UNESCO World Heritage List (India)

World Heritage Sites are important places of cultural, historical, scientific or other significance designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

There are 42 s in India. These include 34 cultural sites, 7 natural sites and 1 mixed-criteria site. India has the sixth largest number of sites in the world.

Cultural sites



 * The Mountain Railways of India — are narrow-gauge lines that run through picturesque mountains.
 * (Toy Train) — Siliguri–Darjeeling, West Bengal
 * — Mettupalayam–Ooty, Tamil Nadu
 * — Kalka, Haryana–Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

Eastern India



 * — Santiniketan was founded as an ashram by Debendranath Tagore in the second half of the 19th century and then developed into a university town of Visva-Bharati University. It is connected to the life and philosophy of Debendranath's son Rabindranath Tagore, the leading figure of the Bengali Renaissance.


 * — It was built to honour the sun god Surya. The entire temple is shaped in the form of a chariot pulled by seven horses in order to carry the sun god across the heavens. Though partially in ruins, it has extensive stone carvings (many erotic in nature) on the walls.

The Plains



 * — Similar to the Red Fort in Delhi, a well preserved palace and defensive complex constructed mostly in red sandstone. Emperor Akbar built this fort (same time as Humayun's Tomb in Delhi). Emperor Shah Jahan made later additions to it.


 * — A former Buddhist university begun circa 450 CE. It was the longest operating university in Indian history. Buddha and Mahavira visited here. It had thousands of students and faculty. It was destroyed by Turkish invaders; students and teachers were massacred and its large library was destroyed. All that remains are extensive ruins.


 * — A definitive contribution to the Modern Movement in architecture. UNESCO lists many sites including the planned Indian city of Chandigarh for which Le Corbusier did much of the design.


 * — Believed to be the oldest stone structure in India. Vidisha (city in Madhya Pradesh) was the ancient capital city of the Malwa. Many Buddhist monuments were later built around this ancient city. The historical Sanchi stupas are very well preserved.


 * — Most of monuments are at the base and surrounding area of the Pavagadh hill.


 * (City of Victory) — A virtual ghost city near Agra. Built by the Emperor Akbar, it was the capital of the Mughal Empire and later abandoned because local water supplies were lacking and near the tumultuous Rajasthan. It includes one of the largest mosques (Jama Masjid) in India. There are well preserved palaces and courtyards.


 * — It has beautiful gardens in the Persian Char Bagh style. The site was constructed in the Indo-Islamic style known as Mughal. Within the site complex is the tomb of Iza Khan though the main attraction is the Tomb of Humayun. The South Gate and the Barber's Tomb are also of interest and is in here.


 * — It is a group of Hindu and Jain temples in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. The temples are noted for their architectural/artistic style and erotic sculptures.


 * — It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries.


 * —. The Red Fort is a red sandstone fort (and ruling palace) built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame. Many historical objects and marble inlays have disappeared and quite a few buildings can not be visited due to disrepair. However, the site is impressive with lush green gardens that are well kept year round.


 * — Early traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent have been discovered here. Rock paintings can be seen that are similar to those that have been found in Australia and France.


 * — These structures in Delhi date from the Slave Dynasty. The Qutb Minar is one of the tallest minars in India. It has been well-preserved with its intricate carvings. It was constructed of red sandstone and marble. Earthquake damage to the top of the Qutb Manar has been renovated and its base reinforced.


 * — It is a white marble mausoleum ordered by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife (Mumtaz Mahal). Taj Mahal means Crown Palace. It is a fairly well kept tomb and an outstanding example of Indian Muslim architecture. Current work is being considered to combat damage caused by pollution.

Southern India



 * The Great Living Chola Temples — consists of three Hindu temples built in the 11th and 12th centuries under the Chola dynasty. They represent some of the best examples of Dravidian architecture of the Chola period.


 * . This temple is dedicated to Shiva. Its pillared cloister contains many lignams and the sanctum sanctorum has a large Shiva lingam and stone Nandi.


 * . It has some excellent stone carvings (as well as inscriptions). The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters.


 * . It is dedicated to the Lord Shiva and its location was used to be a medieval Chola capital. This multi-storied temple was once surrounded by a huge fort wall.


 * — of significant historic and architectural interest. The area abounds with large stones used to make statues of Jaina deities. Numerous temples and other sites can be found in and around Hampi. Further excavations are under way.


 * — a monument complex near Chennai. The area dates back to the Tamil Pallava dynasty. Mostly carved out of granite, they are among the oldest examples of Dravidian (South Indian) art/architecture.


 * — an historic centre of Chalukya art and architecture. This has major temples and numerous shrines (many of which are inscribed in Kannada).


 * — an ancient Hindu temple built during the 1200s Kakatiya dynasty & featuring ornate carvings & shrines. The main structure is in a reddish sandstone, but the columns round the outside have large brackets of black basalt which is rich in iron, magnesium and silica. These are carved as mythical animals or female dancers or musicians, and are "the masterpieces of Kakatiya art, notable for their delicate carving, sensuous postures and elongated bodies and heads".


 * The — It consists of two clusters of monuments (in Belur and Halebidu), and the Keshava temple in Somanathapura, dating to the time of the Hoysala Empire, between the 11th and 14th centuries. Hoysala architecture combined the elements of the Dravidian architecture with influences from northern India.

Western India



 * — depict the stories of Buddhism from circa 200 BCE to 650 CE. These caves were discovered by some British Officers during a tiger hunt. These caves were built by Buddhist monks using simple tools. Buddhist monks often taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas (ancient seats of learning). There are detailed/beautiful sculptures and paintings depicting stories from Jataka tales.


 * (formerly Victoria Terminus), also known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) — Ieflects the architectural influence of Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and traditional Mughal architectural style in Mumbai.


 * —. Old Goa, the former capital of colonial Goa, is full of history and the location of numerous well maintained scenic churches and convents. These are preserved and maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.


 * — an archaeological site at with the ruins of an ancient Indus Valley Civilisation (Harappan) city; it is one of the five largest Harappan sites.


 * — are two groups of sculpted caves (Hindu and Buddhist). Within the caves there are numerous carved panels and shrines. The original stone-cut elephant statue; for which Elephanta Island was named, resides at Jijamata Udyaan in Mumbai.


 * — are an impressive complex of rock shrines that represent the three faiths of Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism and were created during the 5th-13th centuries CE. The caves are northwest of central Aurangabad, a few km from Khuldabad.


 * The Hill Forts of Rajasthan —
 * has massive stone gates with notched parapets and arched reinforced doors (to defend against elephants and cannon). Within the fort a circular road gives access to the gates and numerous monuments (ruined palaces and numerous temples).


 * is protected by seven towering gates and within is the Badal Mahal palace. It also had long meandering walls for defence. There are many tales and interesting stories affiliated with this site.


 * . It lies within the Ranthambore National Park, near the town of Sawai Madhopur. Initially called "Ranath Bhawar Garh" (a place of Rajput warriors). The history of Sawai Madhopur centers around the famous Ranthambore Fort.


 * is an example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as Galkangiri) was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire).


 * is a massive fort-palace complex built in a Hindu-Muslim style dating back to Raja Man Singh and once the royal palace of the Kachwahas. Within the fort is the Sheesh Mahal (with thousands of mirror tiles on the walls and ceilings).


 * , also known as the “Sonar Quila” or "Sonal Kella" or "Sonar Kila". It displays the subtle hues of the setting sun and desert. It is a 'working fort' as its citizens reside and work within its walls. There are numerous vantage points within the fort that enable great views across the city and desert.


 * — The modern Ahmedabad was a walled city in the past along the banks of the Sabarmati River. The city presents a rich and diverse cultural and architectural style. It also houses the former home of Mahatma Gandhi, the Sabarmati Ashram.


 * — It is a magnificent city filled with historical wonders and beauty in the North-western part of India. During the rule of Sawai Ram Singh I, the city was painted pink to welcome HRH Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VII, Emperor of India), in 1876. Many of the avenues still remain painted in pink, giving Jaipur a distinctive appearance and the epithet Pink city.


 * — but one of five astronomical observatories build by Maharaja Jai Singh in northern India. This historical observatory has geometric devices (or yantras in Hindi) for measuring time, eclipse prediction, tracking the orbits of stars eyc.. Explanations are posted for these devices and hired guides may provide further explanations.


 * — It is a step well in Patan, Gujarat. It is famous for its ornate carvings and many sculptures in its galleries. Built as an inverted temple and representing a religious regard for water. Stepwells were built basically for the storage of water in India.


 * — It represents an urban project through various buildings (cinemas, residential buildings and balconies) of the late 19th century. Mainly these are found near the Oval Maidan area of Mumbai, they represent the Victorian Neo-Gothic style of architecture and Art Deco (sometimes known as Indo-Deco).

Natural and mixed sites



 * (natural) — borders the Palearctic and the Indomalayan bioregions. The different altitudes provide for subtropical forests to alpine and glacial flora. Different species of goat, bear, leopard and pheasants can also be found here.


 * (natural) — It is home to the Indian single-horned rhinos (rhinoceros unicornis). Kaziranga also hosts a variety of other mammal species.


 * (natural) — It provides habitat for thousands of birds during the winter season. The sanctuary hosts rare Siberian Cranes, ruddy shelducks, northern shovelers, northern pintails, tufted ducks, shovelers and other indigionous and migratory waterfowl.


 * (mixed) — It is named after Kangchenjunga, the highest peak of India. It is known for its numerous glaciers (Zemu glacier for example). Snow leopards, musk deer and Himalayan taar have been spotted here.


 * (natural) — It is a habitat for many unique and endangered wildlife species such as the golden langur, pygmy hog and hispid hare. The Asian elephant, water buffalo, black panther, sloth bear and sambar deer can also be found here as well as endangered residential and migratory birds.


 * (natural) — Nanda Devi contains wildlife such as snow leopards, bears, tahrs, deer and monkeys in addition to splendid flowers. The Valley of Flowers is famous for its beautiful alpine flowers. This valley is an Indian national park with beautiful waterfalls, landscapes, meadows of flowers and surrounding forests.


 * (natural) — The littoral mangrove forest in the southern part of West Bengal.


 * (natural), also known as Sahyadri — It is in Western and Southern India following the west coast of the Indian peninsula. UNESCO considers this mountain range as a major area of world biological diversity.