Latest Topics in News
Magical 42 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India [MAP]

UNESCO World Heritage Site
UNESCO World Heritage Sites are places around the world that have been designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as having special cultural or physical significance.
These sites could be natural features, such as national parks or forests, or they could be man-made structures or landmarks, such as ancient ruins or historic buildings. The purpose of the World Heritage Site program is to recognize and protect these places, which are considered to be of great value to all of humanity.
As of March 2024, there are a total of 1,199 World Heritage Sites in the World.
A total of 42 UNESCO World Heritage Sites are found in India. In this article, we will have a look at all of these UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India. Starting with 34 Cultural UNESCO World Heritage Sites, then the 7 Natural UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and at last Mixed UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Types of UNESCO World Heritage Sites
There are two main categories of UNESCO World Heritage Sites: cultural sites and natural sites. Cultural sites are places that have cultural significance, such as buildings, monuments, temples, or other structures that are important for their historical, architectural, or artistic value.
Natural sites, on the other hand, are places that are important for their natural beauty or scientific importance, such as forests, mountains, lakes, or other natural landscapes.
There is a third type of UNESCO World Heritage Site called “mixed sites.” Mixed sites are places that have both cultural and natural significance and are therefore recognized by UNESCO under both categories.
For example, a site that has both cultural buildings and natural landscapes may be designated as a mixed site. There are currently about 100 mixed sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Some examples of mixed sites include the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador, the Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls in Israel, and the Historic Centre of Vienna in Austria. These sites are recognized by UNESCO for their cultural and natural values and are considered to be important to the common heritage of humanity.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India
In Sep 2023, Santiniketan in West Bengal and the Sacred Ensembles of Hoysalas were declared as the 41st and 42nd UNESCO World Hertiage Site of India respectively.
In August 2021, UNESCO declared the Harappan city of Dholavira situated in Gujarat as India’s 40th world heritage site. Dholavira is the first site of Indus Valley Civilisation (IVC) in India to be included on the UNESCO world heritage site list.
Here is the table formatted with the Natural World Heritage Sites, Cultural World Heritage Sites, and Mixed World Heritage Sites in India, arranged in descending order of notification year:
Natural World Heritage Sites in India
Sl. No. | Name of WH Site | State Location | Year of Notification |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area | Himachal Pradesh | 2014 |
2 | Western Ghats | Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala | 2012 |
3 | Sundarbans National Park | West Bengal | 1987 |
4 | Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks | Uttarakhand | 1988 |
5 | Kaziranga National Park | Assam | 1985 |
6 | Keoladeo National Park | Rajasthan | 1985 |
7 | Manas Wildlife Sanctuary | Assam | 1985 |
Cultural World Heritage Sites in India
S. No. | Name of WH Site | State Location | Year of Notification |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Santiniketan | West Bengal | 2023 |
2 | Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas | Karnataka | 2023 |
3 | Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple | Telangana | 2021 |
4 | Dholavira: a Harappan City | Gujarat | 2021 |
5 | Jaipur City | Rajasthan | 2019 |
6 | Victorian and Art Deco Ensemble of Mumbai | Maharashtra | 2018 |
7 | Historic City of Ahmadabad | Gujarat | 2017 |
8 | The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement | Chandigarh | 2016 |
9 | Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara (Nalanda University) at Nalanda | Bihar | 2016 |
10 | Rani-ki-Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell) at Patan | Gujarat | 2014 |
11 | Hill Forts of Rajasthan | Rajasthan | 2013 |
12 | The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur | Rajasthan | 2010 |
13 | Red Fort Complex | Delhi | 2007 |
14 | Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park | Gujarat | 2004 |
15 | Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) | Maharashtra | 2004 |
16 | Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka | Madhya Pradesh | 2003 |
17 | Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya | Bihar | 2002 |
18 | Mountain Railways of India | West Bengal | 1999 |
19 | Humayun’s Tomb | Delhi | 1993 |
20 | Qutb Minar and its Monuments | Delhi | 1993 |
21 | Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi | Madhya Pradesh | 1989 |
22 | Elephanta Caves | Maharashtra | 1987 |
23 | Great Living Chola Temples | Tamil Nadu | 1987 |
24 | Group of Monuments at Pattadakal | Karnataka | 1987 |
25 | Churches and Convents of Goa | Goa | 1986 |
26 | Khajuraho Group of Monuments | Madhya Pradesh | 1986 |
27 | Group of Monuments at Hampi | Karnataka | 1986 |
28 | Fatehpur Sikri | Uttar Pradesh | 1986 |
29 | Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram | Tamil Nadu | 1984 |
30 | Sun Temple, Konarak | Odisha | 1984 |
31 | Ellora Caves | Maharashtra | 1983 |
32 | Ajanta Caves | Maharashtra | 1983 |
33 | Taj Mahal | Uttar Pradesh | 1983 |
34 | Agra Fort | Uttar Pradesh | 1983 |
Mixed World Heritage Site in India
Sl. No. | Name of WH Site | State Location | Year of Notification |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Khangchendzonga National Park | Sikkim | 2016 |

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India Cultural
1. Santiniketan (2023)
Santiniketan is a unique educational institution founded in 1901 in rural West Bengal by the legendary poet-philosopher Rabindranath Tagore. It was envisioned as a residential school and art center deeply rooted in ancient Indian traditions, promoting the idea of human unity that transcends religious and cultural divides.
In 1921, Tagore established Visva-Bharati, a “world university” at Santiniketan, further emphasizing the concept of universal humanity. With its architecture drawing inspiration from pan-Asian traditions rather than colonial or European modernist styles, Santiniketan represents a pioneering approach towards an inclusive, Asian vision of modernity.
2. Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas (2023)
The Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas comprise three outstanding examples of Hoysala-style Hindu temple complexes from the 12th-13th centuries in southern India. The Hoysala architectural style was a unique amalgamation of contemporary and ancient temple features, distinct from neighboring kingdoms.
These shrines are renowned for their intricately carved sculptures covering every surface, circumambulatory platforms, sculptural galleries, multi-tiered friezes, and depictions of the Sala legend. The unparalleled excellence of the sculptural art highlights the remarkable artistic achievement of these temple complexes, representing a significant evolution in Hindu temple architecture.
3. Dholavira (2021)
- Discovered by archaeologist Jagat Pati Joshi in 1968.
- An exceptional and well-preserved ancient urban settlements.
- Located in Kachchh District, of Gujarat, on Khadir bet island in the Kachchh Desert Wildlife Sanctuary in the Great Rann of Kachchh.
- Dholavira is located at such location that Tropic of Cancer crosses it.
- Harappan towns were normally built near to the rivers and perennial sources of water, but Dholavira is on the island of Khadir bet. Its unique location facilitated internal as well as external trade especially to the Magan (modern Oman peninsula)and Mesopotamian regions.
- After Mohenjo-Daro, Harappa, Rakhigarhi, Ganweriwala, Dholavira holds the position of the fifth largest settlement of the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC).
- Dholavira consisted of:
- a walled city,
- a castle,
- cemetery
- two seasonal streams and
- houses on different levels indicating a social hierarchy.
- Dholavira shows three-stage settlements – the citadel, middle town & lower town – depicts the social hierarchy that prevailed there. Castle was for an important personality, while the middle town had rich merchants and the lower town housed the common people.
- A series of reservoirs are found to the east and south of the Citadel, this showcase the efficient water management system of Dholavira.
4. Agra Fort (1983)

Agra Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Agra, India. It is a large fortress made of red sandstone and marble that was built in the 16th century by the Mughal emperor Akbar. The fort is an example of Mughal architecture and includes a number of palaces, halls, and mosques within its walls. It is located on the banks of the Yamuna river and is one of the most famous landmarks in India. The fort is also known as the Red Fort of Agra, because of the red sandstone used in its construction. It is a popular tourist attraction and is considered to be one of the best examples of Mughal military architecture in India.
- located near the Taj Mahal is the 16th-century Mughal monument, the Red Fort of Agra.
- Fortress of red sandstone was the imperial city of the Mughal rulers.
- Consists of Jahangir Palace and Khas Mahal, built by Shah Jahan; and beautiful audience halls, like the Diwan-i-Khas.
5. Ajanta Caves (1983)

The Ajanta Caves are a group of ancient rock-cut Buddhist cave temples located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, India. The caves are located in a horseshoe-shaped cliff along the Waghora river and were carved out of the rock between the 2nd century BCE and the 6th century CE. The Ajanta Caves are known for their beautiful murals and sculptures, which depict the life of the Buddha and illustrate various stories from Buddhist scriptures. The caves were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 because of their cultural and historical significance. They are a popular tourist attraction and are considered to be some of the finest examples of Buddhist cave architecture in India.
- The Buddhist caves here date from the 2nd and 1st centuries B.C.
- Some of the masterpieces of Buddhist religious art.
6. Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara (2016)

The Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara at Nalanda, Bihar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Indian state of Bihar. It consists of the ruins of the ancient Nalanda University, which was one of the most renowned centers of learning in the world during the time of the Gupta Empire (4th to 6th centuries CE). The site includes the remains of temples, monasteries, classrooms, and other structures that were built between the 5th and 12th centuries CE. The university was a major center for Buddhist studies and attracted students and scholars from all over Asia. It was designated as a World Heritage Site in 2016 because of its cultural and historical significance.
- Location: Bihar.
- The archaeological site of Monastic and Scholastic institutions dating from the 3rd century BCE to the 13th century CE.
- Stupas, shrines, viharas along with artworks in stucco, stone and metal.
- Nalanda holds the title of the most ancient university of the Indian Subcontinent.
- It had a legacy of transmission of knowledge that prevailed for over 800 years.
7. Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi (1989)
The Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi are a group of Buddhist monuments located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. They include a number of stupas, temples, and monasteries that were built between the 3rd century BCE and the 12th century CE. The Sanchi monuments are known for their beautiful carvings and sculptures, which depict the life of the Buddha and illustrate various stories from Buddhist scriptures. The site was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1989 because of its cultural and historical significance. It is a popular tourist attraction and is considered to be one of the best examples of Buddhist architecture in India.
- It holds the distinction of being the oldest Buddhist sanctuary in existence.
- It was a major Buddhist spot in India until the 12th century A.D.
- Monolithic pillars, palaces, temples and monasteries remains are found here.
8. Champaner Pavagadh Archaeological Park, Gujrat (2004)

- It is a Prehistoric site belonging to the chalcolithic phase
- This area was the capital of the state of Gujarat. Now it is a hill fortress with archaeological remains.
- Palaces, religious buildings, residential precincts, agricultural structures and water installations, belonging to the 8th to 14th centuries.
- The Kalika Mata Temple, located at the top of Pavagadh Hill, is considered an important temple that attracts pilgrims all year round.
- This site is the only remaining complete and unchanged Islamic pre-Mughal city.
9. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (2004)

- Maharashtra India
- It is an example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture, mixed with themes from Indian traditional architecture.
- Work of British architect F. W. Stevens.
- Took over 10 years in making, starting in 1878.
- The remarkable stone dome, turrets and pointed arches depict the traditional Indian palace architecture.
10. Churches and Convents- Goa (1986)

- The churches and convents of Goa point towards the commencement of Evangelisation in Asia, especially the Basilica of Bom Jesus.
- The Basilica of Bom Jesus also consists of the tomb of St. Francis Xavier.
- The former capital of the Portuguese Indies, about 10 km east of the state capital Panjim.
- Profound example of the work of missionaries in Asia.
- Followed the architectural styles of Europe, adapted to native conditions through the use of local materials and artefacts.
- These buildings were developed in Indo-Portuguese style during Portuguese control over the area, that lasted for 450 years until 1961.
11. Elephanta Caves (1987)
The Elephanta Caves are a group of ancient rock-cut temples located on Elephanta Island, about 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the city of Mumbai, India. The caves are thought to have been carved out of the rock between the 5th and 8th centuries CE and are an example of Indian rock-cut architecture. The caves are known for their beautiful carvings and sculptures, which depict various Hindu deities and illustrate stories from Hindu mythology. The most famous of these is a 6-meter (20-foot) high carving of the god Shiva. The Elephanta Caves were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 because of their cultural and historical significance. They are a popular tourist attraction and are considered to be one of the finest examples of ancient Indian art and architecture.
12. Ellora Caves

- The tremendous 34 caves at Ellora at the Charanandri hills, Maharashtra depicts the spirit of co-existence and religious tolerance in architectural activities of that time. Three prominent religions architecture is found here
- Buddhism,
- Brahmanism,
- Jainism.
- The rock-cut process was executed in three phases from the 6th century to the 12th century.
- The earliest caves No- 1–12, excavated between the 5th & 8th centuries, displays the Mahayana philosophy of Buddhism.
- The Brahmanical caves No- 13–29, including the world-famous Kailasa temple at cave no-16, was excavated between the 7th & 10th centuries.
- The last phase of Caves belonging to the 9th and 12th centuries (caves 30–34) reflects Jaina philosophy.
13. Fatehpur Sikri (1986)

- Built by Emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri or ‘The City of Victory,’ was the capital of the Mughal empire for a brief period.
- It contains various monuments and temples, including one of the largest mosques of India- the Jama Masjid.
- It was constructed between 1571 and 1573.
- Fatehpur Sikri was the first planned city of the Mughals marked by
- magnificent administrative, residential, and religious buildings.
- Later the capital was shifted to Lahore in 1585, Fatehpur Sikri remained a key area for the visits by the Mughal emperors.
- The Fatehpur Sikri is bounded on three sides by a wall 6 km long. It is fortified by towers and has nine gates.
- The Fatehpur Sikri city was originally rectangular in plan, having a grid pattern of roads. It also featured efficient drainage and water management system.
- The Jama Masjid is located in the centre of this city.
- Red sandstone with little use of marble is the major building material used here.
14. The Great Living Chola Temples Thanjavur (1987, 2004)
- The great Cholas set up a powerful monarchy in 9th CE in an area in and around Thanjavur.
- Their rule lasted for four and a half centuries with various achievements, especially in architecture.
- There are three remarkable living temples,
- Brihadisvara at Thanjavur,
- Brihadisvara at Gangaikondacholapuram
- Airavatesvara at Darasuram.
- The Temple of Gangaikondacholisvaram was built by Rajendra the First in 1035 and features a vimana (sanctum tower) of 53m
- the Airavatesvara Temple was built by Rajaraja the Second, features a vimana (sanctum tower) of 24m.
- These temple complexes form a unique group, demonstrating the development of Chola architecture.
15. Group of Monuments- Hampi (1986)

- Hampi was the last capital of the Vijaynagar kingdom.
- Dravidian temples and palaces here were built during the rule of Vijaynagar empire between the 14th and 16th centuries.
- In 1565, the city was captured by Deccan Muslim Confederacy and pillaged for 6 months, before being abandoned
- The site of Hampi mainly has the remnants of the Capital City of the Vijayanagara Empire.
- It is an area located in the Tungabhadra river basin in the Bellary District of Central Karnataka.
- The breathtaking landscape of Hampi is dominated by the Tungabhadra River, rocky mountain ranges and wide open plains with remnants of material remains..
- The sophistication of the vibrant kingdom is evident from the more than 1600 surviving architectures that include forts, riverside features, royal and sacred complexes, many temples & shrines having pillared halls, mandapas, memorial structures, gateways, There are also defence check posts, stables, water structures, etc.
- Name of few extraordinary architectures of Hampi site are:
- Krishna temple complex,
- Narasimha, Ganesa, Hemakuta group of temples,
- Achyutaraya temple complex,
- Vitthala temple complex,
- Pattabhirama temple complex,
- Lotus Mahal complex.
- Dravidian architecture flourished under the Vijayanagara kingdom and its ultimate forms are represented by massive dimensions, cloistered enclosures, and lofty towers over the entrances encased by decorated pillars.
- The Vitthla Temple is the most unique ornate structure in the area and the pinnacle of the Vijayanagara Temple architecture.
- Vijayanagara architecture is also adopted some of the elements of Indo-Islamic Architecture in their secular buildings for example the Queen’s Bath and the Elephant Stables, depicting a highly evolved multi-religious and multi-ethnic society.
16. Group of Monuments in Mahabalipuram (1984)

- Mahabalipuram (or Mamallapuram) Founded by Pallava kings in the 7th and 8th centuries these monuments are located along the Coromandel coast.
- These temples have intricate and unique architectural styles represented in the form of-
- rathas – the temples in the shape of chariots,
- mandapas – the cave sanctuaries
- Huge open-air reliefs such as ‘Descent of the Ganges.’
- Shore temple, with huge amount of sculptures attributed to the glory of Shiva is found here.
17. Group of Monuments – Pattadakal (1987)

- Pattadakal situated in Karnataka presents a unique blend of architectural forms of both North and South India.
- Constructed by the Chalukya dynasty during the 7th and 8th centuries.
- It contains nine Hindu temples as well as a Jain sanctuary.
- A masterpiece – Temple of Virupaksha, built-in c.740 by Queen Lokamahadevi to commemorate the victory of her husband is present here.
18. Hill Forts of Rajasthan (2013)

- This Hill forts includes 6 beautiful forts of the Rajasthan
- Chittorgarh,
- Kumbhalgarh,
- Sawai Madhopur,
- Jaisalmer,
- Jaipur
- Jhalawar.
- Magnificent and stalwart forts showcase the lifestyle and nature of the Rajput rule on this land from the 8th to 18th centuries.
- Enclosed inside the defensive walls of these forts are major urban centres, palaces, trading centres and various buildings including temples.
- These Temples developed an elaborate courtly culture that supported learning, music and the arts.
- These forts used the natural defences form offered by the landscape present here: the hills, deserts, rivers, and dense forests.
- They also exhibit an extensive water harvesting system, largely still in use today.
19. Historic City of Ahmedabad (2017)

- Situated on the eastern bank of the Sabarmati river.
- It was founded by Sultan Ahmad Shah in the 15th century.
- Served as the capital of Gujarat for centuries.
- This heritage embodies religious buildings along with the rich domestic wooden architecture:
- The “Havelis”
- “pols”- gated main streets,
- Khadkis-inner entrances to the pols
- The timber-based architecture of old Ahmedabad city is an exceptional and most unique aspect of this heritage.
- Site exhibit a harmonious existence of diverse religions on this land, showcased by its architecture that includes the famous Bhadra citadel along with various mosques, tombs and numerous Hindu and Jain temples.
20. Humayun’s Tomb of Delhi (1993)

- Humayun’s Tomb was built in the 1560s, by the great Emperor Akbar (Humayun’s son)
- This is the first garden tomb built in India.
- It was the inspiration for several architectural innovations, including the Miracle, Taj Mahal.
- Persian and Indian craftsmen constructed this garden tomb,
- It was far grander than any tomb built before in the Islamic world.
- It is an example of the char bagh Style architecture – a four-quadrant garden with the four rivers of Quranic paradise represented with pools joined by channels.
- The structure is made of red sandstone with white and black marble borders.
- Humayun’s garden-tomb is also known as the ‘dormitory of the Mughals‘ as in the cells are buried over 150 Mughal family members.
- The tomb stands in an extremely significant archaeological setting, centred at the Shrine of the 14th century Sufi Saint, Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya.
- Since it is considered auspicious to be buried near a saint’s grave, seven centuries of tomb building has led to the area becoming the densest ensemble of medieval Islamic buildings in India.
21. Jaipur City (2019)
- Jaipur was founded in 1727 AD by the then Kachwaha Rajput ruler of Amber, Raja Sawai Jai Singh II.
- The capital city of Rajasthan.
- The Jaipur was developed on the plains and built based on a grid plan interpreted with knowledge of Vedic architecture.
- Jaipur’s urban planning is a mix of ideas from ancient Hindu and modern Mughal as well as Western cultures.
- It was designed as commercial capital, and the city has maintained the streak of its local commercial, artisanal and cooperative traditions to this day.
- The famous monuments of the city include the Govind Dev temple, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal etc.
- Jaipur becomes the 2nd city of India after Ahmedabad to get the recognition of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
22. Khajuraho Monuments (1986)

- The Khajuraho temples were built during the reign of the Chandella dynasty, reaching their peak between 950 and 1050.
- The Khajuraho group of temples is the culmination of northern Indian temple art and architecture of the Chandella dynasty.
- Distributed over an area of 6 square km in a picturesque landscape, the Khajuraho Group of Monuments are rare surviving examples that show the originality and high quality of Nagara-style temple architecture.
- The Khajuraho Group of Monuments are regarded as the pinnacle of temple architectural development in northern India.
- Built-in sandstone, the temples are profusely carved with motifs depicting sacred and secular themes.
- Sculptures depicting acts of worship, minor clans and deities, and united couples, reflecting sacred belief systems.
- Other themes depicting social life include home scenes, teachers and students, dancers and musicians, and couples in love.
- The composition and finesse give the stone surfaces of the Khajuraho temples a rare vibrancy, an example of master craftsmanship
- Only 20 temples remain, belonging to -Hinduism and Jainism, including the famous Temple of Kandariya decorated with intricately and beautifully carved sculptures.
23. Mahabodhi Temple Complex – Bodh Gaya (2002)

- The present Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya dates back to the 5th or 6th centuries, However, This Temple Complex in Bodh Gaya was built by Emperor Asoka in the 3rd century B.C.
- One of the earliest Buddhist temples built with brick entirely.
- Considered to be one of the four sacred places linked with the life of Gautama Buddha.
- Sites are attached to the life of the Buddha, particularly to the attainment of Enlightenment.
- Mahabodhi Temple Complex comprises the 50 m high grand Temple, the Vajrasana, sacred Bodhi Tree and other six sacred sites related to Buddha’s enlightenment, surrounded by numerous ancient Votive stupas.
- The seventh sacred place, the Lotus Pond, is outside this enclosure to the south.
24. Mountain Railways of India (1999, 2005, 2008)

This site includes three railways, All three railways are still fully operational.
- Darjeeling Himalayan Railways
- The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway was the first example of a hill passenger railway. Started in 1881, its design includes bold and ingenious engineering solutions for establishing an effective rail link across mountainous terrain.
- Nilgiri Mountain Railways
- It is a 46-km long metre-gauge single-track. Located in Tamil Nadu. It was first proposed in 1854, but due to its difficult location, the work was started in 1891 and was completed in 1908.
- Kalka Shimla Railways
- A 96-km long, single-track rail link was built in the mid-19th century. It provides service to the highland town of Shimla, an example of the technical and material efforts to mobilise mountain populations through the railway.
25. Qutub Minar and its Monuments, Delhi (1993)

- It was built in red sandstone at the beginning of the 13th century, in Delhi.
- Qutub Minar is 72.5 m high, having diameters of 14.32 m and 2.75 m at its base and peak respectively.
- The surrounding archaeological area has funerary buildings, including the magnificent Alai-Darwaza Gate, the masterpiece of Indo-Muslim art that was built in 1311, and two mosques, which includes the Quwwatu’l-Islam, the oldest in northern India, built of materials obtained from about 20 Brahman temples.
26. Rani-ki-Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell) at Patan, Gujarat (2014)

- It is situated on the banks of the Saraswati river, It was built as a memorial to a king.
- Stepwells have been constructed in the Indian subcontinent since the 3rd millennium B.C.
- This stepwell represents the Maru-Gurjara architectural style,
- It is designed in the form of an inverted temple to emphasize the sanctity of water and is endowed with more than a thousand sculptures.
27. Red Fort Complex (2007)
- The complex of Red Fort was built as the palace fort of Shahjahanabad – it was the new capital of the 5th Mughal Emperor of India, the Shah Jahan.
- Got its name from massive enclosing walls of red sandstone. It is adjacent to another older fort, the Salimgarh, built by Islam Shah Suri in 1546, together they form the Red Fort Complex.
- The private apartments inside the complex consist of a row of pavilions that are connected by a continuous water channel, known as the Nahr-i-Behisht (Stream of Paradise).
- The Red Fort is considered to be an example of the zenith of Mughal creativity.
- The architectural elements here are typical of a Mughal building. It reflects a fusion of Persian, Timurid and Hindu traditions
- The Red Fort’s planning and architectural forms, including the garden design, strongly influenced the later buildings and gardens built in Rajasthan, Delhi, Agra etc.
28. Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (2003)

- Located in the foothills of the Vindhya range, on the southern boundary of the central Indian plateau.
- These natural rock shelters contain paintings that date back to the Mesolithic, and other periods succeeding it.
- These rock shelters show the lifestyle of the earliest humans that lived in the Indian subcontinent.
- The cultural practices of the inhabitants in the surrounding areas are similar to those displayed in these rock paintings.
29. Sun Temple, Konarak (1984)

- The Sun Temple at Konarak, located on the eastern shores of India.
- It is an outstanding testimony to the 13th-century kingdom of Orissa and a monument of Surya, the Sun God.
- The Sun Temple is the zenith of Kalingan temple architecture.
- A masterpiece, the temple flaunts a chariot of the Sun God, with twelve pairs of wheels drawn by seven horses moving across the heavens.
- On the north and south sides of the temple are 24 carved wheels, each about 3 m in diameter, as well as symbolic motifs representing the cycle of the seasons and the months.
30. Taj Mahal 1983

- An immense mausoleum of white marble in Agra.
- Built between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is located on the banks of the Yamuna River.
- The Taj Mahal is the ultimate jewel of Muslim art in India and is a universally admired masterpiece of the world’s heritage.
- The Taj Mahal is a completely symmetrical building.
- The mosque and guest house of the complex are built of red sandstone in contrast to the central marble mausoleum.
- The four free-standing minarets at the corners of the platform add dimension to the Mughal architecture.
31. The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier (2016)

- This transnational serial property has 17 sites spread across 7 countries Argentina, Belgium, France, Germany, India, Japan, and Switzerland.
- It is a new architectural form that made a break with the past.
- These sites were built for a half-century, in the course of what Le Corbusier described as “patient research“.
- These sites represent ideals of the Modern movement and are considered as a response to fundamental issues of architecture and society in the 20th century.
- some of the sites included in this property are:
- Complexe du Capitole of Chandigarh,
- The Museum of Western Art of Tokyo
- House of Dr Curutchet of La Plata in Argentina.
- Unite habitation of Marseille in France.
32. The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur (2010)

- Built at the beginning of the 18th century, Jantar Mantar is established to observe astronomical positions with the naked eye.
- A set of 20 instruments are installed here to make an accurate observation.
- Jantar Mantar is a manifestation of astronomical knowledge and skills of people dating back to the Mughal times.
- It is the most significant, comprehensive and well preserved India’s historic observatory.
33. Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai (2018)

- It includes a collection of buildings designed in a Victorian NeoGothic style belonging to the 19th century and the Art Deco style of the 20th century.
- Both these architectural styles are mixed with Indian architectural elements to create this architecture.
- For example- The buildings created in Victorian Neo-Gothic styles are endowed with balconies and verandas.
- The Indo- Deco term represents the style that evolved by merging Indian elements to Art Deco imagery and architecture.
34. Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple (2021)
The Ramappa Temple, formally known as Rudreshwara, is a magnificent Shiva temple constructed during the Kakatiya dynasty rule in the 13th century CE. Located in a village near Hyderabad, this sandstone temple complex took around 40 years to build and showcases the intricate sculpting skills of the era. Its distinctive pyramidal tower is made of lightweight, porous bricks to reduce the roof’s weight.
The ornate carved pillars, beams and sculptures depict regional dance forms and Kakatiya culture. Strategically situated amid forests, hills and a reservoir, the temple follows ancient Hindu principles of integrating religious structures with the natural environment.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India Natural
35. Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area (2014)

Great Himalayan National Park
- located in the Kullu region in Himachal Pradesh.
- GHNP is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- This National park is at the junction of the world’s two major faunal regions:
- the oriental (Indomalayan) to the south
- Palaearctic to the north.
- the upper mountain glacial and snow meltwater is the source of several rivers and the catchment area of various rivers whose water supplies are vital to millions of downstream users.
- The glacial and snow meltwater in the upper mountains of the Park is a source of various headwater tributaries to the River Beas:
- Sainj, Jiwa Nal and Tirthan Rivers -westerly flowing
- Parvati River flowing north-westerly
- the Great Himalayan National Park have preserved the forests and alpine meadows of the Himalayas ranges which are sustaining a unique biota comprised of many distinct high altitude-sensitive ecosystems.
- The rugged topography and inaccessibility of the park along with its location inside a much larger ecological complex of protected areas surrounding it have ensured its integrity.
- The temperate forest flora-fauna of the Great Himalayan National Park is considered the westernmost extension of the Sino-Japanese Region.
- The high elevation mountains in the park with a height up to 4100 meters house a diversity of zones with have their representative flora and fauna which include alpine, glacial, temperate, and subtropical forests.
36. Kaziranga National Park (1985)

- Kaziranga National Park in the north-eastern region of India Covering 429.96 Sq. Km. area and located in the State of Assam represents one of the last unmodified natural areas.
- The Kaziranga National Park has one of the highest densities of tigers in India and has been declared a Tiger Reserve since 2007.
- Kaziranga National Park area is the single largest and undisturbed area lying in the Brahmaputra Valley floodplain.
- The meandering of the Brahmaputra River creates spectacular examples of riverine and fluvial lands in this vast area.
- This area comprises wet alluvial tall grassland, scattered with a large number of broad shallow pools fringed with vegetation patches of deciduous to semi-evergreen woodlands.
- Riverbank erosion by the Brahmaputra river results in sedimentation and formation of new lands as well as new water-bodies
- Succession between grasslands and woodlands in these newly formed sedimented lands represents outstanding examples of significant, continuous and dynamic ecological and biological processes.
- Two-thirds of the Kaziranga National Park area is under Wet alluvial grasslands which are maintained by annual flooding and burning.
37. Keoladeo National Park (1985)

Area
- 29 sq. Km
Location
- Formerly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary.
- UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Birds paradise.
- It is a man-made wetland area. The earlier ruler of this area Suraj Mal flooded this area by building Ajan bund, and water from nearby rivers Banganga and Gambhir were fed into this area having lowland topography.
- The Keoladeo National park contains 10 artificial lagoons.
38. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (1985)
- Manas National Park is located in the foothills of the Himalayas in the bhabar area of western Assam.
- It spans the Manas river and is joined on the north by the Royal Manas National Park of Bhutan.
- Manas National Park have six national and international designations
- World Heritage Site
- National Park
- Elephant Reserve
- Important Bird Area
- Tiger Reserve
- Biosphere Reserve (national)
- Manas National Park provides the highest legal protection to its species under the strong legislative framework of the provisions of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act 1972 and Indian Forest Act, 1927/Assam Forest Regulation 1891.
39. Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks (1988, 2005)

- Designation date by UNESCO: 2004
- Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve dispersed across three districts of Uttarakhand viz. Chamoli, Pithoragarh, and Bageshwar.
- Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve in the Himalayan Mountains is located in the northern part of the country.
- There are two core zones in Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, namely Nanda Devi National Park and Valley of Flower National Park. Both these National Parks are also designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve has remained more or less intact because of its inaccessibility.
- The snow-clad peaks in reserve with over 30 glaciers, charismatic animals and birds, and deep and vast valleys make the reserve unique. Meadows and rivers and the culture of the native communities make the Biosphere Reserve unique.
- The Valley of Flowers National Park inside the Nanda Devi biosphere reserve is known for its meadows of endemic alpine flowers and outstanding natural beauty.
40. Sundarban National Park (1987)
- The Sundarban National Park contain the world’s largest concentration of mangrove forests.
- Situated at the Delta of the Ganges and Brahmaputra Rivers between India and Bangladesh.
- The Sunderban mangroves host the single largest population of tigers in the world which have adapted and evolved to an almost amphibious life, Tigers here are capable of swimming for long distances and surviving on fish, crab and water monitor lizards.
- The islands around here are of great economic value some of their benefits are as follow:
- Act as a storm barrier, shore stabiliser, nutrient and sediment trap,
- A source of timber and natural resources, and support a wide variety of aquatic, benthic and terrestrial organisms.
- About 66% of the Sunderban mangrove forest area is in Bangladesh, and the remaining 34% area is in India.
41. Western Ghats (2012)
- The Western Ghats are older than the Himalayas mountains.
- The Western Ghats are a chain of mountains that runs parallel to India’s West Coast and passes through the states of Kerala, Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
- The Western Ghats cover an immense area and stretch for 1600 km broke only once by a 30km Palghat gap at around 11 degrees North.
- Western Ghats influence the Indian monsoon heavily, it acts as a barrier to rain-laden monsoon winds that flows in from the southwest direction into the Indian Subcontinent.
- The Western Ghats is home to tropical evergreen forests, with an Ultra high level of biodiversity and endemism and is recognized as one of the world’s eight ‘hottest hotspots‘ of biological diversity.(Biodiversity hotspots in India)
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India Mixed
42. Khangchendzonga National Park (2016)
- Khangchendzonga National Park hosts the world’s third-highest peak, Mount Khangchendzonga.
- The Park is full of steep-sided valleys, snow-clad mountains and lakes and glaciers. It includes the 26km long Zemu glacier, situated at the base of Mount Khangchendzonga.
- Khangchendzonga National Park covers almost 25% of the state of Sikkim.
- Provides a favourable environment to endemic, as well as threatened, plant and animal species.
Thanks for this wonderful information along with map. Your way of presenting article is very good. I highly appreciate your efforts
Thank you so much for your kind words of appreciation and encouragement!
Kindly add 2023 unesco site hoysala and santiniketan
Thank you for the suggestion! We’ll be adding the 2023 UNESCO sites, Hoysala and Santiniketan, soon. Stay tuned!