Unesco World Heritage Sites in India

Unesco World Heritage Sites in India

In all the travel guides about India, there is a big part that writers often recommend visitors to see is the Unesco Heritage Sites. These intrigue places reflect the richness of India culture and architect that you should not miss:
india heritage site

Taj Mahal

The ivory white marble mausoleum, standing majestically on the banks of Yamuna River in the city of Agra was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.
This historic architectural marvel at the centre of 42 acres complex attracts more than eight million visitors every year. This iconic symbol of love was constructed by almost 20,000 workmen with materials sourced from all over India and Asia. This magnificent structure used traditional Persian and Mughal architecture, inlaid with nearly 28 kinds of precious and semi-precious stones. This tomb changes colour depending on the light of the day, leaving visitors in its awe.


agra fort

Agra Fort

Standing tall in the 94 acres of Mughal powerhouse, this gorgeous complex made of red sandstone and marble had witnessed some popular chapters of Indian history. With palatial palaces, audience halls and two stunning mosques, this fort is the second most visited site in the city of Agra. The interiors of this fort boasts intricate carvings with Indo-Islamic touches. Visitors can wander inside the fortress, linger for a while in the Mughal-era and catch stunning views of the iconic Taj Mahal from here.


konark sun temple

Konark Sun Temple

Built in 13th century, dedicated to the Hindu God Surya, this temple is a popular tourist destination in the state of Odisha. The temple’s intricate work, iconography and themes, including erotic kama is noteworthy. This classic illustration of Kalinga architecture, shaped like a huge chariot with 12 pairs of wheels that are drawn by seven horses, never fails to impress the visitors from around the globe.

 

Group of Monuments at Hampi

Built during the reign of Vijayanagara rulers, this ancient village along the banks of the Tungabhadra River is regarded as one of the most important world heritage sites in India. Monuments of this site holds both historical and architectural significance, particularly the Virupaksha Temple. A stroll around the ruins of Hampi dating back to 14th – 16th centuries will leave its visitors intrigued.


rajasthan

Rajasthan’s Hill Forts

The six majestic forts mainly based in the Aravalli Range, together forms the Hill Forts of Rajasthan. Built between 5th to 18th century for defensive fortification, these beautiful structures provide an unprecedented glimpse into the royal era. Jaisalmer Fort, Kumbhalgarh Fort, Amer Fort, Gagron Fort, Chittor Fort and Ranthambore Fort will amaze its visitors with their grand presence and architectural spectacle.


Rani ki Vav

Located on the banks of Saraswati River, this intricately constructed stepwell was built by Queen Udayamati in memory of her beloved husband King Bhimadev. This magnificent structure is seven stories deep, adorned with beautiful carvings of Hindu gods and goddesses, apsaras and other divine religious and mythological characters. This complex Maru-Gurjara architecture style with more than 500 principal sculptures will never fail to overwhelm its visitors.

Bhimbetka Rock Shelters

This archaeological site in central India that spans the prehistoric paleolithic and mesolithic periods, as well as the historic period, exhibits the earliest traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent. These rock shelters feature prehistoric paintings and drawings of human and animal figures, which are about 30,000 years old.

Khajuraho Group of Monuments

These group of Hindu and Jain temples in Chhatarpur, are famous for their nagara-style architectural symbolism and erotic sculptures. Built during the rule of the Chandela dynasty their intricate carvings depict sexual acts adhering to the Kama Sutra. These ancient Indian artwork are photographers’ paradise.

Western Ghats

Running parallel to the west coast of Indian peninsula, stretching across the states of Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Goa and Maharashtra; Western Ghats is a mountainous range and is considered as biodiversity hotspot. A total of 39 properties including national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and reserve forests falls under this designated world heritage site. And with multitude species of plants, animals, birds and insects, it beckons shutterbugs, naturalists and zoologists from across the globe.
 

Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram

This collection of 7th and 8th century religious monuments along the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, is an architectural and historical spectacle of intricately carved Hindu temples. The Ratha temples, Cave temples and the structural temples, together provides various insight to the Pallava architecture.
 

Humayun’s Tomb

Commissioned by Empress Bega Begum in memory of her late husband, this magnificent mausoleum is the epitome of Mughal architecture. Built in 1570, this grand structure made of red sandstone and granite with inlay work of white marble, was introduction of Persian style Islamic architecture in Indian subcontinent. Placed in centre of a 30 acre Persian styled garden with quadrilateral layout, this tomb continues to astound its visitors.
 

Ajanta and Ellora Caves

For history lovers and art enthusiast, the caves of Ajanta and Ellora are a perfect place to explore the cave paintings and rock-cut sculptures. Almost 29 caves in Ajanta, built between the 2nd century BC and 6th century AD, along with 34 caves in Ellora dating back to the 6th to 11th centuries; provides a truly mesmerizing voyage into the past. While Ajanta Caves are all Buddhists, the Ellora caves are a blend of Jain, Buddhist and Hindu.
 

Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi

These classic illustrations of Mauryan art and architecture in the form of Stupas, holy shrines and monasteries of Buddha, can be explored on a hilltop in Sanchi. Dating back to the 1st and 2nd centuries BC, these beautifully preserved historical structures draw global tourists every year.
 

Churches and Convents of Goa

Beyond the beaches and glittering nightlife, Goa’s identity is less known to be as a place of some amazing churches and convents that boasts Portuguese style of art and architecture. Being former capital of Portuguese Indies, these heritage structures adorned with outstanding works of art, carvings and decorations draw a huge number of tourists. The Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, Church of Saint Cajetan, and St. Augustine Tower Ruins are some of noteworthy places to visit in Goa.
 

Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks

These two zones at 20 km apart in the state of Uttarakhand, covering a high altitude mountain valley renowned for its diverse alpine flora is a spectacle in wilderness. Home to blooming wildflowers, rare and endangered species of animals, birds and splendid natural beauty; a visit to this heaven on earth should be on any traveller’s bucket-list. The multi-coloured meadows of the valley complement the rugged mountainous terrain of the Nanda Devi, while the serene beauty of the vicinity is mind-boggling.
 

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