Andhra Pradesh’s Tirumala Hills, Erra Matti Dibbalu added to UNESCO's tentative list of World Heritage: What you need to know

Tirumala Hills and Erra Matti Dibbalu: Andhra Pradesh’s newest UNESCO Tentative List sites showcasing natural beauty and ancient geology. (Image: Canva)

In a significant recognition of India’s rich natural and cultural heritage, two sites from Andhra Pradesh—Tirumala Hills and Erra Matti Dibbalu (Red Sand Dunes)—have been included in UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites. Being placed on the Tentative List is the first formal stage in the process of becoming a full World Heritage Site. The inclusion highlights the sites’ scientific, geological, and ecological value, reflects a commitment by the state and central governments to enhance conservation, and opens opportunities for tourism, research, and global awareness.

Erra Matti Dibbalu: Visakhapatnam’s Red Sand Dunes

Stretching across approximately 1,500 acres along the Visakhapatnam-Bheemunipatnam Beach Road, Erra Matti Dibbalu captivates visitors with its vivid red dunes, formed over thousands of years due to iron oxidation. Comparable coastal formations are found only in select areas of Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu, making this site a rare geological treasure.

Declared a National Geo-heritage Monument by the Geological Survey of India in 2016, Erra Matti Dibbalu attracts geologists, photographers, and nature enthusiasts alike. Visitors can explore the dunes while learning about the region’s geological history, making it a unique blend of natural beauty and scientific significance.

Tirumala Hills: Where Spirituality Meets Ancient Geology

Famous for the world-renowned Tirupati Temple, the Tirumala Hills are also a geological marvel. The hills feature the Eparchaean Unconformity, where rocks older than 1.6 billion years meet much younger sedimentary layers, offering a rare glimpse into Earth’s ancient tectonic history.

Trekking through Tirumala is both a spiritual and educational experience. Pilgrims, scholars, and nature lovers can marvel at landscapes shaped over billions of years, highlighting the hills’ cultural, spiritual, and geological importance.

Other New Additions to India’s Tentative List

Alongside Andhra Pradesh, these other natural heritage sites across India have been added, further enriching the UNESCO Tentative List:

1. Deccan Traps, Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra – Well-preserved lava flows within Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary

2. Geological Heritage of St. Mary’s Island Cluster, Karnataka – Columnar basalt formations from approximately 85 million years ago

3. Meghalayan Age Caves, Meghalaya – Including Mawmluh Cave, a reference point for global climatic transitions

4. Naga Hill Ophiolite, Nagaland – Exposed ophiolite rocks offering insights into tectonic activity

5. Varkala Cliffs, Kerala – Coastal cliffs with Mio-Pliocene formations, natural springs, and erosional features

With these additions, India now has 69 properties on UNESCO’s Tentative List, comprising 49 cultural, 17 natural, and 3 mixed heritage sites.

A Call for Exploration and Preservation

From the fiery red dunes of Visakhapatnam to the ancient Tirumala Hills, Andhra Pradesh now offers travelers and researchers an opportunity to witness Earth’s history up close. These sites are not only visually stunning but also emphasize the importance of preserving India’s natural and cultural heritage. Travelers planning a visit can explore these unique landscapes while experiencing the rich geological, cultural, and spiritual legacy of the state.