43 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India

2. Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

Famous for/as: Erotic sculptures, Nagara-style temples
UNESCO Declaration Year: 1986

Located in Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is a famous UNESCO World Heritage site in India. Khajuraho is a unique heritage site that is renowned for a group of Hindu and Jain Temples situated 175 km southeast of Jhansi. They are well known for their Nagara-style symbolism and erotic figures and sculptures. These sensuous stone carvings of human and animal forms in erotic poses are very aesthetically portrayed and testify to India's rich cultural heritage.  Most of these monuments were built between 950 to 1050 CE under the reign of the Chandella dynasty. It consists of a total of 85 Temples spread across an area of 20 square kilometers. The Kandariya temple is the most prominent of all of these temples in the Khajuraho complex.

3. Hampi, Karnataka

Famous for/as: Vijayanagara Empire ruins, large temple complexes
UNESCO Declaration Year: 1986

Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Northern part of Karnataka. It lies within the ruins of the ancient, prosperous kingdom of Vijayanagar. The ruins at Hampi are a collection of heritage sites depicting the excellent Dravidian style of art and architecture. The most significant heritage monument on this site is the Virupaksha Temple, which continues to be a significant religious center for the Hindus. There are several other monuments which are a part of this heritage site; Together, they’re collectively known as the ‘Group of Monuments at Hampi’. Some of the other known ones include the Krishna temple complex, Narasimha, Ganesa, Hemakuta group of temples, Achyutaraya temple complex, Vitthala temple complex, Pattabhirama temple complex, Lotus Mahal complex, several puras or bazaars surrounding the temple complex, and also living quarters and residential areas. 

4. Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra

Famous for/as: Ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves, exquisite murals and sculptures
UNESCO Declaration Year: 1983

One of the first World Heritage sites in India, the Ajanta Caves date back to around the 2nd century BCE to 650 CE and consist of the most beautiful masterpieces of 31 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments, paintings, and sculptures. The caves very built in two different phases. First of the Satavahana Period under the patronage of the Satvahana Dynasty (230BCE-220CE). Second, the caves of the Vakataka Period under the reign of Emperor Harishena of the Vakataka Dynasty. The style of Ajanta art and architecture has had a revolutionary impact on the way Indian art and architecture have progressed throughout history. Having mainly carvings and sculptures related to the life of Buddha, one can say that this marks the beginning of Indian Classical Art.

5. Ellora Caves, Maharashtra

Famous for/as: Largest rock-cut monastery-temple complex, Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist art
UNESCO Declaration Year: 1983

The Ellora Caves are a famous World Heritage site in India and an archaeological site ranging 29 kilometers Northwest of the city of Aurangabad. The Ellora Caves are well known for their Indian-rock-cut architecture. There are about 34 rock-cut temples and caves, which can be dated to about 600 to 1000 AD, which are essential in terms of understanding the lives of the people living in these times. The presence of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain temples and sculptures portray the tolerance which was extended towards different faiths and beliefs in Ancient Indian History. The excavated site consists of Charanandri Hills, Buddhist Hindu and Jain rock-cut temples, Viharas, and Maths of the 5th and 10th centuries.

6. Bodh Gaya, Bihar

Famous for/as: Site of Buddha’s enlightenment, pilgrimage center
UNESCO Declaration Year: 2002

Bodh Gaya is located almost 96 kilometers away from Patna, Bihar, and is one of the Indian heritage sites recognized by UNESCO. It’s an important religious center for the Buddhists as this was the place where Mahatma Buddha attained enlightenment. The holy Bodhi Tree is the site where Siddhartha gained Enlightenment and became Gautam Buddha. The famous Mahabodhi Temple was established in the reign of Ashoka the Great in about approximately 250 BCE. It’s one of the earliest Buddhist temples. Currently, the Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya comprises the 50 m tall Mahabodhi Temple, the Vajrasana, the sacred Bodhi Tree, and six other sacred sites of Buddha’s enlightenment, surrounded by numerous ancient Votive stupas. Owing to all these factors, Bodh Gaya is considered to be the holiest pilgrimage spot for Buddhists.

7. Sun Temple, Konark, Odisha

Famous for/as: Black Pagoda, Chariot of the Sun; Unique chariot shape architecture, Kalinga Architecture, Included in Seven Wonders of India.
UNESCO Declaration Year: 1984

Not very far from the famous beach town of Puri, the Sun Temple at Konark is a 13th-century temple situated in Konark, Odisha. It was built by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty in around AD 1250. The Sun Temple is in the shape of a gigantic chariot with carved stone wheels, pillars, and walls and is led by six enormously carved horses. It’s also considered to be one of the largest brahmin sanctuaries in India. The temple was originally said to be built at the mouth of the Chandrabhaga river, but the waterline has receded since then. This World Heritage Site in India reflects the grandeur of the traditional style of Kalinga Architecture, which was prevalent then.

8. Red Fort Complex, Delhi

Famous for: Shahjahanabad, Persian, Timuri, and Indian Architectural Styles, Red Sandstone Architecture, Moti Masjid, Important symbol of India's independence
UNESCO Declaration Year: 2007

Situated in the center of the historic city of New Delhi, the Red Fort was built by Emperor Shah Jahan when he shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi, or what was known as Shahjahanabad at that time. The fort became the political hub of the Mughals. Under Shah Jahan, Mughal art and architecture reached its zenith, and the Red Fort is the perfect example of that. One can see the blending of Indo-Islamic, Timurid, Hindu, and Persian forms of architecture in several facets of the Red Fort. It’s made up of red sandstone and houses several other smaller buildings, such as the private pavilions, the Diwan-i-aam, and the Diwan-i-Khas. The Red Fort is one of the most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India and is managed directly by the Archaeological Survey of India.

9. Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh

Famous for: Monolithic Pillars, Palaces, Temples and Monasteries, Mauryan Architecture, and Ye Dharma Hetu Inscriptions.
UNESCO Declaration Year: 1989

The Buddhist Monuments located at Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh are a manifestation of India's heritage, and they are the oldest stone structures in the country. Initially commissioned by emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, the Sanchi Stupa is located 46 kilometers northeast of Bhopal. Its core was a hemispherical brick structure built over the relics of Buddha and was crowned by the Chatra, which symbolizes rank. The stupa was vandalized during the 2nd century BCE and renovated during the Satavahana Period when the gateways and the balustrade were built and colored. Apart from the Sanchi stupa, several other structures exist here, such as monolithic pillars, temples, palaces, and monasteries. It remained an important pilgrimage site for the Buddhists till about the 12th century AD, after which the religion declined in popularity.

10. Chola Temples, Tamil Nadu

Includes: Brihadisvara Temple, Thanjavur, Brihadisvara Temple, Gangaikondacholisvaram and Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram.
Famous for: Chola Architecture, Sculpture, Painting and Bronze Casting.
UNESCO Declaration Year: 1987

These temples were built in the Southern Part of India during the rule of the Chola empire. The Brihadisvara Temple, the Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, and the Airavatesvara Temple are the most important of all of these temples. The Brihadisvara temple was built under the reign of Rajaraja 1 and is a milestone when it comes to Chola architecture. The temple at Gangaikondacholapuram was patronized by Rajendra 1 and was dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Airavatesvara temple was built during the time of Rajaraja II and is aesthetically different from the other two. These temples stand testimony to the architectural splendor and beauty of Chola art, architecture, and sculpture. These temples are living temples, and the rituals and festivities which were observed by people thousands of years ago are still held. Hence, these three temples reflect the ancient culture and heritage of the Tamilians and form an inseparable part of their ancient history.

11. Kaziranga Wild Life Sanctuary, Assam

Famous for/as: Worlds 2/3 rd Great One-Horned Rhinoceroses, Highest Density of Tigers in World, Elephants, Wild Water Buffalo, Swamp Deer and recognised Important Bird Area.
UNESCO Declaration Year: 1985

Famous for its one-horn rhinoceroses, Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Assam, one of India's untouched natural areas. It is said that this World Heritage Site in India was a project initiated by Lord Curzon when his wife failed to see a single Rhinoceros in the region and urged her husband to take measures regarding the protection of these endangered species. This park lies on the flood plains of the river Brahmaputra and consists mainly of dense grasslands and forests. It also has several streams and lakes running through it. Kaziranga contains about 15 endangered Indian faunal species, of which the Rhino is the most endangered. Other mammals include capped langur, hoolock gibbon, tiger, leopard, sloth bear, Ganges dolphin, otter, wild boar, water buffalo, gaur, sambar, swamp deer, hog deer and Indian muntjac.

12. Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu

Includes:The Pancha Rathas Temples, Ganesha Ratha, Cave Temples of Mahabalipuram, Structural Temples including the Shore Temple and the Olakkannesvara Temple and the Descent of the Ganges.
Famous for/as: Largest Open Air Rock Relief, Chariot Temples, Mandapas, Pallava Dynasty Architecture.
UNESCO Declaration Year: 1984

The Temples are situated in the town of Mahabalipuram, which is approximately 58 kilometers from Chennai on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal. These temples were built under the reign of the Pallava rulers, and the striking feature of these temples is the fact that they are all carved out of rock and are important in terms of Ratha architecture in India. The group of the monument includes 40 sanctuaries including the largest open-air-bas-relief, e.g., Ganga’s Descent. These World Heritage Sites in India constitute the art of the Pallava Period with sites like Pancha Rathas, Dharamaraja Ratha, Arjuna Ratha, Draupadi Ratha, etc. Also, the Cave temples of Mahabalipuram constitute more than half a dozen caves. 

13. Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal

14. Humayun’s Tomb, New Delhi

Famous for/as: Precursor to Taj Mahal, Mughal Architecture, A Tomb, Many Water Channels, A Pavilion and A Bath.
UNESCO Declaration Year: 1993

15. Jantar Mantar, Jaipur, Rajasthan

Famous for/as: Architectural Astronomical Instruments; Largest of its kind Observatory.
UNESCO Declaration Year: 2010

The Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory built in 18th-century Rajasthan. It is an astronomical observatory that was created by the Rajput King Sawai Jai Singh of Rajasthan in 1738 CE. It is a collection of 19 astronomical instruments, including the world’s largest stone Sundial. All these instruments are man-made. The observatory consists of tools that were used to calculate celestial coordinate systems, the horizon-zenith local network, the equatorial system, and the ecliptic system. One of India’s best-preserved observatories, this monument is an excellent example of India's scientific and cultural heritage.

16. Agra Fort, Uttar Pradesh

Famous for/as: Mughal military structure, important historical fort
UNESCO Declaration Year: 1983

Situated quite close to the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort is one of the most important monumental structures built by the Mughal Empire. Though established in the Mughal Era, during the time of Akbar, the Agra Fort is a fusion of the Persian art of the Timurid and the Indian forms of architecture. This is so because the fort was originally a brick monument known as Badalgarh, held by Raja Badal Singh, a Hindu Shikarwar Rajput King. After the invasion, Sikander Lodi was the first Sultan of Delhi to shift to Agra and live in the fort. The Agra Fort includes a number of monuments like Khas Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Muhamman Burie(an octagonal Tower), Diwan-e-Khas, Diwan-e-Am, Moti Masjid and Nagina Masjid. 

17. Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh

Famous for/as: Mughal capital city, Buland Darwaza
UNESCO Declaration Year: 1986

The name of the city itself denotes the victory (Fateh) of Akhbar over Chittor and Ranthambore, Fatehpur Sikri constitutes of four main Monuments. The Jama Masjid, The Buland Darwaza, which is the most significant door of Asia, is made of a specific wood imported from Australia that would sink in water. Panch Mahal or Jada Baai ka Mahal is also considered the origin of the Navaratnas (Birbal, Tansen, etc.). It also contained the Diwan-e-Khas and Diwan-e-aam. Interior to the Buland Darwaza lies the Tomb of Salim Chishti. All these Mughal buildings are notable Indian heritage sites.

18. Rani Ki Vav, Patan, Gujarat

Famous for/as: Architectural stepwell, intricate carvings
UNESCO Declaration Year: 2014

Built in the 3rd millennium BC in the memory of the kings, it's an explicit example of beautiful Ancient Indian architecture. Constructed during the time of the Solanki dynasty, legend says that it was built in honor and memory of Bhimdev 1, the son of the founder of the family, by his widowed queen Udayamati. It was recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2014, owing to its architectural marvel and splendor. Rani-ki-vav is well known for its Stepped Corridors, Sculptures, and Stone Carvings in the Well. Most of the sculptures in the well are devoted to Lord Vishnu in the form of his ten avatars, which signify his return to the world. Apart from being a place for the storage of water, this vav also has a spiritual meaning attested to it. It is designed as an inverted temple and is divided into seven levels of wells, each having its own importance as per the religious and mythological works mentioned in the canonical literature.

19. Group of Monuments at Pattadakal, Karnataka

Famous for/as: Early Chalukya temple architecture, blend of northern and southern styles
UNESCO Declaration Year: 1987

Pattadakal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important tourist site located in Karnataka. It is famous for its Chalukya style of architecture, which originated in Aihole and blended with the Nagara and Dravidian styles of architecture. It was at Pattadakal that all the Chalukya kings were coronated, and it was the capital of the Chalukyas as well. Notable for the numerous temples constructed by the Chalukya rulers, it includes eight temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Jain and Shaivite sanctuaries. The famous monuments are- Virupaksha Temple, Sangameshwara Temple, Chandrashekhara Temple, MallikarjuTemple, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Jagannath Temple, Jain Temple, and many more.

20. Elephanta Caves, Maharashtra

Famous for/as : Hindu and Buddhist Caves, Caves on Island in the Arabian Sea, Basal Rock Caves, Shiva Temples.
UNESCO Declaration Year: 1987

The Elephanta caves are located on an island in the Arabian City, not very far from the city of Mumbai. The chain of sculpted caves located on Elephanta Island is also known as Gharapuri. There are numerous archaeological remains that offer us a glimpse into the rich, cultural past of Indian civilization. These caves are famous for their rock-cut sculptures and carvings depicting Shiva as the Creator and the Destroyer of the Universe. The most important of all the caves here is Cave 1, where one can see the Sadashiva at the entrance of the cave, which depicts three sides of Shiva: the Creator, Preserver, and Destroyer. The caves are carved in solid basalt rock and lie 10 kilometers east of the city of Mumbai.

21. Nalanda Mahavihara (Nalanda University), Bihar

Famous for/as: Ancient center of learning, Buddhist monastery
UNESCO Declaration Year: 2016

Nalanda Archaeological Site in Bihar was a center of learning and a Buddhist monastery from the 3rd century BCE to the 13th century CE. You can witness the remains of stupas, shrines, and viharas if you stroll around in the campus, which is a manifestation of a glorious epoch. Nalanda vouched for the evolution of Buddhism as a religion and remained an abode of knowledge for 800 years. Known for its formalized Vedic learning, scholars from as far as Tibet, China, Korea, and Central Asia once attended the first residential university in the World. This is the second world heritage site recognized by UNESCO in Bihar itself, making it even more prominent on the Indian Tourism Map.

22. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus), Maharashtra

Famous for/as:   Central Railways Headquarter, Terror Attacks on Mumbai in 2008, Gothic Style Architecture.
UNESCO Declaration Year: 2004

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, formerly known as the Victoria Terminus, is the headquarters of Central Railway in Mumbai. Frederick William Stevens built it with inspiration from Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and traditional Mughal buildings between the years 1878 and 1888. He gave Bombay the face of being the International Mercantile Port of India. In some ways, the plan of the terminal, though it has Italian and Victorian-era elements, reminds us of the Indian palace architecture and is an excellent example of the blending of an indigenous and Western style of art. Due to several reasons, such as pollution, traffic, construction work, etc., there have been reports of damage to this site. More work needs to be done to ensure the preservation of this heritage site.

23. Mountain Railways of India

Famous for/as: Engineering marvels, scenic hill trains (Darjeeling, Nilgiri, Kalka-Shimla)
UNESCO Declaration Year: 1999 (for Darjeeling), 2005 (for Nilgiri), 2008 (for Kalka-Shimla)

The mountain railways of India comprise the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, and the Kalka-Shimla Railway and are a part of the World Heritage Sites in India. North Bengal is one of the most beautiful scenic temptations on Earth. Fun Toy Train, beautiful Tea Plantations, and long tunnels or the Tiger Hills will all cater to your delight. Built during the 19th and early 20th centuries, these engineering marvels were a bold and ingenious solution to the problem of connectivity in the rugged mountains and a gem in the heritage of India. Besides, they pass through the most beautiful terrain, and you would love to take a romantic and fun ride here.

24. Qutub Minar and its Monuments, New Delhi

Includes: Qutb Minar, Alai Darwaza, Alai Minar, Qubbat-ul-Islam Mosque, Tomb of Iltumish, and Iron Pillar.
Famous for/as: Tallest brick minaret, Indo-Islamic architecture
UNESCO Declaration Year: 1993

One of the most famous World Heritage Sites in India, the Qutub Minar, was built in 1193 by the first Muslim ruler of Delhi, Qutub-ud-din Aibak of the Mamluk Dynasty, after the defeat of Delhi’s last Hindu Kingdom. The Qutub Minar is one of the several other buildings located within the Qutub complex, and it occupies the center stage mainly due to its height. It is 73 meters tall and has a diameter of 15 m at the base and 2.5 m at the top. It was built by Aibak to honour the famous Sufi saint  Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki. Near Qutub Minar is the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, which was built on the ruins of the Lal Kot of the previous Hindu kingdom and is also known to be one of the first mosques in the country. It is also famous for the brick minarets surrounding it. These monuments are collectively known as the Qutub Minar Complex and represent one of the earliest known symbols of Islamic Architecture in India.

25. Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, Gujarat

Famous for/as: Islamic and Hindu architecture, historical fortifications
UNESCO Declaration Year: 2004

The Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Panchmahal district of the Indian state of Gujarat. Centered around the city of Champaner or Muhammadabad, built by Sultan Mahmud Begada of Gujarat, it’s an important place historically and culturally. This place is the only completely unchanged  Islamic pre-Mughal city. Also deemed to be of mythological significance, a more significant part of Champaner-Pavagarh is still unexcavated. It includes 11 different types of heritage monuments- Mosques, Temples, Tombs, Gateways, Fortresses and walls, Palaces and Pavilion, Helical Wells, Custom houses all belonging to the 16th century. One can observe a transition from the previous Hindu forms of architecture to the Muslim culture and styles of architecture.  The park also houses some of the ancient Chalcolithic Indian Sites from the Stone Age era.

26. Great Himalayan National Park, Himachal Pradesh