World Heritage Sites are designations for outstanding valued natural or cultural heritage. The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) designs these. Countries signatories to the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, established in 1972, must nominate these sites. On November 14, 1977, India entered the convention making its sites eligible for cultural and natural heritage sites in India.

As of 2022, the World Heritage Sites located in India are 40. Out of these 40 sites, 32 are cultural, 7 are natural, and 1 is of mixed type, as recognized by UNESCO. India’s first cultural heritage sites were the Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves, Taj Mahal, and Agra Fort in 1983. The latest addition was Dholavira in 2021.

List of the 40 World Heritage Sites in India

  1. Ajanta Caves
  2. Ellora Caves
  3. Agra Fort
  4. Taj Mahal
  5. Sun Temple
  6. Mahabalipuram Monuments
  7. Kaziranga National Park
  8. Keoladeo National Park
  9. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
  10. Churches and Convents of Goa
  11. Monuments of Khajuraho
  12. Monuments of Hampi
  13. Fatehpur Sikri Elephanta Caves
  14. Great Living Chola Temples
  15. Pattadakal Monuments
  16. Sundarbans National Park
  17. Nanda Devi & Valley of Flowers National Park
  18. Monuments of Buddha
  19. Humayun’s Tomb
  20. Qutub Minar and its Monuments
  21. Mountain Railways
  22. of Darjeeling, Kalka Shimla & Nilgiri
  23. Mahabodhi Temple
  24. Bhimbetka Rock Shelters
  25. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
  26. ChampanerPavagadh Archaeological Park
  27. Red Fort Jantar Mantar Western Ghats
  28. Hill Forts
  29. Rani Ki Vav (The Queen’s Stepwell)
  30. Great Himalayan National Park
  31. Nalanda
  32. Khangchendzonga National Park
  33. Architectural Work of Le Corbusier (Capitol Complex)
  34. The Historic City
  35. Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles
  36. The Pink City
  37. Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple
  38. Dholavira
  39. Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple
  40. Dholavira: A Harappan City

Popular World Heritage Sites in India

India is a hub of heritages sites. The heritage tourism is becoming popular day by day. As a result, people from outside India comes to explore Indian heritages. Here are 40 popular and heritage sites located in India that attracts tons of visitors who love heritage tourism.

Ajanta Caves (1983)

The Ajanta Caves is one of the earliest World Heritage sites in India. It includes 31 rock-cut Buddhist cave structures, paintings, and sculptures—from the second century BCE to 650 AD. The caverns had two stages of construction. The First Satavahana Era work was supported by the Satavahana Dynasty (230 BCE-220 CE). The caverns are from the Vakataka Period. It was under the rule of Emperor Harishena of the Vakataka Dynasty. The style of Ajanta art and buildings has influenced the development of Indian art and architecture. One may conclude that this is the start of Indian Classical Art. It consists of carvings and sculptures depicting the life of Buddha.

Ellora Caves (1983)

The Ellora Caves are an ancient and well-known World Heritage site in India. They are 29 km northwest of the city of Aurangabad. The Indian-rock-cut architecture of the Ellora Caves is well renowned. Thirty-four caves and temples were built into the rocks from around 600 to 1000 AD. These caves and temples are crucial for understanding the lifestyle of the people who lived during this time. The fact that there are Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain temples and sculptures demonstrate the ancient Indian people’s tolerance for other religions and worldviews. The site includes Charanandri Hills, Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain rock-cut temples, Viharas and Mathematics from the 5th and 10th centuries.

Agra Fort (1983)

The Agra Fort is among the most significant monuments constructed by the Mughal dynasty. The Agra Fort is one of the earliest World Heritage sites in India. It is not far from the Taj Mahal. Emperor Akbar built the Agra Fort combining Indian architecture with Timurid-era Iranian art. It is true since Raja Badal Singh previously owned the fort as the brick monument Badalgarh. Raja Badal Singh was a Hindu Shikarwar Rajput Monarch. Sikander Lodi was among the first Sultan of Delhi to move to Agra and live in the defense following the invasion.

Taj Mahal (1983)

Emperor Shah Jahan erected the Taj Mahal in 1653. He built it in honor of his wife, Mumtaj Mahal. It is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It is in Agra, beside the Yamuna River. The cost is 32 million Indian rupees or 58 billion rupees in today’s money. “Jewel of Muslim Art in India” is another name for the Taj Mahal. It is one of the most outstanding examples of Mughal architecture in the whole globe. The Taj Mahal is well-known to most people for its connection to Indian historical sites. Undoubtedly, it will be on the list of World Heritage Sites in India.

Sun Temple (1984)

The Sun Temple is a 13th-century temple located near Konark, Odisha. It is close to the well-known seaside town of Puri. In 1250 AD, King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty constructed it. The Sun Temple resembles a massive chariot with carved stone walls, pillars, and wheels. Six big sculpted horses draw it. It’s also regarded as one of India’s biggest brahmin sanctuaries. Sun Temple is among the earliest World Heritage Sites in India. The temple was constructed near the Chandrabhaga River’s mouth, but the water level has since risen. The Sun Temple showcases the splendor of the then-dominant Kalinga architectural heritage.

Mahabalipuram Monuments (1984)

Mahabalipuram Monuments got on the list of World Heritage Sites in India in 1984. The Descent of the Ganges, the Beach Temple, the Olakkannesvara Temple, the Pancha Rathas Temples, the Ganesha Ratha, the Cave Temples of Mahabalipuram, and the Structure Temples are part of Mahabalipuram Monuments.

The Temples are at Mahabalipuram. It is a town on the Coromandel Coast of the Gulf of Bengal, about 58 kilometers from Chennai. These temples were fully constructed during the Pallava dynasty. They are notable as they were carved out of rock and for being significant examples of Ratha architecture in India. There are 40 sanctuaries in the monument complex, including the enormous open-air bas-relief.

Kaziranga National Park (1985)

Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam is one of India’s few unspoiled natural locations. It is well-known for its one-horned rhinoceroses. Kaziranga National Park was a project started by Lord Curzon. It started when his wife reportedly failed to spot a single rhinoceros in the area. She asked her husband to take action to safeguard these endangered animals. This Park is on the Brahmaputra River’s flood plains. It is mainly made up of lush grasslands, woods, and several streams and lakes running through it. The rhino is the most endangered faunal species found in Kaziranga. This National Park from Assam became one of the World Heritage Sites in India in 1985.

Keoladeo National Park (1985)

Keoladeo National Park is in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is also referred to as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. It is the wintering and breeding grounds for various non-native, migratory birds. It is also home to roughly 366 different species of bird. It was a duck hunting area before transforming into a 29 square km wetland. It is artificial and administered by humans. Nowadays, hunting is prohibited in this region and is a criminal violation. Together with birds, there are 379 flower species, 50 fish species, 13 snake species, 7 lizard species, 7 amphibian species, 7 turtle species, and several other invertebrate species. This area serves as a reminder of India’s extensive ecological history. Keoladeo National Park was on the list of World Heritage Sites in India in 1985.

Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (1985)

Manas Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the trio wildlife conservations that got on the list of World Heritage Sites in India in 1985. It is in the Assam region of northeastern India. The name comes from the name of the goddess Manasa and comes from the River Manas. The endangered species living here are comfortable because of the forest’s green hills and dense flora. The Assam Roofed Turtle, Hispid Hare, Golden Langur, and Pygmy Hog are a few endangered animals that call The Wild Life Sanctuary their home. It is also a Project Tiger Reserve, Elephant Reserve, and Biosphere Reserve. In India, no other park is home to as many endangered species as this one.

Churches and Convents of Goa (1986)

Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, Saint Augustine, Basílica do Bom Jesus, Igreja de So Francisco de Assis, Saint Cajetan’s Church with the associated seminary, and Saint Francis of Assisi’s Church and Convent are part of the Churches and Convents of Goa. All these beautiful churches were named on the list of World Heritage Sites in India in 1986.

Portuguese settlers arrived in India in the 15th and 16th centuries. They settled at Goa on the Konkan coast in the country’s southwest. And the Portuguese’s arrival signifies Christianity’s spread over the Indian subcontinent. As a result, several churches and convents were constructed in Goa to evangelize. These churches are on India’s list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is because of their various but stunning architectural styles.

Monuments of Khajuraho

India’s renowned Khajuraho has one of the World Heritage sites in India. In 1986 the Monuments of Khajuraho put their name on the World Heritage list. It is in the state of Madhya Pradesh. A unique heritage site 175 km southeast of Jhansi. It is well known for its collections of Hindu and Jain temples. They are also recognized for their sensual figures and sculptures. The symbolism is in the Nagara style. These sultry stone sculptures of people and animals in sexual situations are beautifully rendered and a testament to India’s rich cultural past. The Chandella dynasty ruled between 950 and 1050 CE. During this time, most of these monuments were constructed. It has a 20 sq km region and a total of 85 temples. The Kandariya temple is the most notable among these temples in the area.

Monuments of Hampi

The northern region of Karnataka is home to Hampi. It became one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in India in 1986. It is located among the remains of the long-gone, thriving Vijayanagar kingdom. The Hampi ruins are a collection of historical locations. They showcase superb Dravidian art and architectural style. The Virupaksha Temple is still an important Hindu religious institution. It is the most notable heritage monument in this area. Several other monuments are called the “Group of Monuments at Hampi.” The Krishna temple complex, the Narasimha, Ganesha, and Hemakuta group of temples, the Achyutaraya, Vitthala, and Pattabhirama temple complexes, the Lotus Mahal complex, the purrs or bazaars that surround the temple complex, as well as habitations, are some of the well-known ones.

Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri became one of India’s UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1986. Four prominent monuments in Fatehpur Sikri take their name from Akhbar’s victory (Fateh) against Chittor and Ranthambore. The Buland Darwaza is the most crucial door in Asia and part of the Jama Masjid. It is made of a unique Australian wood that sinks in water. Panch Mahal, also known as Jada Baai ka Mahal, is regarded as the birthplace of the Navaratnas (Birbal, Tansen, etc.). The Diwan-e-Khas and Diwan-e-aam were also within. Salim Chishti’s Mausoleum is located inside the Buland Darwaza. These Mughal structures are all significant Indian historical monuments.

Elephanta Caves

Near Mumbai, the Elephanta caves are on an island in Arabian City. Gharapuri is another name for the string of carved caverns on Elephanta Island. Many archaeological relics provide us with a look into the illustrious cultural history of Indian civilization. It became one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in India in 1987. These caverns portrayed Shiva as the Creator and the Destructor of the Universe in rock-cut sculptures and engravings. The first cave, Cave 1, is the most significant. Its entrance has a statue of Shiva that represents Shiva in three different ways: as the Creator, Preserver, and Destroyer. 10 km east of Bombay, the caverns are cut out of solid basalt rock.

Great Living Chola Temples

These temples were constructed in Southern India under the Chola Empire’s control. The best temples are the Brihadisvara Temple, the Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, and the Airavatesvara Temple. Rajaraja I oversaw the construction of the Brihadisvara temple. It is a significant piece of Chola architecture. Rajendra ( I ) supported the temple in Gangaikondacholapuram, which was devoted to Lord Shiva. The Airavatesvara temple was constructed under the reign of Rajaraja II. The temples provide evidence of the architectural brilliance and beauty of Chola sculpture, architecture, and art. The temples still keep the rites and celebrations that people thousands of years ago observed. It makes them living temples. It became one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in India in 1987. The three temples are a constant reminder of the Tamil people’s rich legacy and old culture.

Pattadakal Monuments

Pattadakal is a significant tourist destination. It is well-known for the Chalukya architectural style that developed in Aihole and was combined with Nagara and Dravidian architectural elements. The Chalukya kings had their coronations at Pattadakal. It also served as their administrative center. It is noteworthy for the many temples that the Chalukya kings built. It became one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in India in 1987. It includes eight temples devoted to Lord Shiva and Jain and Shaivite sanctuaries.

Sundarbans National Park

The Sunderban National Park is a Tiger reserve. It is a Biosphere Reserve found in the Indian state of West Bengal. Sundarban is well-known for the Royal Bengal Tigers. It is on the Sunderban Deltas, which the Ganges River created in the Gulf of Bengal. One of India’s most significant reserves is full of deep mangrove forests. Sundarban became one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in India in 1987. It is the biggest mangrove forest reserve in the world. It is home to animal species, including the Gangetic dolphin, spotted deer, wild boar, and other mammal and amphibian species. Sundarban is home to the endangered Royal Bengal Tiger. Another draw of this reserve is the uncommon saltwater crocodile. The largest concentration of tigers in India is here.

Nanda Devi & Valley of Flowers National Park

The Kanchenjunga shares a border with Nepal. It makes the Nanda Devi the highest mountain peak in Uttarakhand and India. It became one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in India in 1988. The mountain has two summits, with the eastern peak going by Sunanda Devi, in mythical Hindu texts that date back to the Puranas and Upanishads. It is 6400 meters above sea level.

The Valley of Flowers reaches up to 8 km in length and 2 km in width. The valley of flowers is close to the Nanda Devi summit. The incredible diversity of flowers covers the entire valley like a bedsheet. More than 520 species of animals and more than 600 types of flowers are here at this Indian World Heritage Site.

Sanchi or Monuments of Buddha

Sanchi is a small place in Madhya Pradesh. The earliest stone structures in India are the Buddhist monuments representing Indian heritage. Emperor Ashoka built the Sanchi Stupa in the third century BCE. It became one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in India in 1989. It is 46 km from the northeast of Bhopal. Its major construction was a hemispherical brick building placed above Buddha relics, and the Chatra was put atop it. During the Satavahana Dynasty, the stupa was rebuilt after destruction in the second century BCE. There are several more buildings here besides the Sanchi stupa. The buildings include monolithic pillars, temples, palaces, and monasteries. It was still a Buddhist pilgrimage place when its reputation waned in the 12th century AD.

Humayun’s Tomb

Humayun’s Tomb became one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in India in 1993. Begum Bega was Humayun’s first wife. She constructed the Tomb between 1565 and 1572. It is the only monument whose repair is complete after several steps. The grave of Isa Khan Niyazi is among the lesser structures that make up the complex of tombs. During the Suri dynasty, Isa Khan Niyazi was an Afghan noble in Sher Shah Suri’s court.

Qutub Minar and its Monuments

The Qutub Minar is among the most well-known World Heritage Sites in India. It became one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in India in 1993. It was constructed in 1193 by Qutub-ud-din Aibak. Qutub-ud-din was the Mamluk Dynasty’s first Muslim ruler of Delhi. It was built following the destruction of Delhi’s final Hindu Kingdom. One of the many structures inside the Qutub complex is the Qutub Minar. It takes center stage because it is 73 meters tall and has a base diameter of 15 meters and a top diameter of 2.5 meters. To honor the well-known Sufi saint Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki, Aibak erected it. The Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque was constructed on the remains of the Lal Kot of the former Hindu empire. It is regarded as one of the country’s first mosques. It is close to Qutub Minar. It is renowned for the brick minarets that encircle it as well. The Qutub Minar Complex consists of several structures. It is one of India’s oldest examples of Islamic architecture.

Mountain Railways of Darjeeling, Kalka Shimla & Nilgiri

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, the Kalka-Shimla Railway, and the Nilgiri Mountain Railway are three of India’s mountain railways. They became one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in India in 1999. One of Earth’s most breathtaking natural temptations is in North Bengal. Your pleasure will be catered to by the entertaining Toy Train, lovely Tea Plantations, extensive tunnels, and the Tiger Hills. These technical wonders are a priceless piece of India’s past and offer a daring and creative solution to the connection issue in the challenging highlands. It was constructed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They traverse the most stunning countryside, and you would want to go for a romantic and enjoyable trip.

Bodh Gaya

Bodh Gaya is one of the Indian historical sites recognized by UNESCO. Bodh Gaya became one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in India in 2002. It is almost 96 kilometers from Patna, Bihar. It is the place where Gautam Buddha attained Enlightenment. It is an important sacred site for Buddhists. Siddhartha attained Enlightenment and transformed into Gautam Buddha under the revered Bodhi Tree. The renowned Mahabodhi Temple was built around 250 BCE during Ashoka the Great’s rule. It is among the first Buddhist temples. The current Mahabodhi Temple Complex in Bodh Gaya includes the 50 m tall Mahabodhi Temple, the Vajrasana, the Bodhi Tree, and six other sacred locations of Buddha’s Enlightenment. Several historic Votive stupas flank it.

Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka, Madhya Pradesh

The Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003. Bhimbetka has the oldest signs of human existence on the Indian subcontinent. They are an archaeological site from the Mesolithic period (more than 100,000 years ago). It marks the start of the South Asian Stone Age. They are near the foothills of the Vindhya Mountains on the Deccan Plateau. The five boulders that make up the rock shelters were found in 1957. They are famous for their Mesolithic age sculptures and paintings. These works of art play a significant role in illuminating the lifestyle and pursuits of the hunter-gatherers who lived before us. It also shows the fusion of art and landscape at that time.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus

The main office of Central Railway is in Mumbai at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminal. It was previously known as the Victoria Terminus. It gave Bombay the appearance of being the International Commercial Port of India. Frederick William Stevens constructed it between 1878 and 1888. He took his design ideas from traditional Mughal structures and Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture. Although the terminal’s design incorporates features from the Italian and Victorian eras, in other aspects, it resembles the architecture of Indian palaces. It serves as a great illustration of how indigenous and western artistic traditions may coexist. Several causes have damaged the place, including pollution, traffic, construction activities, etc. Further work must be done to keep this historical monument intact. It became one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in India in 2004.

Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park

Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park is in the Panchmahal district of Gujarat. It became one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in India in 2004. It’s a significant location centered around the city of Champaner or Muhammadabad. Gujarati Sultan Mahmud Begada established this Park. The only unaltered pre-Mughal Islamic city is this. A more critical part of Champaner-Pavagadh is still being excavated. It is also thought to be of legendary significance. There are 11 distinct kinds of historical monuments there. All are from the sixteenth century. One may see the change from the earlier Hindu architectural styles to Islam. The Park is also home to many prehistoric Chalcolithic Indian sites from the Stone Age.

Red Fort

The Red Fort is in the heart of the old city of New Delhi. Emperor Shah Jahan constructed the Red Fort when he moved his capital from Agra to Delhi. Delhi was then known as Shahjahanabad. The fort developed as the Mughals’ governmental center. The Red Fort is the best example of how Mughal art and architecture peaked under Shah Jahan. Many aspects of the Red Fort exhibit the merging of Indo-Islamic, Timurid, Hindu, and Persian architectural styles. It is constructed of red sandstone. It has lesser structures, including the private pavilions, the Diwan-i-Khas, and the Diwan-i-aam. It is one of the most well-known UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India, which became one in 2007. The Indian Archaeological Survey is in charge of its daily operations.

Jantar Mantar

Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory in Rajasthan. The construction of Jantar Mantar ended in the 18th century. The Rajput ruler Sawai Jai Singh built this astronomical observatory in 1738 CE. It consists of 19 pieces of astronomy equipment. It has the giant stone sundial in the world. These tools were all manufactured by humans. It became one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in India in 2010. The observatory includes instruments for calculating the horizon-zenith local network, equatorial system, and ecliptic system, which are celestial coordinate systems. This structure, one of India’s best-preserved observatories, represents India’s scientific and cultural legacy.

The Western Ghats

Along the western shore of the Indian Peninsula are the Western Ghats of the Sahyadri mountain ranges. Around the western border of the Deccan Plateau, The Range stretches north to south. Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra include several national parks, reserve forests, and wildlife sanctuaries. The hill’s total area is 160000 square km. It is 1600 km long, 100 km wide, and 1200 m high. It is one of the world’s top 8 biological hot spots and has high biodiversity. The Western Ghats became one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in India in 2012. 325 different types of plants and animals live in the Western Ghats. Western ghats are also home to rare, endangered, and critically endangered species.

Hill Forts – Rajasthan

Hill Forts made its position in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India in 2013. It is well known for its distinctive Rajput Military Defensive Architecture. It features six magnificent forts. The forts are Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Ranthambore, Gagron, Amber, and Jaisalmer. They are in Rajasthan on the rugged Aravalli Mountain Range. The forts’ sheer size and length are enough to convey the Rajput chieftains’ and monarchs’ might and dominance. These forts have formidable defenses. It appeared as though a small city existed inside the fort’s walls. There were several marketplaces, bazaars, palaces, temples, urban and trade hubs, etc.; we know this since some remain. These forts have distinctive water collection and storage systems that are still used today. Moreover, a few Satyajit Ray films, including “Shonar Kella” and The Dark Knight Rises, were filmed here.

Rani Ki Vav (The Queen’s Stepwell)

In the monarchs ‘ honor, Rani ki Vav was constructed in the third millennium BC. It is a clear example of exquisite Ancient Indian architecture. Bhimdev I’s wife and queen Udayamati erected the monument in his honor and remembrance. Due to its architecture’s beauty and wonder, it became on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites in India in 2014. Stepped Corridors, Stone Carvings in the Well, and Sculptures make Rani-ki-vav famous. Lord Vishnu is the subject of the majority of the sculptures in the well. The sculptures represent his 10 incarnations. These avatars represent his return to the world. This vav is a location to store water and has a spiritual significance. It has the shape of an inverted temple according to religious and mythical works. It splits into seven tiers of wells, each with a special significance.

Great Himalayan National Park

The Great Himalayan National Park is in the Kullu region in Northern Himachal Pradesh and spans an area of 754.4 square kilometers. The Park has the highest mountain snowmelt. The melting glacier water originates from various rivers, like the Indus tributaries. It is home to roughly 375 kinds of flora and other rare plant and animal species. It belongs to the Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspots. It is one of the more recent additions to the list of World Heritage Sites in India in 2014. Coniferous Woods, Snowy Peaks (height range of 4,100m), and Pristine Glaciers enhance their attractiveness with majestic hues. It is a location for the conservation of animals.

Nalanda

From the third century BCE until the thirteenth century CE, Bihar’s Nalanda Archaeological Site served as a Buddhist monastery and a center for study. It became one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in India in 2016. The campus represents a beautiful era, and you may see the ruins of stupas, temples, and viharas there. Nalanda, which continued to be a center of learning for 800 years, attested to the development of Buddhism as a religion. Scholars from as far away as Tibet, China, Korea, and Central Asia formerly attended the world’s first residential university, known for its organized Vedic education. It makes it even more noticeable on the Indian tourism map since it is the second UNESCO-designated World Heritage site in Bihar.

Khangchendzonga National Park

One of the most diverse protected places in the world is Khangchendzonga National Park. Its elevation ranges from 7 kilometers, from subtropical trees to the snow-covered summits of Mt. Khangchendzonga, the third-highest mountain in the world. Khangchendzonga National Park became one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in India in 2016. The biota of the property is no less diversified, with hundreds of species reported, many of which are unique and pose particular conservation concerns. The land, particularly Mt. Khangchendzonga, is central to the area’s cultural legacy because it had a crucial role in pre-Buddhist and Tibetan Buddhist worship, which are still widely practiced today.

Architectural Work of Le Corbusier (Capitol Complex)

Le Corbusier made an extraordinary contribution to the Modern Movement with his architectural work, which has been recognized as a World Heritage Site for numerous nations, including the Chandigarh Capitol Complex. Le Corbusier worked on projects like these in 17 nations throughout the first half of the 20th century.

At Chandigarh, the Secretariat, the High Court, and the legislative bodies for Punjab and Haryana are all housed within the Capitol Complex. This capital complex was created while Chandigarh was erected as the capital of Punjab in 1950 following the partition of India and is situated in Sector 1 of Chandigarh. It became one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in India in 2016.

The Historic City of Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad put its name on the list as the first Indian city as a World Heritage City on July 8, 2017. There are over 25 ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) protected buildings in Ahmedabad. For six centuries up to the present, the city has thrived as the state capital of Gujarat.

Communities practicing Hinduism, Islam, and Jainism have coexisted for millennia in Ahmedabad. It is a walled city on the banks of the Sabarmati.

Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles

The Victorian and Art Deco Ensemble of Bombay got on the list of World Heritage Sites in India in June 2018. It comprises 94 buildings with significant cultural value around the Oval Maidan in Mumbai’s Fort District. The Old Secretariat Building, Bombay High Court, The University of Mumbai Fort Campus, and other 19th-century Victorian Neo-Gothic buildings surround The Oval to the east. Together with Watson’s Hotel, David Sassoon Library, and Elphinstone College, the Victorian side of the Ensemble also includes the Rajabai Clock Tower, a well-known landmark in the City of Dreams. The Art Deco structures from the 20th century survived along the Arabian Sea’s western shore.

The latter comprises large privately owned homes and the iconic Eros Theatre, which catalyzed the Back Bay reclamation along Marine Drive in 1935. Mumbai’s Victorian and Art Deco Ensemble consists of two distinct sections of different styles. This sudden change in creative objectives is well reflected in the cityscape. It earned Mumbai’s deserving inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list.

The Pink City- Jaipur

On June 6, 2019, Jaipur was on the list of World Heritage sites in India. Jaipur, the pink city, manages to hold onto its old-world beauty. It has walls and gates that are ornamented with paintings against a background of gorgeous pink. Jaipur is home to several more exquisite forts, palaces, temples, and museums. Jaipur has local bazaars where you can shop for regional handicrafts and souvenirs. Bapu Bazar, Tripolia Bazaar, and Johri Bazaar are some of the city’s well-known bazaars.

Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple

Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple is northeast of Hyderabad in Telangana. It is in the village of Palampet. A walled complex with several Shiva temples was constructed during the Kakatiyan dynasty (1123–1323 CE). It happened when Rudradeva and Recharla Rudra were in power. The construction of the sandstone temple started in 1213 CE and lasted almost 40 years. The tower includes carved granite and dolerite beams and pillars and a remarkable pyramidal Vimana (horizontally stepped tower) composed of lightweight porous bricks, often known as “floating bricks.” It helped to lighten the building’s roof structures. High-caliber sculptures in the temple depict local dancing traditions and Kakatiyan culture. It became one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in India in 2021.

Dholavira: A Harappan City

Dholavira is one of the most advanced towns in the Indus Valley Civilization about 4500 years ago. It is today renowned as a magnificent archaeological site. Between 2650 and 1450 BCE, it was a thriving Harappan settlement. The settlement, Kotada Timb, is currently an archaeological site in Khadir Bet, Kutch, Gujarat. The area has visible architectural remnants and evidence of the Harappan way of life. The town also included a substantial open stadium divided into three primary architectural schemes. It became one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in India in 2021.

Conclusion

Moreover, several relics were unearthed, including clay pots, beads, jewelry, and other objects. The water conservation system in the town of Dholavira was extraordinary. The Mansar and the Manhar were two of its most vital waterways.

How many Indian sites are UNESCO World Heritage Sites?

40 World Heritage Sites are present in India right now. The selection criteria for the organization indicate that 32 are cultural, 7 are natural, and 1 is mixed (matching both cultural and natural characteristics). India has the sixth-highest number of sites worldwide.