UNESCO World Heritage Site is designed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. General Conference on International Cultural Heritage set them up to preserve the world of natural and cultural heritage. UNESCO works closely with other international organizations to list the site as a World Heritage Site.
This is done by analyzing the sites about their status in the culture, history, and humanity in general. A site is only listed as a World Heritage Site if it meets these high standards. There are many UNESCO world heritage sites in India. But, in this article, I will let you know the top 20 UNESCO world heritage sites of India.
Here is a list of 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India:
1. Keoladeo National Park
Keoladeo National Park is also known as Bharatpur bird sanctuary. It is located in Rajasthan state. It is home to 366 species of birds. However, it is also known as the wintering and nesting area for many non-indigenous, migratory bird species. It was initially a duck shooting area.
Later, it was made into an artificial wetland/place. It covers 29 kilometers. Hunting is prohibited in this area, and it is a crime. There are 379 species of birds and 50 species of fish. This is an example of India’s rich biological heritage. Read Also Top 10 Places to Visit in Bharatpur.
2. Bodh Gaya
Bodh Gaya is approximately 96kms from Patna in Bihar. It is one of the Indian heritage places and is on the list UNESCO. This is an important religious center for Buddhists as it was where Mahatma Buddha achieved enlightenment.
The sacred Bodhi tree is where Siddhartha attained enlightenment and was later made Gautam Buddha. In the reign of Ashoka, the famous Mahabodhi Temple was built in approximately 250 BCE. It is one of the oldest Buddhist temples.
The Mahabodhi Temple Complex in Bodh Gaya currently includes the Mahabodhi Temple Complex, 50m high. It also contains the sacred Bodhi tree, six sacred sites of Buddha’s enlightenment. Due to all these factors, Bodh Gaya is the most sacred pilgrimage spot for Buddhists.
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3. Kanchenjunga National Park
Kangchenjunga National Park is located in the Himalayan Ranges of north and west Sikkim. It was declared a world heritage site in 2016. This brings the total number of Indian world heritage sites to 35. It covers more than 850 sq. km.
It is at an elevation of 1,829m to 8,500m above sea level. Kangchendzonga National Park also includes Kanchenjunga Peak, which is the third highest peak in the world. It is well-known for its fauna, including snow leopards being spotted occasionally. Trekkers will find a few trekking routes within the national park.
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4. Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory in Rajasthan. It was built in the 18th century. It is an observatory that astronomers use to determine time. It was built by Rajput King Sawai Jai Singh, Rajasthan, in 1738 CE. It contains 19 astronomical instruments, including the largest-ever stone Sundial.
All of these instruments were made by man. This observatory contains tools used to calculate celestial coordinates, the horizon–zenith network, the earth’s equatorial system, and the ecliptic. This monument is one of India’s most well-preserved observatories and is a fine example of India’s scientific and cultural heritage.
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5. The Western Ghats
The western coast of the Indian Peninsula is home to the Western Ghats and the Sahyadri Mountain Ranges. The range extends from the west edge to the Deccan Plateau, running north-south. There are several national parks, reserves, forests, and wildlife sanctuaries within the range.
These include Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. It covers 160000 km2 and has a length of 1600 km, a width of 100 km, and 1200m. It is home to exceptional biodiversity and ranks in the top 8 of the World’s Biological Hot Spots Locations. About 325 species of fauna and flora are in the forests of the Western Ghats including rare, and endangered species.
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6. Nanda Devi Peak
Nanda Devi is the highest mountain peak in Uttarakhand. It is also the highest peak in India. This is because Kanchenjunga shares its border with Nepal.
The mountain has 2 peaks. The eastern peak is called the Sunanda Devi. It is a mountain that has been a symbol of Hinduism since the time of the Upanishads and Puranas. It is located at a height of 6400m above sea level.
7. Valley of Flowers
The Valley of Flowers is a National park located near Nanda Devi peak. It stretches for 8 km in length and 2 km in width.
The valley is known for its incredible variety of flowers that cover the entire valley like a blanket. The Indian World Heritage Sites are home to over 600 species of Flora and more than 520 species of fauna. Read Also: 10 Most Beautiful Valleys in India.
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8. Kumbh Mela
Kumbh Mela is India’s most prominent religious festival. It was on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list because of its sharpness of humanity.
Kumbh Mela is held in Haridwar, Ujjain, Prayagraj, Allahabad, and Nashik once every 3 years. It is a living Indian heritage site that attracts millions of spectators and devotees. Read More: What is Kumbh Mela? Guide Destinations, Types, Rituals, History & Facts of Kumbh Festival.
9 Manas Wild Life Sanctuary
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected wildlife sanctuary and one of India’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is located in Assam. The name manas is derived its name from Goddess Manasa’s.
The surrounding area is home to many endangered species. It has lush green forests and dense vegetation. Wild Life Sanctuary is a Project Tiger Reserve and an Elephant Reserve. It also houses a Biosphere Reserve. This park is home to the most endangered species in India.
10. Sun Temple
It is a 13th-century temple. It is located in Konark, Odisha, and is not far from Puri. It was built in 1250 by King Narasimhadeva 1 of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty. It is shaped like a colossal chariot, with pillars, walls, and a carved stone wheel.
Six magnificently carved horses accompany it. However, the temple was initially built at the mouth of the river Chandrabhaga. This World Heritage Site in India is a testament to the splendor of Kalinga Architecture’s traditional style. Read more details: Top 10 facts about the Konark Sun Temple, Odisha.
11. Jaipur
Jaipur is India’s newest addition to the UNESCO list of world heritage sites. Jaipur is India’s largest city, and its walls and gates are decorated with drawings against a backdrop of beautiful pink color. This pink city manages to keep its old-world charm.
Jaipur also has Jantar Mantar and Amer Fort, which are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Jaipur is also home to numerous forts, palaces, temples, and museums. Jaipur is full of bustling local bazaars where you can find local handicrafts as well as trinkets to suit your needs.
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12. Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad is the first Indian city to be included on the World Heritage List. It was designated as the World Heritage City in July 2017. Ahmedabad is home to close to 25 ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) protected structures. According to UNESCO, the urban fabric comprises traditional homes in densely packed streets and gates with distinctive features like bird feeders, public water wells, and religious institutions.
It was the capital of Gujarat state for six centuries. Ahmedabad is a walled city located on the banks of Sabarmati, and it is the place where Jainism, Islam, and Hinduism have co-existed over centuries.
13. Rock Shelters in Bhimbetka
The Rock Shelters at Bhimbetka were declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2003. This is where you can find the Indian subcontinent’s first traces of human existence was discovered. It is located in the Deccan Plateau at the Vindhya Mountains’ foothills and serves as an archaeological site for Mesolithic.
It is more than 100,000 years old. This indicates the start of the south Asian stone age. These rock shelters are made up of five rocks that were only discovered in 1957. They are famous for their mesolithic era carvings and paintings. These paintings tell us a lot about the lives and activities of hunter-gatherers. They also show the merging of landscape and art during that time.
14. Hill Fort
This place is well-known for its unique architecture of Rajput military defense forts. It contains 5 magnificent forts: Kumbhalgarh Fort, Ranthambore Fort, Gagron Fort, Amber Fort, and Chittorgarh Fort. They are located in Rajasthan’s rugged Aravalli Mountain Range. The fort’s sheer size and breadth are sufficient to show the power and strength of Rajputana chieftains and rulers.
These fortifications are impressive. It was almost like a miniature city within the walls of the fort. There were many markets, bazaars, and palaces. Temples, urban trading centers, and temples were all around. These forts were also known for their unique water storage and harvesting systems which are still being used today.
15. Red Fort
The Red Fort is located in the heart of New Delhi’s historic city. Emperor Shah Jahan built it to move his capital from Agra, which was then known as Shahjahanabad. It became the political center of the Mughals.
Shah Jahan saw Mughal architecture and art reach their peak. The Red Fort is a perfect example. The Red Fort’s many facets show the integration of Indo-Islamic and Timurid, Hindu, and Persian architectures. It is made of red sandstone.
Other smaller buildings such as private pavilions, Diwan-i-aam, and Diwan-i-Khas, are also housed here. The Archaeological Survey of India manages the Red Fort, and it is now one of India’s most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
16. Himalayan National Park
The Great Himalayan National Park covers an area of 754.4 km2. It is located in northern Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu region. It includes the glacial water melt and upper mountain snowmelt origins of many rivers, mainly the tributaries to the river Indus.
There are approximately 375 species and many floral species in the park, including rare species such as blue sheep, snow leopard, and Himalayan brown bear. It is part of the Himalayan biodiversity hotspots and one of the newest additions to the Indian World Heritage Sites list.
It has beautiful coniferous forests, snowy peaks, and pristine glaciers. Its stunning colors enhance its beauty. It is a wildlife conservation area. Hunting of any of these animals is prohibited.
17. Qutub Minar
The Qutub Minar is one of India’s most iconic World Heritage Sites. It was built by Qutub-Uddin Aibak, the Mamluk Dynasty’s first Muslim ruler. He did so after the defeat of Delhi’s last Hindu Kingdom. It stands at 73 meters high, and its diameter is 15 m at its base and 2.5 meters at the top.
Aibak constructed it in honor of the Sufi saint. Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Khaki and Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque is located near Qutub Minar. It was built on the remains of the Lal Kot, an ancient Hindu kingdom. It is also one of the oldest mosques in India.
It is also known for the brick minarets that surround it. These monuments collectively are known as the complex Qutub Minar. It is one of the oldest and most well-known Islamic architecture in India.
18. Terminus Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
The headquarters of Central Railway Mumbai is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. Frederick William Stevens built it with inspiration from Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture. It is a traditional Mughal building, and it was constructed between 1878 and 1888.
This gave Bombay the title of the international mercantile port of India. The terminal’s plan, which incorporates elements from both Victorian and Italian-era architecture, is reminiscent of Indian palace architecture.
It is an excellent example of the integration of western and indigenous art. Several reports of damage to the site have been reported due to traffic, pollution, and construction work. This heritage site needs more work. Read Also: 10 Most Famous Things to Do in Mumbai.
19. Elephanta Caves
The Elephanta Caves are found on an island in Arabian City, near Mumbai. Gharapuri is the name of the chain of sculpted caves on Elephanta Island. Numerous archaeological remains offer a glimpse into India’s rich cultural past.
These caves are known for their rock-cut carvings and carvings that depict Shiva as the creator and destroyer of the universe. Cave 1 is the most important. It houses the Sadashiva, who depicts Shiva as the creator preserver and destroyer. These caves are 10 km east of Mumbai and were carved from solid basalt rock. Read Also: 20 Most Popular Caves of Maharashtra.
20. Taj Mahal
It is on the list of seven wonders of the world. The architecture of the Taj Mahal is made of White Marble. Shah Jahan built it in memory of Mumtaj. It is located nearby at the Yamuna River in Agra. Read more information 10 interesting facts about the Taj Mahal, Agra
It was built in 1653 for 32 million Indian Rupees. Today, it would be worth 58 billion Indian Rupees. It is regarded as the finest example of Mughal architecture globally and is known as the “Jewel of Muslim Art India”. It is the most well-known monument worldwide for its association with Indian heritage sites. Also, read Detailed Guide: Why & How to Enjoy the Best Sunrise Tour of Taj Mahal?
Conclusion
The above are the top 20 UNESCO world heritage sites of India. You will anyhow not disappoint to visit these places. Many of these include national parks, valleys, mountains, historical forts, etc. So, why you’re waiting? Book a tour now.
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