UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India:- A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a location acknowledged by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization for its unique cultural or physical significance, deemed exceptionally valuable to humanity. UNESCO aims to promote the preservation, recognition, and upkeep of natural and cultural heritage globally. This commitment is reflected in the 1972 Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, which UNESCO adopted to safeguard these irreplaceable treasures. UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India is considered to be one of the most important topic when it comes to GK part of any competitve exam. Check out the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India details below.
43 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India
As of July 2024, India has 43 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The newest addition is the “Moidams – the Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty” from Assam. Recently, the stunning Hoysala temples in Belur, Halebid, and Somanathapura in Karnataka also joined the list, bringing the total to 42. This news comes right after Santiniketan, the place associated with Rabindranath Tagore, was also recognised by UNESCO. The decision to include Santiniketan was made during the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee in Saudi Arabia, underscoring its global importance. Check out the 43 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India below.
| Sl. No | UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India | Year | Location |
| 1 | Ajanta Caves | 1,983 | Maharashtra |
| 2 | Ellora Caves | 1983 | Maharashtra |
| 3 | Agra Fort | 1,983 | Agra |
| 4 | Taj Mahal | 1,983 | Agra |
| 5 | Sun Temple | 1984 | Orissa |
| 6 | Mahabalipuram Monuments | 1,984 | Tamil Nadu |
| 7 | Kaziranga National Park | 1985 | Assam |
| 8 | Keoladeo National Park | 1985 | Rajasthan |
| 9 | Manas Wildlife Sanctuary | 1985 | Assam |
| 10 | Churches and Convents of Goa | 1986 | Goa |
| 11 | Monuments of Khajuraho | 1986 | Madhya Pradesh |
| 12 | Monuments of Hampi | 1986 | Karnataka |
| 13 | Fatehpur Sikri | 1986 | Agra |
| 14 | Elephanta Caves | 1987 | Maharashtra |
| 15 | Great Living Chola Temples | 1987 | Tamil Nadu |
| 16 | Pattadakal Monuments | 1987 | Karnataka |
| 17 | Sundarbans National Park | 1987 | West Bengal |
| 18 | Nanda Devi & Valley of Flowers National Park | 1988 | Uttarakhand |
| 19 | Monuments of Buddha | 1989 | Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh |
| 20 | Humayun’s Tomb | 1993 | Delhi |
| 21 | Qutub Minar and its Monuments | 1993 | Delhi |
| 22 | Mountain Railways of Darjeeling, Kalka Shimla & Nilgiri | 1999 | Darjeeling |
| 23 | Mahabodhi Temple | 2002 | Bihar |
| 24 | Bhimbetka Rock Shelters | 2003 | Madhya Pradesh |
| 25 | Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus | 2004 | Maharashtra |
| 26 | ChampanerPavagadh Archaeological Park | 2004 | Gujarat |
| 27 | Red Fort | 2007 | Delhi |
| 28 | Jantar Mantar | 2010 | Delhi |
| 29 | Western Ghats | 2012 | Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra |
| 30 | Hill Forts | 2013 | Rajasthan |
| 31 | Rani Ki Vav (The Queen’s Stepwell) | 2014 | Gujarat |
| 32 | Great Himalayan National Park | 2014 | Himachal Pradesh |
| 33 | Nalanda | 2016 | Bihar |
| 34 | Khangchendzonga National Park | 2016 | Sikkim |
| 35 | Architectural Work of Le Corbusier (Capitol Complex) | 2016 | Chandigarh |
| 36 | The Historic City | 2017 | Ahmedabad |
| 37 | Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles | 2018 | Mumbai |
| 38 | The Pink City | 2019 | Jaipur |
| 39 | Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple | 2021 | Telangana |
| 40 | Dholavira | 2021 | Gujarat |
| 41 | Santiniketan | 2023 | West Bengal |
| 42 | Hoysala temples of Belur, Halebid and Somananthpura | 2023 | Karnataka |
| 43 | Modiams | 2024 | Assam |
Interesting Facts on UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India
- Diverse Categories: UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India include a mix of cultural, natural, and mixed heritage sites, showcasing the country’s rich historical, architectural, and natural diversity.
- First Sites: The first Indian sites to be designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites were the Ajanta Caves and the Ellora Caves, recognized in 1983.
- Historic Forts: India is home to several historic forts that are UNESCO-listed, such as the Red Fort in Delhi, the Agra Fort, and the Forts of Rajasthan, including Chittorgarh and Kumbhalgarh.
- Architectural Marvels: Iconic monuments like the Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, and the Sun Temple at Konark are part of India’s World Heritage Sites, highlighting its rich architectural legacy.
- Natural Wonders: India’s natural heritage is represented by sites like the Western Ghats, the Great Himalayan National Park, and Kaziranga National Park, known for their biodiversity.
- Cultural Significance: The group of sites includes culturally significant places like the sacred city of Varanasi, the historic city of Fatehpur Sikri, and the ancient ruins of Hampi.
- Religious Sites: Several religious sites are part of the list, such as the Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi, the Churches and Convents of Goa, and the Kumbh Mela.
- Recent Additions: Recent additions to the list include the “Moidams – the Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty” and the Hoysala temples in Karnataka, reflecting ongoing recognition of India’s diverse heritage.
- Cave Temples: The Elephanta Caves, known for their rock-cut temples, are another example of India’s ancient art and architecture included in the UNESCO list.
- Protection and Preservation: UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India are subject to international protection and preservation efforts, helping to safeguard these treasures for future generations.
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