India is diverse geographically, ecologically, and culturally and home to the highest numbers of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world. There are now 36 World Heritage Sites in India, some of them are based on natural, some are based on cultural.
List of World Heritage Sites in India
India is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites: it’s ranging from natural wonders to architectural marvels. As you explore India, don’t forget to see these spectacular sites in the country.
Nalanda University
Nalanda university is considered as the second oldest university in the world after Taxila. In Nalanda university the students are not only from India only but from different countries such as Korea, Japan, China, Iran, Mongolia and other countries had studied.
Kanchenjunga National Park
Kanchenjunga National Park was established in the year 1977. It is the largest national park in Sikkim and is spread over an area of 850 sq km in the northern district of Sikkim.
Capital Complex of Chandigarh
The capital complex of Chandigarh is the 17th place in this list which was designed by the French Swiss architect Le Corbusier.
Kaziranga National Park
Kaziranga National Park of Assam was included in the list of World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985. This national park was established in 1908 to save the threatened rhinoceros species.
Hampi
There are many archaeological monuments on the banks of the Tungabhadra River in Hampi, in the state Karnataka of India. The group of these monuments has also been included in the World Heritage Site due to its cultural importance.
Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar of Jaipur is known because of archaeological astronomical instruments. It was built by Maharaja Jai Singh. UNESCO included it in the World Heritage Site because of its cultural importance.
Tomb of the Mughal Ruler Humayun
The tomb of the Mughal ruler Humayun was built in 1570 by his Begum Beaga (Haji Begum) in Delhi. It was declared as a World Archaeological Heritage in 1993 by UNESCO.
Ellora Caves
A combination of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain culture will be found in Ellora caves in the state of Maharashtra. The art of 600 to 1000 AD is reflected in these caves. This cultural heritage is also part of the World Heritage Site.
Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri was built in the 16th century. The city was the capital of the Mughal rulers for 14 years. There are many beautiful and historical buildings like Buland Darwaza, Shalim Chishti’s Dargah, Panch Mahal. Hence Fatehpur Sikri has been included in the World Heritage Site.
Himalaya Railway
UNESCO has included Darjeeling Himalaya Railway, West Bengal (1999), Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Ooty (2005) and Kalka-Shimla Railway (2008) among the world’s natural archaeological heritage sites.
Qutub Minar
The construction of Qutub Minar was started by Qutubuddin Aibak in 1192. Later it was built by Iltutmish and Alauddin Khilji. The length of this tower is 238 feet. UNESCO included it in the World Heritage Site for its excellent design.
Manas Wildlife Century
‘Manas Wildlife Century’, Assam is spread over 120,000 acres. It is on the plains of the river Manas. It was declared a World Archaeological Heritage in 1985.
Mahabodhi Temple
Mahabodhi Temple was built by Emperor Ashoka. This temple was constructed in Bodh Gaya, in the state Bihar in 260 BC. It is included in the World Heritage List with cultural and archaeological significance.
Keoladeo National Park
Keoladeo National Park, included in the World Archaeological Heritage is in city Bharatpur, Rajasthan. This national park is spread over 6,880 acres in the monsoon forest of Sindh-Ganga. There are 364 species of birds here. It was declared a World Heritage Site in 1986.
Elephanta Caves
Elephanta Caves is on the island of Elephanta in the state of Maharashtra. The island is situated on the Arabian Sea. There are 2 groups of caves in them. The first group has 5 large Hindu caves and the second group has 2 small Buddhist caves. These caves were rebuilt in 1970 and the Elephanta caves became an archaeological heritage in 1987.
The Churches of Goa
In India Portuguese came in the 15th and 16th centuries and settled a city in the southwestern part of the country called Goa. At that time, the Portuguese also built some churches and convents in Goa which are included in the list of World Heritage Site.
Jain Century
Jain Century is a memorial to Pattadakal in Bagalkot district of Karnataka. The Jain Century in northern Karnataka with 9 temples here was declared an archaeological heritage by UNESCO in 1987.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminal
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminal in Mumbai is a historic railway station. This station was designed by Federic William Steven. It took 10 years to build and was named Victoria Terminus. It was completed in 1887. Its name Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus on the demand of Shiv Sena in 1996. In July 2004, it was included in the World Heritage Site.
Ajanta Buddhist Caves
Ajanta Buddhist Caves were built in 2 phases. These caves were built earlier in the second century BC. Then these caves were built in the Gupta period of 5th and 6th century BC. These caves are adorned with amazing paintings. Ajanta caves are also archaeological heritage.
Bhimbetka
Bhimbetka Natural Rock Shelters are built on the Vindhya mountain ranges of Madhya Pradesh. They are spread over 25,400. This rock shelter was discovered in 1957. The paintings on the caves of these stones show the history of Middle Stone. In 2003, UNESCO declared these stone houses as archaeological heritage.
Rajasthan Forts
Rajasthan is known for its stately forts. Ranthambore Fort, Jaisalmer Fort, Chittorgarh Fort and Amer Fort have been declared World Heritage Sites.
Valley of Flower
Valley of Flower National Park and Nanda Devi National Park in Chamoli, Uttarakhand, the Valley of Flowers has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Temples of the Chola Rule
The Airavateshwara Temple in Tamil Nadu, Darasuram and Bhedeshwar Temple, Thanjavur and Gangaikonda are part of the World Heritage Site. These great Chola temples were built by the Chola ruler Rajaraja Chola (I) in 1003-1010 AD.
Khajuraho
Famous groups of Khajuraho temples were built by the Chandela kings. 85 temples were built in this group, out of which 22 are left. Through the artefacts of these temples, the time of the Chandelas in the 10th century can be seen. They were included in the World Heritage Site in October 1982 due to art and workmanship.
Agra Fort
In the 16th century, Akbar started building the fort of Agra and it was completed by Aurangzeb in the 18th century. Shahjahan also made some part of it. This fort became a World Heritage Site in 1982.
Himalaya National Park
The Great Himalaya National Park of Himachal Pradesh is spread over 754.4 square kilometers. It is in Kullu, Himachal. The Great Himalaya National Park is also included in the natural archaeological heritage of the world.
Taj Mahal
Taj mahal is included in one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It is also included as a world archaeological heritage. It was built by Mughal ruler ShahJahan in memory of his begum Mumtaz. It took 16 years to build.
Sahyadri Mountains
Western Ghats are also known as Sahyadri Mountains. There are a total of 39 such places in which the National Park, Wildlife Century and Reserve Jungle are declared by UNESCO to be a World Heritage Site. Of these 20 are in Kerala, 5 in Tamil Nadu, and 4 in Maharashtra.
Konark Sun Temple
Konark is an archaeological heritage. It was built by King Narasimhadeva. This temple is built in the form of a chariot of the Sun God, which has Lord Surya and 24 wheels. This temple is decorated with carvings done on stones. It was included in the 1984 World Heritage Site.
Sundarban National Park
In West Bengal, Sundarbans National Park is known for the Tiger Reserve. It is also included in the natural archaeological heritage of the world.
Red Fort
Delhi’s Red Fort was built in the 17th century by the 5th Mughal ruler Shahjahan. It has also been declared as World Archaeological Heritage. Inside the Red Fort, there are many luxurious parts like ‘Diwan-e-Aam’, ‘Diwan-e-Khas’.
Sanchi Stupas
Everyone is aware of Sanchi Stupas in Madhya Pradesh. This Buddhist monument dates from 200 to 100 BC. It was built by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka. It was included in the World Heritage Site in January 1989 due to cultural importance. These stupas were discovered in 1818.
Rani ki Vav
UNESCO has also included Rani ki Vav, made in Patan, Gujarat, among the world archaeological heritage.
Mahabalipuram
Many temples were built by the Pallava kings in Mahabalipuram, 58 km from Chennai in the 7th to 8th centuries. UNESCO declared the group of temples built in Mahabalipuram as an archaeological heritage in 1984.
Champaner-Pavagadh
Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park of Gujarat was declared an archaeological heritage in 2004.