Inside the UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Indian Edition

India is acknowledged as a country having unique cultural characteristics by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation.

These characteristics include geological formations and physical, ecological, and cultural landscapes. These locations have unique cultural or physical significance, and their value to humanity is regarded as being of exceptional value. 40 UNESCO World Heritage Sites are listed as being in India as of July 2021.

Discover some of them now.

1. Agra Fort

 A World Heritage Site designation was given to one of the oldest structures on the list, which Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor, built in the 16th century. 

2. Ajanta Caves 

1983 saw the listing of these 29 rock-cut caves as well. 

3. The Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara at Nalanda 

The third century BCE archaeological remnants of the oldest university in India also have a position on this list. 

4. Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi

It is regarded as the world’s oldest Buddhist sanctuary. 

5. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. 

The old name of CST was Victoria Terminus, which was created and constructed by the British architect F. W. Stevens.

6. Elephanta Caves 

Total 7 in number, these are also known as Gharapuri Caves.

7. Fatehpur Sikri 

A portion of it, which was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, is also called Jama Masjid. 

8. The Great Living Chola Temples 

It includes the Airavatesvara Temple, the Brihadisvara Temple, and the Brihadisvara Temple, which are located at Darasuram, Gangaikondacholisvaram, and Thanjavur, respectively. 

9. The Group of Monuments at Hampi 

The Vijayanagara Empire’s final capital.

10. Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram

The group is primarily renowned for its Rathas, Mandapas, and large open-air reliefs.

11. Hill Forts of Rajasthan

These hill forts include the great Chittorgarh fort, Kumbhalgarh fort, Sawai Madhopur fort, Jhalawar fort, Jaipur fort, and Jaisalmer fort of the Rajputs.

12. Humayun’s Tomb

It is the first garden tomb in the Indian subcontinent, having been built in 1570.

13. Jaipur City

The city was created in 1727 by Sawai Jai Singh-II. 

14. Khajuraho Group of Monuments

Temples dedicated to Hinduism and Jainism were established by the Chandely Dynasty.

15. Mahabodhi Temple Complex.

It is one of the four sacred locations associated with Buddha’s life.

16. The Mountain Railways of India

Three railways are included in this site: the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, and the Kalka Shimla Railway.

17. Qutb Minar and its monuments

Qutub Minar, India’s tallest structure, was completed in the 13th century.

18. Rani-ki-Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell)

It is created in the Maru-Gurjara architectural style and stands on the banks of the Saraswati River.

19. Complex of the Red Fort

Constructed to serve as the palace of Shah Jahan.

20. Sun Temple

It was constructed in the 13th century and represents Kalinga architecture.

21. Taj Mahal

Shah Jahan, the Mughal Emperor, erected this Symbol of Love.

22. The Jantar Mantar

The observatory was erected by the Rajput king Sawai Jai Singh II.

23. Kaziranga National Park

They are in the Golaghat and Nagaon districts of Assam, in northeast India.

24. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary

In 1973, it was the first reserve to be included in the Project Tiger network of tiger reserves.

25. Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks

Nanda Devi is India’s second tallest peak.

26. Western Ghats

These are some of the biodiversity hotspots.

27. Dholavira

It was the fifth-largest metropolis of the Indus Valley Civilization, following Mohen-jo-Daro, Ganweriwala, Harappa, and Rakhigarhi.

Conclusion

The UNESCO World Heritage Sites tentative list currently includes 47 sites. So far, though, only 40 of them have made it onto the list.