Our earth is full of wonder and beauty. Some of the unique pieces of attraction are man-made heritage, and some are natural, extraordinary pieces. India is a phenomenal country that amazes its people with its tremendous natural and man-made beauty and uniqueness.
The most precious and unique sites are designated by UNESCO as being distinctive for having significant qualities. They are called UNESCO Heritage Sites. There are a total of 38 UNESCO heritage sites in India, and many of them are located in the southern part of the country.
List of the Top 10 World Heritage Sites of South India:
1. Temples of Mahabalipuram
The Shore Temple, situated on the banks of the Bay of Bengal, is one of the greatest attractions in south India. The temple of Mahabalipuram was built during the reign of the Pallavas. The Pallava king Narasimhavarman built the temple in the 7th century AD. Read Also: Top 5 Amazing Architecture of Tamil Nadu.
There are three small temples; two are dedicated to Lord Shiva and the other to Lord Vishnu. The architecture of the temple is one of the rich emblems of Indian history. It is a chariot-shaped structure made out of rock-cut stones. The inscriptions on the stones tell a vibrant history of the Pallava dynasty and their glorious superiority in art.
2. Monuments of Hampi
The geographical location of Hampi is in Karnataka’s Vijayanagara district. The celestial site is one of the extravagant symbols of Indian heritage. The group of monuments in Hampi is another UNESCO-reserved heritage of south India. There are over 1600 monuments in Hampi. There are various types of temples, forts, shrines, and gateways included in them. Also, read the 10 most important interesting facts about Hampi, Karnataka.
The group of monuments covers over 26 sq. km. of area. Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagar Kingdom in the 14th to 17th centuries. The monuments were made by the founder of the dynasty. The materials used in them are abundant stones from the local hills, and the style was inspired by Dravidian art.
To arrange a trip to the 03 Nights 04 Days Hampi Tour Package, click the itinerary.
3. The Western Ghats
A range of mountains expands over a 1600 km area that encompasses Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka states. The chain of hills is also known as the Sahyadri ranges. It is an older mountain than the Himalayas. The range is known by different names in different states, like Annamalai, Nilgiri, and Cardamom Hill.
It is a very prosperous area in India’s geographical position. The slopes of the hill are one of the primary locations of major plantations in south India, producing tea, coffee, various crops, flora and fauna, fruits, and spices. The hill is the shelter for many rare species of animals. It is the source of some major rivers. So it is undoubtedly a world heritage location on the map.
4. The Nilgiri Mountains Railway
The railway service was founded by the British government in 1908 and is a 1000 mm meter gauge railway. The track runs through the panoramic scenic beauty of Tamil Nadu. The toy train crosses a number of tunnels, lakes, mountain cliffs, and green meadows. Read Also: Top 10 Tourist Places to Visit in Ooty.
It is a perfect treat for a tourist to relish a joy ride and explore the magnificent nature of some very famous spots like Ooty and Coonoor. The journey is served by a beautifully decorated breezy toy train with a heritage engine. Tourists need to book tickets beforehand to enjoy the service. Also, read 10 Most Beautiful Places to See in Coonoor.
5. Chola Temple
Three temples dedicated to Lord Shiva were built during the reign of the Chola dynasty located in the state of Tamil Nadu. It was built by Raja Rajendra Chola. The Chola kings were great contributors to India’s heritage of art and architecture. The architectural structure and style of these temples were influenced by the Dravidians, Pallavians, and Chalukya. The temples are surrounded by walks. Explore more details on the Top 10 Most Famous Temples in Tamil Nadu.
The famous UNESCO heritage site includes some of the great temples of South India. Brihadisvara Temple, Airavatesvara temple, Vijayala-Cholesvaram, Nageswaraswamy temple, Kampaheswarar temple are some of the most famous Chola temples.
6. Pattadakal
It is a historic testimonial area spread over 220 acres of land in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. It is an emblem of the Chalukya dynasty. The sacred river Malaprava flows alongside the area. In the time of the Chalukya reign, Pattadakal was a major cultural center of art, music, and literature.
Ten temples that were located inside the compound were mainly dedicated to Lord Shiva and one was a Jain temple. The temples and carvings were made of sandstone. The style and structure were also influenced by Dravidian art. There are several temples, including Kadashiddheswara, Jambu Lingeswarar, Galaganatha, and Virupaksha. Check more info:Â 10 Most Popular Temples of Karnataka.
7. Bijapur
Bijapur was the old name of the present city of Vijayapura. It was built in 1566 by the emperor Yusuf Adil Shah. It was the prime center of architectural refinement during that time. It is famous for its historical monuments, built by Adil Shah. It is a precious UNESCO heritage city in Karnataka.
It was built in an Indi-Islamic fusion style influenced by the Deccani style. There are many famous forts and dargahs in the area. A few of them are Bijapur fort, Mithari and Asar Mahal, Bara Kaman, Meithar Mahal, Malik-e-Maidan, Gagan Mahal, Saath Kabar and many more. Read Also:Â Top 20 Tourist Places to See in Karnataka.
8. Mysore
Mysore is a famous tourist destination with historical significance. It is famous for its hereditary historical buildings and monuments. Mysore is known as the City of Palaces and is famous for its sandalwood trees. Mysore is a rich city filled with royal palaces, museums, and monuments. Also, check more details on 7 Must Things to Visit in Mysore Palace.
The place is a resourceful instance that depicts the glory of culture and heritage. The land is also an instance of magnificent natural beauty. Some beautiful spots to visit in Mysore are Mysore Maharaja Palace, Jaganmohan Palace, Chamundeshwari Temple, Jayalakshmi Vilas, and many more.
9. Churches and Convents of Old Goa
Churches and convents of Old Goa and Convents is the designated name given by UNESCO. The architecture reflects the influence of Portuguese culture on Indian history. Goa was the capital of the Portuguese in India. After the arrival of the Portuguese, they spread Christianity in Goa. They used the city to spread Catholicism in India. Also, read 12 Most Famous Churches to See in Goa.
Most of the churches and religious centers were built in the first two decades of Portuguese rule. The style and forms followed the European vibe. The oldest church was the Church of the Rosary. Some of them are the Basilica of Bom Jesus, the Chapel of Santa Catarina, and the Ruins of the Church of Augustine.
10. Mamallapuram Monuments
A very spectacular deserted town that combines the beauty of historical prosperity with the natural grace of the Coromandel coastal area. Mamallapuram was a center of Pallava practitioners of art and architecture. A group of architectural formations includes temples, caves, pillars, and statues. The monuments are made of granite.
It has many cave sanctuaries and open-air reliefs in the world. The site was built by three generations of Pallava kings. There are a total of 40 monuments. Most of the temples are chariot designed and carved with the stories of Hindu gods and goddesses. Famous among them are Pancha Ratha, Clock Tower, Hillside Cave, Tiger Cave, and Shore Temple. Read Also: 20 Best Tourist Places to See in Tamil Nadu.
11. Vadakkunnathan Temple
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated in Thrissur, Kerala, the temple displays a rich history of wood carving art. It was built in the 15th century and dedicated to Lord Shri Ram’s brother, Lord Bharatha. It is one of the oldest temples in Kerala. Also, read 10 Most Popular Temples in Kerala.
It covers an area of nine acres. It is situated at the top of a hill, providing a view of the whole town. The temple mainly worships Lord Shiva with other deities like Goddess Parvati, Krishna, Shri Ram, and Lord Ganesh. Mural paintings in the temple depict the Mahabharata story. Read Also: 10 Most Famous Places to Visit in Thrissur.
Conclusion
These are some famous pieces of architecture and natural belongings that have gained popularity throughout the world. It is a rich experience to see this stunning piece of our country. They are some of the reserved beauty of our hereditary art and glory.
