World Heritage Sites In India 
A UNESCO World Heritage Site may be
defined as a specific site (forests, mountain range, lake, desert, building,
complex or city) which is nominated for the World Heritage Program
administered by UNESCO. These are outstanding sites which UNESCO aims to
preserve for the future and for which funds are released and technical
expertise is provided. India is home to 27 World Heritage Sites that include
interesting caves, magnificent forts and monuments, well-maintained wildlife
parks and some other important heritage properties.
Caves
Ajanta Caves
Location : Aurangabad District, Maharashtra
Declared World Heritage Site In : 1983
Description : Situated in the state of Maharashtra, the
Buddhist caves at Ajanta is home to some of ancient India's most
magnificent paintings. Considered as masterpieces of Buddhist religious art,
the paintings and sculptures of Ajanta Caves relate to the life and times of
Lord Buddha. You can see 29 caves here which were inhabited around 200 B.C
and abandoned in 650 A.D.
Ellora Caves
Location
: Aurangabad District, Maharashtra
Declared World Heritage Site In : 1983
Description : Constructed between 600 A.D to 1,000 A.D,
the Ellora Caves brings the ancient Indian civilization to life. Here, you
can see 34 monasteries and temples sprawling over an area more than 2 km
which were dug side-by-side on the wall of a high basalt cliff. Apart from
its unique artistic creation and technological excellence, the Ellora Caves
are known for its sanctuaries devoted to three religions - Hinduism,
Buddhism and Jainism.
Elephanta Caves
Location : Kolaba District (Island of Elephanta),
Maharashtra
Declared World Heritage Site In : 1987
Description : The Elephanta Caves are located on Elephanta
island in Oman Sea just 9 kms away from Mumbai. For Elephanta Caves you have
to take boat ride from Gateway of India, Mumbai. Rock-cut temples are the
principle attraction of Elephanta Caves. Believed to be carved out between
the years 450 A.D and 750 A.D, the Elephanta Caves have carvings depicting
Lord Shiva, his marriage to Parvati, the killing of Andhakasura and the
six-metre-high triple-headed Trimurti etc.
Forts
and Monuments
Red Fort
Location
: Delhi
Declared World Heritage Site In : 2007
Description :One of the jewells of Mughal architecture,
Red Fort has been declared World Heritage Site in 2007. Mughal Emepror Shah
Jahan started the construction of this fort in 1638 and was given the final
touch in 1648.A red sandstone monument, Red Fort houses a number of
interesting structures namely Diwan - I - Khas, Diwan - I Aam, Rang Mahal,
Khas Mahal, Moti Masjid etc.
Agra Fort
Location
: Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Declared World Heritage Site In : 1983
Description : Agra Fort, the 16th century imposing Mughal
monument lies just one km away from the world famous Taj Mahal. The red
sandstone monument built by Emperor Akbar, speaks of the splendour of Mughal
architecture. Visit the imperial city of the Mughal rulers and see several
fairy-tale palaces such as the Jehangir Palace, Khas Mahal and other notable
buildlings like Diwan-I-Khas, Diwan - I- Aam, Moti Masjid etc.
Fatehpur
Sikri
Location
: 40 kms south - west of Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Declared World Heritage Site In : 1986
Description : Constructed by Emperor Akbar in 1569,
Fatehpur Sikri remained the capital of the Mughal Empire for less than 15
years. Also referred to as the 'deserted city', Fatehpur Sikri is
now the complex of monuments including Jama Masjid, one the biggest mosques
in India. In addition to Jama Masjid, you can see other magnificent
monuments like Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas, Panch House, Panch Mahal, Buland
Darwaza and tomb of Shaikh Salim Chisti.
Taj
Mahal
Location
: Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Declared World Heritage Site In : 1983
Description : One of the seven wonders of the world, Taj
Mahal stands as a symbol of eternal love along the banks of river Yamuna. A
beautiful white marble mausoleum, Taj Mahal was built between 1631 and 1648
by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
Today, Taj Mahal is the jewel of the Muslim art in India and one the
universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage.
Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram
Location : Chingleput District, Tamil Nadu
Declared World Heritage Site In : 1984
Description : The group of monuments at Mahabalipuram were
founded by the Pallava kings between 630 A. D and 800 A.D. Carved out of
rock along the Coromandel coast, these monuments are known for rathas
(temples in the form of chariots), mandapas (cave sanctuaries), giant open-
air reliefs like the famous 'Descent of the Ganges', the temple of
Rivage and thousands of sculptures dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Group
of Monuments at Khajuraho
Location
: Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
Declared World Heritage Site In : 1986
Description :Built between 950 A.D and 1050 A.D by the
Chandela rulers, the Khajuraho group of monuments are considered as the
fantastic example of early medieval period art form. The sensual and erotic
art forms in Khajuraho temples strike a perfect balance between architecture
and sculpture. Originally, there were around 85 temples, but now only 22
temples remain which have been categorized into three distinct groups such
as Southern, Western and Eastern and belong to two different religions -
Hinduism and Jainism.
Group of Monuments at Hampi
Location : Bellary District, Karnataka
Declared World Heritage Site In : 1986
Description : Hampi, the last capital of great Hindu
Kingdom of Vijayanagar houses some of the finest temples and monuments of
world. Constructed between the 14th and 16th centuries, the group of
monuments at Hampi are considered as masterpieces of Dravidian style of
architecture. In the year 1565, the city was conquered by the Deccan Muslim
and later it was abandoned.
Group of Monuments at Pattadakal
Location :
Bijapur District, Karnataka
Declared World Heritage Site In : 1987
Description : Pattadakal in Karnataka is home to an
impressive series of monuments including nine Hindu temples as well as a
Jain Sanctuary. The group of monuments showcases the splendid art forms of
the 7th and 8th centuries under the Chalukya dynasty. Among the group of
monuments, the Virupaksha temple built in 740 A.D by Queen Lokamahadevi is
considered the best. Virupaksha temple was constructed by the Queen to
commemorate her husband's victory over the kings from the South.
Buddhist Monastery at Sanchi
Location : 40 kms away from Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
Declared World Heritage Site In : 1989
Description : 40 kms away from Bhopal, the site of Sanchi
houses a group of Buddhist monuments perched atop a hill overlooking the
plain. Construction of Sanchi Stupas were started by Emperor Ashoka between
272 B.C and 237 B.C, but surprisingly the construction completed by 12th
century. Sanchi is the oldest Buddhist sanctuary in existence, here you can
see monolithic pillars, palaces, temples and monasteries displaying the
unique Buddhist architecture of that period.
Humayun's Tomb, Delhi
Location : Delhi
Declared
World Heritage Site In : 1993
Description : A masterpiece of Mughal architectural style,
the Humayun's Tomb was built in 1570 by Haji Begum, wife of Humayun.
Humayun's Tomb is of particular importance as it was the first
garden-tomb in the Indian subcontinent. Built of red and white sandstone and
black and yellow marble, this wonderful tomb is surrounded by beautifully
laid gardens. Interestingly after its construction Humayun's Tomb
inspired several other architectural innovations including the Taj Mahal.
Qutab
Minar and its Monuments, Delhi
Location : Delhi
Declared
World Heritage Site In : 1993
Description : Qutab Minar, the imposing tower soaring to a
height of 72.5 mts is the tallest stone tower of India. One of the finest
Islamic monuments of the country, Qutab Minar was built in 1193 by
Qutab-ud-din Aibak after his victory over the Delhi's last Hindu
kingdom. Situated just few kilometres south of Delhi, the tower tapers from
2.75 mts in diameter at its peak to 14.32 mts at its base and it has
alternating angular and rounded flutings. In addition to Qutab Minar, you
can see other notable monuments like massive Alai Darwaza, two mosques
including the famous Quwwatul Islam mosque.
Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka
Location : Madhya Pradesh
Declared
World Heritage Site In : 2003
Description : The Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka are situated
in the foothills of the Vindhya mountain ranges. Bhimbetka is the very place
where earliest known traces of human life in India were discovered. Within
the massive sandstone outcrops lies five clusters of natural rock shelters,
displaying paintings dating back to some 9000 years. In the rock paintings,
you can see the cultural traditions of the inhabitants of 21 villages
adjacent to the site.
Wildlife
Kaziranga
National Park
Location
: Assam
Declared World Heritage Site In : 1985
Description : Situated in the heart of Assam, Kaziranga
National Park is home to the largest population of one-horned rhinoceros in
the world. Undisturbed by human presence, Kaziranga is a place where nature
could be seen in its most unadulterated form. In addition to rhinoceros, you
can spot other wildanimals like tigers, elephants, panthers, bears and
thousand of avian species.
Manas
National Park
Location
: Assam
Declared World Heritage Site In : 1985
Description : Sprawling over a gentle slope in the
foothills of the Himalayas, Manas Wildlife Sanctuary is the place where
wooded hills give way to alluvial grasslands and tropical forests. Manas
Wildlife Sanctuary provides shelter to a variety of wild animals such as
rhinoceros, tigers, pygmy hogs, elephants including many endangered species.
Considered as a bio-diversity hotspot, Manas was designated as a world
heritage site in 1985.
Keoladeo
Ghana National Park
Location : 55 kms west of Agra, Bharatpur, Rajasthan
Declared World Heritage Site In : 1985
Description : Formerly a duck-hunting reserve of the
Maharajas, Keoldeo Ghana National Park now houses highest number of avian
species in the world. Here, you can see more than 400 bird species including
some rare and endangered species like Siberian crane. Every year, during
winter large number of migratory birds come to the park from Afghanistan,
Turkmenistan, China, Siberia and many other countries.
Sunderbans
Tiger Reserve
Location
: West Bengal
Declared World Heritage Site In : 1987
Description :112 kms south of Kolkata, Sunderbans Tiger
Reserve is world's largest delta formed by Ganga and Brahmaputra
rivers. Spreading over an area of 10,000 sq. kms of land and water,
Sunderbans is home to a huge tiger population and also has the largest
Mangrove forest cover in the world. Apart from these, you can see several
endangered species in this park including large number of aquatic mammals,
birds and reptiles.
Nanda
Devi National Park
Location
: Uttaranchal
Declared World Heritage Site In : 1988
Description : Situated in the Garhwal Himalayas, Nanda
Devi National Park boasts of a unique climate and a distinctive flora and
fauna. Some of the peculiar climatic features are strong winds, daily
drizzle and regular heavy snowfall. Notable wild animals which you can spot
here include snow leopard, musk deer, Himalayan black bear and snow
partridge.
Temples
Sun
Temple, Konark
Location
: Puri District, Orissa
Declared World Heritage Site In : 1984
Description : Perched on the shores of the Bay of Bengal,
the Sun Temple of Konark is an excellent example of innovative and symbolic
architecture of medieval period. Built in the 13th century, this temple is
one of India's most popular Brahman sanctuaries. Dedicated to Sun Goa,
Konark temple was constructed in the form of a massive chariot fitted with
24 wheels and it was pulled by seven horses.
Brihadisvara Temple / Great Living Chola Temples
Location
: Thanjavur
Declared World Heritage Site In : 1987
Description : Built between 985 A.D and 1012 A.D, the
Brihadisvara Temple of Thanjavur is a fine example of the brilliant
architecture of early medieval period. Later, in the 11th and 12th century
two Great Living Chola Temples were added to Brihadisvara temple.
Constructed by the kings of the Chola Empire, the Great Living Chola Temples
were stretched over South India and the nearby islands. Now, the site houses
the three great 11th and 12th century Chola Temples, the Brihadisvara temple
of Thanjavur, the Temple of Gangaikondacholisvaram and the Airavatesvara
temple at Darasuram.
Mahabodhi Temple Complex at
Bodhgaya
Location
: Bodhgaya, Bihar
Declared World Heritage Site In : 2002
Description : The Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya, is
one of the four holy sites related to the life of Lord Buddha. Built by
Emperor Ashoka, Mahabodhi Temple Complex is the places where Lord Buddha had
attained enlightenment. The first temple in this complex was constructed by
Ashoka in the 3srd century B.C. and the present existing temples date back
to 5th or 6th centuries.
Other
World Heritage Properties
Darjeeling Himalayan
Railway
Location
: Darjeeling, West Bengal
Given World Heritage Status in : 2002
Description : Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, the
narrow-gauge toy train running from New Jalpaiguri Railway Station to
Darjeeling is the only of its kind in the world. Opened in the year 1881,
the challenging route laid through hilly terrain is a fine example of modern
railway engineering.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Station
Location : Mumbai, Maharashtra
Given World Heritage Status in : 2004
Description : Earlier known as Victoria Terminus,
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Station is the main railway station of
Maharashtra's capital, Mumbai. A wonderful example of Victorian Gothic
Revival architecture in India, the building also has the elements derived
from traditional Indian palace architecture. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
Station was inaugurated in 1887 to celebrate Queen Victoria's Golden
Jubilee. Made of local red sandstone, the building comprises remarkable
stone dome, turrets, pointed arches etc.
Champaner - Pavagadh Archaeological Park
Location
: Panchmahal District, Gujarat
Given World Heritage Status in : 2004
Description : In Panchmahal District of Gujarat, there is
a collection of largely unexcavated archaeological, historic and living
cultural heritage properties. Here, you will see fortifications, palaces,
religious buildings, residential precincts, agricultural structures and
water installations dating back to the 8th and the 14th centuries. The
Kalikamata Temple situated atop the Padagadh Hill is an important shrine
which attracts large number of pilgrims all through the year.
Churches and Convents of Goa
Location
: Goa
Given World Heritage Status in : 1986
Description : Built several centuries ago by the
Portuguese rulers, the Churches and Convents of Goa are known for their
unique architectural style. Some of the popular Churches and Convents of Goa
include Basilica de Bom Jesus, Church of Lady Rosary, Se Cathedral, Church
and Convent of St. Francis of Assisi.
World Heritage Site Tour Packages
 |
Highlights : Ellora &
Ajanta Caves, Elephanta Caves, Golconda Fort, Golgumbaz Mausoleum, Jama
Masjid Mosque, Badami Cave Temples, Pattakadal Temple, Aihole. |
|
 |
Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves. |
|
