and 1888, drawing inspiration from traditional Mughal structures as well as Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture, and it gave Bombay the appearance of being the International Mercantile Port of India. The terminal’s design, which incorporates features from the Italian and Victorian eras, in some ways makes us think of Indian royal architecture and is a great illustration of how indigenous and western artistic traditions can coexist harmoniously. There have been complaints of damage to this location due to a number of factors, including pollution, traffic, construction activities, etc. To ensure this is preserved, more needs to be done.
Red Fort Complex (2007)
The Red Fort, which is located in the heart of the old city of New Delhi, was constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan when he moved his capital from Agra to Delhi, or what was then known as Shahjahanabad. The fort developed as the Mughals’ governmental centre. The Red Fort is the ideal illustration of how Mughal art and architecture peaked under Shah Jahan. Several aspects of the Red Fort exhibit the merging of Indo-Islamic, Timurid, Hindu, and Persian architectural styles. It is constructed of red sandstone and contains a number of lesser structures, including the private pavilions, the Diwan-i-Khas, and the Diwan-i-aam.
The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur (2010)
An astronomical observatory called Jantar Mantar was constructed in Rajasthan in the 18th century. The Rajput ruler Sawai Jai Singh of Rajasthan built this astronomical observatory in the year 1738 CE. It consists of 19 astronomy equipment, including the biggest stone sundial in the world. These tools are all manufactured by humans. The observatory includes instruments for calculating the horizon-zenith local network, equatorial system, and ecliptic system, which are celestial coordinate systems. This structure, one of India’s best-preserved observatories, is a wonderful representation of India’s scientific and cultural legacy.
Western Ghats (2012)
Along the western shore of the Indian Peninsula are the Western Ghats or Sahyadri mountain ranges. Along the western edge of the Deccan Plateau, The Range stretches north to south. In Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra, it consists of numerous national parks, reserve forests, and wildlife sanctuaries. The hills have a total size of 160000 square kilometres, are 1600 kilometres long, 100 kilometres wide, and 1200 metres high. It is one of the top 8 biological hot spots in the world and has a very high biodiversity. There are 325 different types of plants and animals living in the woods throughout the Western Ghats, including rare, endangered, and critically endangered species.
One of the “Hottest Biodiversity Hotspots” in the world, featuring numerous national parks, wildlife refuges, and reserve forests.
Hill Forts of Rajasthan (2013)
This location, which was included to India’s list of World Heritage Sites in 2013, is renowned for its distinctive Rajput Military Defense Architecture. It features six magnificent forts, including those in Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Ranthambore, Gagron, Amber, and Jaisalmer. They are situated in Rajasthan on the rugged Aravalli Mountain Range. The forts’ mere size and length are sufficient to convey the Rajputana chieftains’ and monarchs’ might and power. These forts have formidable defences. It appeared as though a small city existed inside the fort’s walls.
Numerous markets, bazaars, palaces, temples, urban and trading centres, etc. were present. We are aware of this since some of them have endured. Additionally, these forts have distinctive water collection and storage systems that are still in use today. Additionally, a few Satyajit Ray films, including “Shonar Kella,” and The Dark Knight Rises were filmed there.
Rani-ki-Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell) at Patan, Gujarat (2014)
It was constructed in the third millennium BC in the monarchs’ honour and is a clear example of exquisite Ancient Indian architecture. Legend has it that when the Solanki dynasty was in power, Bhimdev 1, the family’s first ruler, was widowed, and his widowed queen Udayamati erected the monument in his honour and memory. Due to the beauty and wonder of its architecture, it was just recently named a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Stepped Corridors, Sculptures, and Stone Carvings in the Well make Rani-ki-vav famous. Lord Vishnu, represented by his 10 avatars, is the subject of the majority of the sculptures in the well. These avatars represent his return to the world. This vav is not only a location to store water; a spiritual significance has also been confirmed to it. According to the religious and mythical works recorded in the canonical literature, it is shaped like an inverted temple and is divided into seven tiers of wells, each of which has a special significance.
Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area (2014)
The Great Himalayan National Park, one of India’s national parks, is situated in the Kullu region of northern Himachal Pradesh and spans an area of 754.4 square kilometres. A number of rivers, mostly Indus tributaries, have their upper mountain snowmelt and glacier water melt beginnings in the park. About 375 different kinds of animal and plant life can be found there, including some rare ones like the blue sheep, snow leopard, Himalayan brown bear, Himalayan tahr, musk deer spruces, horse chestnuts, and wide alpine meadows.
It is one of the more recent additions to India’s list of World Heritage Sites and is a hotspot for biodiversity in the Himalayas. Its attractiveness is enhanced by coniferous forests, snowy peaks (elevation range: 4,100 m), and pristine glaciers. A webpage for the conservation of wildlife. In light of this, hunting any of these creatures is completely forbidden.
Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara at Nalanda, Bihar (2016)
From the third century BCE until the thirteenth century CE, Bihar’s Nalanda Archaeological Site served as a Buddhist monastery and a centre for study. If you go across the campus, which is a representation of a glorious era, you will see the ruins of stupas, shrines, and viharas. Nalanda, which continued to be a centre of learning for 800 years, attested to the development of Buddhism as a religion.
Scholars from as far away as Tibet, China, Korea, and Central Asia formerly attended the first residential university in the world, which was known for its formalised Vedic education. This makes it the second UNESCO-designated world historic site in Bihar, giving it even more prominence on the Indian tourism map.
The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement (2016)
Le Corbusier’s architectural creations, which span numerous nations and include the Capital Complex of Chandigarh, were honoured as a World Heritage Site in recognition of their remarkable contribution to the Modern Movement. Le Corbusier worked on projects like these in 17 different nations during the first half of the 20th century.
In Chandigarh, the Secretariat, the High Court, and the legislative bodies for the states of Punjab and Haryana are all housed within the Capitol Complex. This capitol complex was created when Chandigarh was being erected as the capital of Punjab in 1950 following the partition of India and is situated in Sector 1 of Chandigarh.
Khangchendzonga National Park (2016)
Khangchendzonga National Park, which is a part of the North and West Sikkim districts of the lovely state of Sikkim in India’s North-East, was designated a world heritage site in 2016, bringing the country’s overall number of world heritage sites to 35. The 850 sq. km. Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve, also known as Kanchenjunga National Park, is a huge territory with an altitude ranging from 1,829 m to 8,500 m above sea level.
The third-highest mountain in the world, Kanchenjunga Peak, is located within Kangchendzonga National Park. The national park is well-known for its wildlife and plants, and snow leopards are occasionally seen there. For those who enjoy trekking, there are a few trails in this national park.
Historic City of Ahmadabad (2017)
Hindu, Islamic, and Jain cultures have coexisted for centuries in Ahmedabad, a walled city on the banks of the Sabarmati.
On July 8, 2017, Ahmedabad, the first Indian city to make the list, was designated as a World Heritage City. Nearly 25 ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) protected structures can be found in Ahmedabad. The urban fabric is composed of tightly clustered traditional homes on gated traditional streets with distinctive elements like bird feeders, public wells, and religious institutions, according to a statement from UNESCO. Up till the present, the city has remained prosperous while serving as the state capital of Gujarat for six centuries.
Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai (2018)
The Victorian and Art Deco Ensemble of Mumbai, which was added to the list of Heritage Sites in June 2018, is a grouping of 94 buildings with significant cultural value that are situated around the Oval Maidan, formerly known as Esplanade, in Mumbai’s Fort Area. The Old Secretariat Building, Bombay High Court, The Fort Campus of the University of Mumbai, and other 19th-century Victorian Neo-Gothic buildings flank The Oval to the east.
Along with Watson’s Hotel, David Sassoon Library, and Elphinstone College, the Victorian side of the Ensemble also includes the Rajabai Clock Tower, a well-known landmark in the City of Dreams. Along the Arabian Sea’s western shore, the Art Deco structures from the 20th century survive.
The latter is made up of largely privately owned homes and the iconic Eros Cinema, which served as the catalyst for the Back Bay reclamation along Marine Drive in 1935. Mumbai’s Victorian and Art Deco Ensemble, which consists of two distinct sections, differs in style. This abrupt change in creative objectives is magnificently reflected in the cityscape, earning Mumbai’s deserving inclusion on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Jaipur City, Rajasthan (2019)
Jaipur is teeming with lively local bazaars where you may indulge your passion for shopping for regional handicrafts and trinkets. Bapu Bazaar, Tripolia Bazaar, and Johri Bazaar are a some of the city’s well-known bazaars.
On June 6th, 2019, Jaipur became a member of the club with the most recent addition to India’s list of UNESCO world historic sites. One of the largest towns in India, Jaipur, the pink city, effectively manages to hold onto its old-world beauty. It is surrounded by walls and gates that are ornamented with drawings against a background of gorgeous pink. In addition to the Amer Fort and Jantar Mantar UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Jaipur is home to numerous other exquisite forts, palaces, temples, and museums.
Dholavira: a Harappan City (2021)
Dholavira, one of the most advanced towns in the Indus Valley Civilization about 4500 years ago, is now renowned as a magnificent archaeological site. Between 2650 and 1450 BCE, it was a thriving Harappan settlement. The settlement, also known locally as Kotada Timba, is currently an archaeological site in the Kutch district of Gujarat’s Khadirbet.
The area not only has observable architectural remnants, but also evidence of the Harappan way of life. The town also included a huge open stadium and was divided into three primary architectural schemes. Additionally, several relics were unearthed, including earthen pots, beads, jewellery, and other objects. The water conservation system in the town of Dholavira was extraordinary. The Mansar and the Manhar were two of its most vital waterways.
Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana (2021)
Within the State of Telangana, in the village of Palampet, 200 kilometres northeast of Hyderabad, sits Rudreshwara, also known as Ramappa Temple. A walled complex with multiple Shiva temples was constructed during the Kakatiyan era (1123–1323 CE) by kings Rudradeva and Recharla Rudra. The sandstone temple’s construction is thought to have lasted for about 40 years, starting in 1213 CE.
A remarkable and pyramidal Vimana (horizontally stepped tower) composed of lightweight porous bricks, so-called “floating bricks,” which lowered the weight of the roof structures, can be seen in the edifice, along with ornate beams and pillars of carved granite and dolerite. High-caliber sculptures at the temple depict Kakatiyan culture and local dancing traditions.
The temple was built in accordance with the philosophy and practise endorsed in dharmic texts that says temples are to be constructed to form an integral part of a natural setting, including hills, forests, springs, streams, lakes, catchment areas, and agricultural lands. It was situated at the foothills of a forested area and amidst agricultural fields, close to the shores of the Ramappa Cheruvu, a water reservoir built by the Kakatiya.
