India’s cultural diversity, rich history, and natural beauty are something that has always been talked about across the globe. It is home to several beautiful natural treasures, and many of them are tagged as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and we are so proud. Though their tentative list has many more such sites that UNESCO might soon tag, here is a complete state-wise guide for you!
UNESCO World Heritage Sites In India
Assam
Kaziranga National Park
Kaziranga National Park is known for nurturing the world’s largest population of the Great One-Horned Rhinoceros. It is also said to be one of the last unmodified regions in north-eastern India.
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam is known to be home to some endangered and rare species of pygmy hog and Bengal tiger. With exceptional biodiversity, it boasts a unique blend of grasslands and forested hills.
Moidams – the Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty
Moidams – the Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty is one of the recent additions to the UNESCO list from India. The Moidams of Charaideo are monumental royal burial mounds recognized as a testimony to the Ahom dynasty’s traditions and history.
Bihar
Mahabodhi Temple
The Mahabodhi temple is one of the most well-known Buddhist pilgrimage sites and is the place where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment. The sacred temple and the Buddha tree hold very religious and architectural value.
Nalanda Archaeological Museum
This site houses the ruins of the ancient Nalanda University, which is one of the world’s earliest residential universities. The museum has coins, seals, scriptures, inscriptions, and other relics excavated from the site.
Goa
Basilica of Bom Jesus
The church is a striking example of Portuguese style, with the body of St.Francis Xavier. It is a 400-year-old church and also the oldest church in Goa.
Sé Catedral de Santa Catarina
This church is 250 feet tall and is known for its enormous bell in the tower. Dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria, this church was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century.
Saint Catherine’s Chapel
This cathedral was constructed in the Renaissance architectural style and is smaller than other major churches in Goa. It is dedicated to Saint Catherine.
Church of St. Francis of Assisi
The actual structure of this church was reconstructed in 1665 and has two octagonal towers. In the middle of the facade, you will find a statue of St Michael.
Church of Our Lady of the Rosary
Known as one of the oldest churches in Goa, this church has two highly adorned altars and two chapels. It is popular for its two-story entryway and has a medieval construction approach.
Church of Saint Augustine
This is a ruined church and now has only a 46-meter tower. According to the legends, it had a convent, four towers, eight chapels, and four altars.
Church of Saint Cajetan
In 1965, the church was built by Italian monks and is known for its Corinthian style of architecture. The seven altars’ aura is enhanced by huge columns and pilasters.
Gujarat
Rani ki Vav
Built-in the 11th century, Rani Ki Vav is an intricately constructed stepwell that shows the architectural brilliance of the water management system in ancient India.
Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park
Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park is a large park blending the beautiful Hindu and Islamic architecture. It includes hill fortresses, mosques, water installations, and palaces.
Old Ahmedabad
The walled city, unique Indo-Islamic architecture, and traditional gated communities, famously called pols, make it the first city in India to receive the UNESCO tag.
Dholavira
Dholavira is one of the two most remarkable excavations of the Indus Valley Civilization or Harappan culture. The environment makes it unique and intense.
Himachal Pradesh
Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area
The Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area is a part of a vast conservation landscape. The place has snow meltwater sources from several rivers and upper mountain glaciers.
Karnataka
Group of Monuments at Hampi
Hampi is one of the top destinations for people who love history and are looking for cultural depth. The ruins of the Vijaynagar temple here at Hampi include royal complexes, unique stone structures, and intriguing temples.
Group of Monuments at Pattadakal
Pattadakal is known for its blend of South and North Indian temple architecture. They have intricately carved temples from the Chalukya dynasty.
Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysala
The temples in Hoysala are known for their distinct style of architecture, which is very different from other South Indian sites.
Western Ghats
The Karnataka section of the Western Ghats offers amazing scenic beauty, which is heaven for all trekkers and nature lovers. It is also known for its exceptional biodiversity.
Kerala
Western Ghats
The Kerala section of the Western Ghats is known for its ecological significance and exceptional biodiversity. It includes regions like Periyar, Agasthyamalai, and some of the Anamalai hills.
Madhya Pradesh
Khajuraho Group of Monuments
The Khajuraho temples represent both Jain and Hindu traditions, known for their historical and artistic significance. The intricate erotic sculptures and stunning architecture make it one of the most visited sites.
Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi
The Sanchi Stupa complex is known for its tranquil gateways and Buddhist monuments. It offers an amazing experience to people who are very much interested in history.
Rock Shelters In Bhimbhetka
The rock shelters in Bhimbhetka are Paleolithic rock paintings and a lot of archaeological evidence of early human life.
Maharashtra
Ajanta Caves
The Ajanta Caves are known for ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves offering a rare glimpse into early Indian art and spirituality. They have murals and sculptures from the 2nd century BC.
Ellora Caves
Ellora Caves are a group of Jain, Buddhist, and Hindu rock-cut caves. The complex has 100 caves and has attracted pilgrims across the globe.
Elephanta Caves
The Elephanta caves are located right on an island near Mumbai. The island has temples of Lord Shiva, which are intricately sculpted and blend artistic mastery with spiritual ambiance.
The Victorian and Art Deco Ensemble
This ensemble features one of the world’s largest collections of Victorian Gothic and Art Deco buildings. It proudly shows Mumbai’s 19th and 20th-century architectural heritage.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
The CSMT is an excellent example of Mumbai’s architectural marvel and shows Victorian Gothic Revival architecture blended with Indian influences.
Odisha
Sun Temple, Konark
The Sun temple in Konark is a beautiful example of the great Kalinga architecture. The temple is dedicated to Lord Surya with 24 intricately carved wheels designed as a stone colossal chariot.
Rajasthan
Hill Forts
The hill forts in Rajasthan include six forts spread across the state, namely, Sawai Madhopur, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Kumbhalgarh, and Chittorgarh. They bear testimony to the power of the Rajput princely states from the 8th to the 18th century.
Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory showcasing India’s architectural intelligence and scientific heritage. It houses the world’s largest sundial stone.
Jaipur
The beautiful and historic pink city of Rajasthan is known for its architectural harmony, vibrant markets, and culture. It is one of India’s earliest planned cities.
Keoladeo National Park
Keoladeo National Park is a very well-known Ramsar wetland and bird sanctuary. It is a treat to all nature lovers, and birdwatchers, and is also important for migratory birds.
Sikkim
Kanchenjunga National Park
The Kanchenjunga or Khangchendzonga National Park is the only Mixed World Heritage site, making it unique among all the global sites. It is known for its dramatic Himalayan landscapes and biodiversity.
Tamil Nadu
Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram
The Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram is a must-visit for all architectural enthusiasts because it showcases stone temples and rock-cut reliefs built in the 7th and 8th centuries.
Great Living Chola Temples
This site has three beautiful temples from the Chola architecture, namely: Brihadeeswarar Temple at Thanjavur, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, and Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram known for their religious significance and intricate sculptures.
Nilgiri Mountain Railway
Nilgiri Mountain Railway is a part of the Mountain Railways of India that offers a heritage train journey that combines stunning natural scenery with colonial engineering.
Western Ghats
The Tamil Nadu section of the Western Ghats is known for its wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, making it one of the most loved places for nature lovers.
Telangana
Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple
Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple is probably the only temple in India that is named after its sculptor, Ramappa. It is known for its intricately carved granite and dolerite pillars and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Uttar Pradesh
Taj Mahal
Known as one of the seven wonders of the world, this monument had to make it to the UNESCO list. It is a Mughal architecture masterpiece with a famous marble dome and symmetrical gardens.
Agra Fort
The Agra Fort is known for its beautiful blend of Persian and Indian architecture, showcasing the empire’s military and royal history.
Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri is known as the preserved Mughal capital city and showcases a beautiful blend of Indian, Persian, and Islamic architecture.
Uttarakhand
Nanda Devi National Park
Nanda Devi is the second-highest peak in India, and this national park is named after it. It is home to many endangered species, like the snow leopard and the Himalayan musk deer.
Valley of Flowers National Park
This national park is home to 500 species of fauna, including the rare Brahma Kamal and Blue Poppy. It also houses the rare species of Asiatic black bear and musk deer.
West Bengal
Santiniketan
Santiniketan was founded by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore and is known for its innovative educational philosophy and cultural modernity.
Sundarbans National Park
Sundarbans National Park is known to be the largest mangrove forest in India and is known for its coastal ecosystem. It is also an important habitat for the Bengal tiger.
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
A part of the Mountain Railways in India, the toy train is from the colonial era and represents its architectural marvel. You can witness the beauty of the scenic hills of Darjeeling as this train ride takes you on a visual journey.
Summing up
From the iconic and beautiful Taj Mahal to the intriguing Hampi temples, each UNESCO World Heritage site in India is a testimony to India’s cultural heritage and architectural intelligence. So if you happen to visit any of these states, make sure you visit these sites.
