From Varkala To Khasi Hills: India Adds 7 Cultural And Natural Sites To UNESCO Tentative List

India is a country full of surprises, offering a wide range of experiences! From the serene beaches of Goa, Kerala, and Karnataka to the historic forts in Maharashtra and exciting treks in Northeast India, as well as the breathtaking landscapes of Ladakh, there’s something for everyone to discover. In fact, India is also home to 44 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which include 36 cultural sites, 7 natural sites, and 1 mixed site. And now, India has added 7 new cultural and natural sites to the UNESCO tentative list. Keep reading to find out which sites are included!

India’s cultural and natural heritage is receiving increased global attention with the recent addition of seven new sites to UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites, bringing the total to 69. These sites include a diverse range of cultural, natural, and mixed heritage, reflecting the country's vast diversity - from ancient towns and temples to stunning natural landscapes. The Permanent Delegation of India to UNESCO announced the news on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing that these additions underline India’s dedication to preserving its rich cultural legacy.

UNESCO Tentative List Now Has A Total Of 69 Entries

Out of the total 69 entries, there are 49 classified as ‘Cultural’, three as ‘Mixed’, and 17 as ‘Natural’. The announcement highlighted that being on the Tentative List is a necessary step. This occurs before a site can be officially inscribed on the World Heritage List.

The newly included natural sites are: 1. Deccan Traps at Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar (Maharashtra) 2. Geological Heritage of St Mary’s Island Cluster (Udupi, Karnataka) 3. Meghalayan Age Caves (East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya) 4. Naga Hill Ophiolite (Kiphire, Nagaland) 5. Natural Heritage of Erra Matti Dibbalu (Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh) 6. Natural Heritage of Tirumala Hills (Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh) 7. Natural Heritage of Varkala (Kerala)

With the inclusion of these seven new locations, India continues to shine on a global platform. And if you want to know more about India's UNESCO World Heritage sites, you can read our state-wise guide here.