Complete List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India

Complete List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India

India is the land of stone carved stories, rivers that sing, and mountains that protect. Its UNESCO World Heritage Sites are tourist not only attraction sites but also living museums that tell the centuries-old story of human genius the spiritual serenity of Bodh Gaya or the majesty of the hill forts of Rajasthan. All the sites represent the stratified history of India, artistic skills and biodiversity that still amazes the world.

A total of 44 sites found in all parts of the country demonstrate the ancient cave painting and medieval temples, the natural phenomenon and modern miracles. They are both a marvelous map of the civilizational richness and creative genius of India.

2. Ajanta Caves
The 2 nd century BCE Rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments are exquisite in their murals, sculptures, and religious artistry.

3. Ellora Caves
A marvel of architecture that has Hindu, Buddhist and Jain temples hewn out of rock, including the famous Kailasa Temple.

4. Taj Mahal
The mausoleum constructed by the emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of Mumtaz Mahal, is a white marble mausoleum which represents the love that is eternal and the Mughal pomp.

5. Mahabalipuram Group of Monuments
Pallava rock-cut temples and sculptures of Hindu mythology and early Dravidian architecture of the 7th-8th century.

6. Sun Temple, Konarak
Temple-chariot (13th century) in the honor of Surya where there are detailed stone carvings and architectural masterpiece.

7. Kaziranga National Park
The biggest one-horned rhinoceroses population in the world, biodiversity, and beautiful wet lands.

8. Keoladeo National Park
A bird refuge and an old royal hunting ground with thousands of migratory birds such as the Siberian cranes.

9. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
The Himalayan foothills has a biodiversity hotspot that houses the tigers, elephants, and endangered species such as the pygmy hog.

10. Churches and Convents of Goa
Portuguese churches of the 16 th -17 th century such as Basilica of Bom Jesus, which are some of the examples of Baroque architecture and Christian legacy in India.

11. Fatehpur Sikri
An Indo-Islamic architecture with historical palaces, a 16 th -century Mughal capital made by Akbar.

12. Group of Monuments at Hampi
Razed ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire of temples, palaces and markets among boulder littered landscapes.

13. Khajuraho Group of Monuments.
Noted its beautiful sandstone temples that had elaborate erotic figures of Hindu and Jain gods and goddesses.

14. Elephanta Caves
Elephanta Island had rock-cut cave temples that were devoted to lord Shiva including the magnificent Trimurti sculpture.

15. Great Living Chola Temples
Superior temples of the magnificent Chola dynasty with primitive Dravidian architecture and deity craftmanship.

16. Pattadakal Group of Monuments.
Combined styles of north and the south of temples, and it is the best of Chalukyan architecture.

17. Sundarbans National Park
The Ganges delta is home to the largest mangrove forest and Bengal tiger.

18. Nanda Devi and Valley of the Flower National Parks.
An alpine biosphere of Himalayan meadows, rare flowers, and the second-highest mountain of India the Nanda Devi.

19. Buddhist Reliquaries at Sanchi.
Early Buddhist art and teachings represented by ancient stupas and monasteries of Emperor Ashoka reign.

20. Humayun's Tomb
One of the greatest Mughal architectural creations that inspired the design of the Taj Mahal was constructed on behalf of Emperor Humayun.

21. Qutb Minar and its Monuments
Red sandstone tower in the 13 th century that surrounded early Islamic monuments characterizing the history of Delhi in the medieval period.

22. Mountain Railways of India
The mountains railways built in the colonial age demonstrate marvels of engineering and picturesque landscapes.

23. Bodh Gaya Mahabodhidharma Temple Complex.
Holy place of enlightenment of Buddha under the Bodhi Tree.

24. Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka
Early human life and ancient art traditions are portrayed on prehistoric cave paintings.

25. Champaner-Pavagadh Archeological Park.
Ruins of a hill fortress with a mixture of Hindu and Islamic architecture in the middle of Medieval capital.

26. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus.
Victorian Gothic railway station with the Indian craftsmanship and British engineering.

27. Red Fort Complex
The Mughal fortress of the 17 th century with its symbols of the imperial architecture and the symbolism of freedom in India.

28. The Jantar Mantar
Jai Singh II designed an astronomical observatory equipped with giant instruments with the aim of doing celestial calculations.

29. Western Ghats
Rainforests, endemic species and scenic mountain landscapes.

30. Hill Forts of Rajasthan
Knowledgeable Rajput castles which correspond to heroism, fortifications, and royal legacy.

31. Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area
Himalayan wildlife haven of snow leopards, musk deer and alpine plants.

32. Rani-ki-Vav (the Stepwell of Queen)
Fanciful 11 th century stepwell featuring elaborate sculptures and Maru-Gurjara construction.

33. Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihar
Remnants of the Nalanda University that was a famous Buddhist school.

34. Khangchendzonga National Park
Spiritual landscape of the Himalayas and Mount Khangchendzonga.

35. Le Corbusier Architectural Work.
Urban design masterpiece by the architect Le Corbusier as an expression of 20 th -century planning beliefs.

36. Historic City of Ahmedabad
The first Indian World Heritage City, boasting of Indo-Islamic architecture and the traditional pol houses.

37. Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai.
The architectural features of the colonial period of time which combined Gothic revival and the Art Deco styles along the Marine drive.

38. Jaipur City
Planned city of 18 th century famous with its pink architecture and combination of Mughal and Rajput design.

39. Dholavira: a Harappan City
This site of the Indus Valley Civilization is one of the most significant locations where the city planning was on a high level.

40. Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple.
Sandstone temple in 13 th century which is characterized by floating bricks and elaborate Kakatiya carvings.

41. Sacred Groups of the Hoysalas.
Soapstone carvings of architectural masterpieces of Hoysala in temples.

42. Santiniketan
It is a cultural renaissance and educational reform movement that was established by Rabindranath Tagore.

43. Moidams - Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty.
Remains of royal tombs of Ahom dynasty in the form of mounds.

44. Marathi Military Sceneries of India.
Successive hill forts with Marathi strategic architecture and guerrilla fortifications.
The diversity of India is reflected in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites that undoubtedly tell a time and a place-old tale. They are the embodiment of antique cultures, the sacrifice of the constructors, the unity of nature and culture. A visit to these locations feels like the tour of a living timeline - the history that glorifies diversity, strength and creativity of India itself.