If you want to experience adventure with knowledge, Top 10 World Heritage Sites in India are waiting for you. Are you very intense about knowing history? For you, these ancient structures provide full hope. These sites still stand proudly to fulfill their wishes.
These Top World Heritage Sites in India give you a taste of the true glamour of the ancient arts through direct connections. After so many years, the marble of these great structures has not twisted for its beauty; similarly, those valuable sites have retained their true importance.
These Top 10 World Heritage Sites in India are also important worldwide. The difficulties of the Sun Temple’s architectural beauty will awaken you. On the other hand, the shape of the Ajanta caves may help you get goosebumps.
Top 10 World Heritage Sites in India
I have listed the Top 10 World Heritage Sites in India to help you.
- Taj Mahal
- Ajanta Caves
- Group of Monuments at Hampi
- Red Fort
- The Khajuraho Group of Monuments
- Mountain Railways of India
- Konarak Sun Temple
- Jantar Mantar
- Sundarbans National Park
- Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya
1. Taj Mahal
Location: Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India
The Taj Mahal is at the top of India’s Top 10 World Heritage Sites. The great Mughal emperor Shah Jahan built this Mahal. He built this in remembrance of his favorite wife. She is none other than Mumtaz Mahal. This ivory-white marble tomb is located on Agra’s right bank of the Yamuna river.
be astonished that Shah Jahan spent 32 million Indian rupees at that time to build it, which now would be 70 billion. Under the guidance of the architect Ustad Ahmad Lahauri, 20,000 artisans constructed this Mahal.
The whole world admires the Taj Mahal masterpiece. You know UNESCO also has recognized this Mahal as the “Jewel of Muslim Art in India .”The Taj Mahal also fills up one spot of the Seven Wonders of the World. It would help if you visited The Taj Mahal to experience India’s rich history and Mughal architecture.
The architects used so many symbols on the wall of the Taj Mahal. You will experience the natural beauty and divinity of the Taj Mahal. This beautiful Mahal will seem like a bright white cloud on the ground. This tomb’s precious stone works and various decorations will make you mesmerize.
2. Janta Caves
Location: Ajanta, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India
The Ajanta Caves are in second among our Top 10 World Heritage Sites in India. The Ajanta Caves are on a horseshoe-shaped hill in the Waghora river band. These thirty sculpted and painted Buddhist monuments represent outstanding artistic work and religious significance.
Ajanta Caves are masterpieces of Buddhist Religion Art. The first Buddhist temples started being built around the 1st and 2nd century BCE, and the second appeared during the Gupta period, 5th and 6th century AD. Some caves were the Chaitya(temples) and others Vihara(monasteries).
If you are a history enthusiast, this place will be a treat for you. On the wall of the caves, there are several paintings from Jataka Tales that express the lifestyle of the ancient people. The caves of Ajanta depict the ancient wall paintings of India.
These places used to be the resting area for Pilgrims and merchants. It was a monsoon retreat for the sages. The sculptures and paintings show the past Buddhist lifestyle, tales from Jatakamala, and the beginnings of Indian classical art.
3. Group of Monuments at Hampi
Location: Karnataka, India
The Group of Monuments at Hampi is one of the Top 10 World Heritage Sites in India, located in Hampi town, Karnataka, India. In the 14th century, Hampi used to be the capital of the Vijayanagar Empire. Hampi was a wealthy, prosperous city and the center of religion.
In 1500 CE, Hampi was India’s richest city by trading with Persia and Portugal. In 1565, Hampi was partly destroyed and looted by the Muslim sultanates, but some of the monuments are still preserved. You can find the Dravidian agricultural style here.
The architectures that attract you are Anegondi, Achyutaraya Temple, Krishna Temple Complex, Vittala Temple, Zananas, and Lotus Mahal Complex. The must-visit place for you is the Virupaksha Temple. If you want to spend some time away from your busy life, come to Matunga Hill.
UNESCO described The Group of Monuments at Hampi as an ” Austere grandiose site”. In the Ramayana and Hindu Puranas, Hampi was mentioned as the Pampa Devi Tirtha Kshetra. Nowadays, The Groups of Monuments at Hampi is an important religious center.
4. Red Fort
Location: Old Delhi, Delhi, India
The Red Fort or Lal Qila is also considered in our list of The Top 10 World Heritage Sites in India. You know, The Red Fort was the residence of the Mughal Emperor. The Red Fort Complex is built out of Strong Red Sandstones. You know it was also designed by Ustad Ahmad Lahori.
In the 16th century, Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan declared Delhi as his capital. During that time, The Red Fort was built. It took eight years to build. It is 2.5 kilometers away from The Taj Mahal. This Fort is representative of Mughal Architecture.
During the Indian Rebellion in 1857, the British demolished most of the marble structures. You know, nowadays, it’s a tourist attraction for military purposes. On every Independence Day ( 15 August), the Prime Minister hoists the Indian Flag at the main gate of the Red Fort.
5. The Khajuraho Group of Monuments
Location: Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
Among the top World Heritage Sites in India, the Khajuraho Group of Monuments are important. These includes more than twenty temples in Nagara-style architecture, making it one of the Top 10 Heritage Sites in India. Most of the Khajuraho temples were constructed between 885 AD to 1000 AD during the Chandella period.
You can experience the mixture of two religions in The Khajuraho Group of Monuments. The western one includes Hindu Temples, and the Eastern one includes Jain temples. History says that in the 12th century, the Khajuraho temples had 85 temples spread over twenty square kilometers.
Out of 85 temples, only 25 temples have been preserved and spread over an area of six square kilometers. Among the servicing temples, the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is famous. You will witness its profusion of sculptures and the expressiveness of Ancient Indian Art.
You know the temples are rich with Tantric thoughts. Each temple of Khajuraho has three elements: Garbhagriha, Mandapa, and Ardha Mandapa. You will experience sculptures of erotic relationships between men and women in the Khajuraho Group of Monument’s Temple.
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6. Mountain Railways of India
Location: India
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
Nilgiri Mountain Railway
Kalka Shimla Railway
The Mountain Railways of India is also on the list of Top 10 Heritage Sites in India. If you are fond of a train journey, visiting this place is highly recommended. The railway lines were constructed in the mountain regions and included narrow gauge lines.
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Nilgiri Mountain Railway, and Kalka Shimla Railways are under the “Mountain Railways of India .”You know the Nilgiri Mountain Railways is the only rack railway in India. These three narrow-gauge railways take place on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Through these toy trains, you will experience a magical journey. The train will take you through the Tiger Hills, long tunnels, and tea plantations. Currently, some mountain railways are under construction, and some are in the planning stage.
7. Konarak Sun Temple
Location: Konarak, Puri District, Odisha, India
If you enter Puri, The Konark Sun Temple awaits you to give you a surprise. It is the must-visit place for you from India’s Top 10 World Heritage Sites. The temple is called Black Pagoda, which represents the Hindu God Surya’s chariot. The God Surya travels through the sky.
God Surya’s chariot is drawn by seven horses which refers to the days, months, and seasons. The temple will give you an understanding of erotic kama and mithuna. It is a remarkable temple in Odisha. The Sun Temple is an example of Kalinga Architecture.
King Narasimha Deva built this Sun Temple in the 13th century CE (1250). You know, every year in February, several Hindu Pilgrims gather here for the Chandravaga Mela. You can see the Konark Sun Temple image on the reserve side of the 10 rupees note.
8. Jantar Mantar
Location: New Delhi, India
Do you know the meaning of Jantar Mantar? It means ” Instruments for measuring the harmony of the heaven .”This marvelous structure is also included in India’s Top 10 World Heritage Sites. The Jantar Mantar was built in the 18th century by the Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur.
In that era, people had a keen interest in Astronomy. In Jantar Mantar, there are 13 architectural instruments of Astronomy. You will experience cosmological concepts and astronomical skills here. The King incorporated Greek and Persian observatory elements in the design. If you have an interest in Astronomy, you must visit this place.
The purpose of the Jantar Mantar was to predict the movement and time of the planets, sun, and moon, which is nowadays classified as Astronomy. The Individual instruments of the Jantar Mantar are the Samrat Yantra, the Misra Yantra, the Jai Prakash Yantra, and the Rama Yantra.
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9. Sundarbans National Park
Location: South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, India
The Sundarbans National Park is the most beautiful site of India’s Top 10 Heritage Sites. If you want to taste the flavor of greenery with adventure, The Sundarbans National Park is a perfect example. First, the world’s largest Mangrove site will provide immense pleasure.
It also spreads over 16,900 square kilometers. This place has also touched the vast area of India and Bangladesh. You can witness the Royal Bengal Tiger and many mammals, birds, and reptiles in the park. You can also witness saltwater crocodiles here.
The best period to visit the Sundarbans is from October to March because the weather remains enjoyable. Sundarban is a delta on the Ganges. In 1989, the Sundarbans National park was considered the ” World Network of Biosphere Reserve.”
You know many people earn their livelihood from the Sundarbans. Many people live by fishing from the River, many people live by boating on the Ganges, many people live by collecting honey from the jungle, and many people live by cutting and selling wood. If you are a forest lover, you must visit this place.
10. Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya
Location: Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India
The Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya is the holiest site of India’s Top 10 World Heritage Sites. The place is related to the life of the Lord Buddha. You know, It is the place where the Lord Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment.
You will find many elements related to the life of Lord Buddha. This is also a popular world heritage sites in India as well.
The Mauryan Emperor Ashoka built the temple in the 3rd century BC, but the present temple dates to the 5th and 6th centuries AD. In the temple, you will find a descendant of the Bodhi Tree, a pilgrimage destination for over two thousand years.
You will also find the Vajrasana, or the Diamond throne of Buddha, in the temple. You will also find the lotus pond and the meditation garden. The oldest Sculptural elements of the temple are now replaced with replicas because the old elements were made of bricks covered with stucco.
Conclusion
We all are told that time waits for none, but these World Heritage Sites in India are still very much able to strike time with their glorious presence. After watching these exclusive monuments, you will carry the touch of mesmerizing beauty in your heart throughout your whole life.
As concerned citizens, we also should pay attention to protecting these sites. These archaeological marvels of India have embedded our integrity, pride, and artistic brilliance. These Top 10 world Heritage Sites in India will help you to enrich your intellectual mind.
Every kingdom that had ruled over India had built these huge structures to leave their marks, and our country has accepted their success and made them a vital part of our history. India’s Top 10 Heritage Sites symbolized love, victory, death, and peace.
