UNESCO World Heritage Sites In India (40 Unique Sites)

UNESCO World Heritage Sites In India

Last Updated: 6 February 2023

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designates World Heritage Sites of outstanding universal value to cultural or natural heritage which have been nominated by countries that are signatories to the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, established in 1972.

Cultural Heritage consists of monuments (such as architectural works, monumental sculptures, or inscriptions), groups of buildings, and sites (including archaeological sites).

Natural features (consisting of physical and biological formations), geological and physiographical formations (including habitats of threatened species of animals and plants), and natural sites which are important from the point of view of science, conservation, or natural beauty, are defined as Natural Heritage.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites At A Glance


No.State/UTUNESCO Heritage SitesSites
1Assam1) Kaziranga National Park (1985)
2) Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (1985)
2
2Bihar1) Mahabodhi Temple (2002)
2) Nalanda Mahavihara (2016)
2
3ChandigarhThe Architectural Work of Le Corbusier (2016)1
4Delhi1) Humayun’s Tomb (1993)
2) Qutb Minar (1993)
3) Red Fort (2007)
3
5GoaChurches and Convents of Goa (1986)1
6Gujarat1) Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park (2004)
2) Rani-ki-Vav (2014)
3) Historic City of Ahmadabad (2017)
4) Dholavira (2021)
4
7Himachal Pradesh1) Great Himalayan National Park (2014)
2) Mountain Railways of India (1999)
2
8Karnataka1) Group of Monuments at Hampi (1986)
2) Group of Monuments at Pattadakal (1987)
3) Western Ghats (2012)
3
10KerelaWestern Ghats (2012)1
11Madhya Pradesh1) Khajuraho Group of Monuments (1986)
2) Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi (1989)
3) Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (2003)
3
12Maharashtra1) Ajanta Caves (1983)
2) Ellora Caves (1983)
3) Elephanta Caves (1987)
4) Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (2004)
5) Western Ghats (2012)
6) Victorian Gothic & Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai (2018)
6
13OdishaSun Temple (1984)1
14Rajasthan1) Keoladeo National Park (1985)
2) The Jantar Mantar (2010)
3) Hill Forts of Rajasthan (2013)
4) Jaipur City (2019)
4
15SikkimKhangchendzonga National Park (2016)1
16Tamil Nadu1) Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram (1984)
2) Great Living Chola Temples (1987)
3) Mountain Railways of India (1999)
4) Western Ghats (2012)
4
17TelanganaRamappa Temple (2021)1
18Uttar Pradesh1) Agra Fort (1983)
2) Taj Mahal (1983)
3) Fatehpur Sikri (1986)
3
19UttarakhandNanda Devi & Valley of Flowers National Parks (1988)1
20West Bengal1) Sundarbans National Park (1987)
2) Mountain Railways of India (1999)
2

Criteria For Selection In UNESCO World Heritage Sites


(i) Represents a masterpiece of human creative genius.

(ii) Exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town planning, or landscape design.

(iii) Bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization that is living or which has disappeared.

(iv) An outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble, or landscape that illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history.

(v) An outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land use, or sea use that is representative of a culture (or cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change.

(vi) Directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.

(vii) Contains superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance.

(viii) Outstanding examples representing major stages of earth’s history, including the record of life, significant ongoing geological processes in the development of landforms, or significant geomorphic or physiographic features.

(ix) Outstanding examples representing significant ongoing ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, freshwater, coastal, and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals.

(x) Contains the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.

Operational GuidelinesCultural CriteriaNatural Criteria
2002(i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) (vi)(i) (ii) (iii) (iv)
2005(i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) (vi)(vii) (viii) (ix) (x)

Fascinating Facts About UNESCO World Heritage Sites


  • As of 2023, there are 40 World Heritage Sites located in India. Out of these, 32 are Cultural, 7 are Natural, and one, the Khangchendzonga National Park, is of Mixed Type.
  • India has the sixth-largest number of sites in the world.
  • India accepted the convention on 14th November 1977, making its sites eligible for inclusion on the list.
  • The first sites to be listed were the Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves, Agra Fort, and Taj Mahal, all of which were inscribed in the 1983 session of the World Heritage Committee.
  • The most recent site listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India was the Dholavira: a Harappan City [Gujarat] and Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple [Telangana] in 2021.
  • At different times, two sites were listed as endangered: the Manas Wildlife Sanctuary was listed between 1992 and 2011 due to poaching and activities of the Bodo militias, and the monuments at Hampi were listed between 1999 and 2006 due to risks from increased traffic and new constructions in surroundings.
  • One site is transnational, The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier is shared with six other countries.
  • India has 49 sites on its tentative list. Nominations for the World Heritage List are only accepted if the site was previously listed on the tentative list.
  • Maharashtra is the only Indian state with the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites (6 Sites).
  • Chandigarh is the only Union Territory to have 1 UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • States like Goa, Kerala, Odisha, Sikkim, Telangana, and Uttarakhand have 1 UNESCO World Heritage Site each.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites In India


1Agra Fort

UNESCO World Heritage Sites
No.HeaderDetails
1Inscription1983
2LocationAgra, Uttar Pradesh
3Area94 acres (38 ha)
4Built1565–1573
5Built ForAkbar
6Architectural StyleMughal
7Owner1) Lodhi Dynasty (1504–1526)
2) Mughal Empire (1526–1540)
3) Suri Dynasty (1540–1555)
4) Mughal Empire (1556–1761)
5) Bharatpur State (1761–1774)
6) Mughal Empire (1774–1785)
7) Maratha Empire (1785–1803)
8) British Empire (1803–1947)
9) Government of India (From 1947)
8UNESCO CriteriaCultural: (iii)
9Dossier251
10DescriptionStylistically, it is one of the high points of Indo-Islamic architecture, with influences from Persian and Timurid architecture.

2Ajanta Caves

UNESCO World Heritage Sites
No.HeaderDetails
1Inscription1983
2LocationAjanta, Aurangabad District, Maharashtra
3UNESCO CriteriaCultural: (i) (ii) (iii) (vi)
4Property8,242 ha
5Buffer Zone78,676 ha
6Dossier242
7DescriptionThe monuments are masterpieces of Buddhist art and exhibited strong influence in India and in the broader region, especially in Java.

3Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi

UNESCO World Heritage Sites
No.HeaderDetails
1Inscription1989
2LocationSanchi Town, Raisen District, Madhya Pradesh
3TypeStupa and Surrounding Buildings
4Architectural styleBuddhist, Mauryan
5Construction Started3rd Century BCE
6UNESCO CriteriaCultural: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (vi)
7Height16.46 m (54.0 ft)
8Diameter36.6 m (120 ft)
9Dossier524
10Official NameBuddhist Monument at Sanchi
11DescriptionSanchi is one of the oldest extant Buddhist sanctuaries and was instrumental in the spread of the religion through the Indian subcontinent.

4Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park

UNESCO World Heritage Sites
No.HeaderDetails
1Inscription2004
2LocationPanchmahal District, Gujarat
3UNESCO CriteriaCultural: (iii) (iv) (v) (vi)
4Property1,328.89 ha
5Buffer Zone2,911.74 ha
6Dossier1101
7DescriptionThe site contains remains from several periods, from the Chalcolithic to the remains of Champaner, a short-lived capital of the Gujarat Sultanate in the 16th century.

5Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
No.HeaderDetails
1Inscription2004
2LocationFort, Mumbai, Maharashtra
3Formerly Victoria Terminus
Bori Bunder Railway Station
4Official NameChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
5Architectural StyleIndo-Saracenic Victorian Gothic Revival
6Construction Started1878
7Construction CompletedMay 1888
8Cost₹1,614,000
9ClientCentral Railway
10Architect(s)Frederick William Stevens, Axel Haig
11EngineerWilson Bell
12UNESCO CriteriaCultural: (ii) (iv)
13Property2.85 ha
14Buffer Zone90.21 ha
15Dossier945rev
16DescriptionChhatrapati Shivaji Terminus symbolized the wealth of Mumbai as a major commercial port within the British Commonwealth.

6Churches and Convents of Goa

Churches and Convents of Goa
No.HeaderDetails
1Inscription1986
2LocationGoa Velha, Goa
3UNESCO CriteriaCultural: (ii) (iv) (vi)
4Dossier234
5DescriptionThe site comprises 7 churches & convents that were built in the 16th and 17th centuries in Gothic, Manueline, Mannerist, and Baroque styles, but were also adapted to suit the local techniques and resources. The Basilica of Bom Jesus, where Saint Francis Xavier is buried here.

7Dholavira

Dholavira
No.HeaderDetails
1Inscription2021
2LocationKhadirbet, Kutch District, Gujarat
3TypeSettlement
4Area47 ha (120 acres)
5PeriodsHarappa 1 to Harappa 5
6CulturesIndus Valley Civilization
7ConditionRuined
8Official nameDholavira: A Harappan City
9UNESCO CriteriaCultural: (iii) (iv)
10Property103 ha
11Buffer Zone4,865 ha
12Dossier1645
13DescriptionDholavira was one of the centers of the Harappan Civilisation in the Bronze Age from the 3rd to mid-2nd millennium BCE. The site was rediscovered in 1968.

8Elephanta Caves

Elephanta Caves
No.HeaderDetails
1Inscription1987
2LocationElephanta Island, Maharashtra
3UNESCO CriteriaCultural: (i) (iii)
4Dossier244rev
5DescriptionThe cave complex, located on Elephanta Island in Mumbai Harbour, was constructed mainly in the 5th and 6th centuries, with remains of human occupation dating back to the 2nd century BCE.

9Ellora Caves

Ellora Caves
No.HeaderDetails
1Inscription1983
2LocationAurangabad District (now Sambhaji Nagar District), Maharashtra
3TypeMonolithic caves
4AreaAmeican
5UNESCO RegionAsia-Pacific
6UNESCO CriteriaCultural: (i) (iii) (vi)
7Dossier243
8DescriptionEllora Caves comprise 34 temples and monasteries that were cut into a 2 km (1.2 mi) long basalt cliff between the 7th and 11th centuries.

10Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri
No.HeaderDetails
1Inscription1986
2LocationAgra, Uttar Pradesh
3Founded ByAkbar
4UNESCO CriteriaCultural: (ii) (iii) (iv)
5Dossier255
6DescriptionFatehpur Sikri was the capital of the Mughal Empire under Emperor Akbar until the capital was moved to Lahore in 1585 and the city was mostly abandoned.

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11Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area

Great Himalayan National Park
No.HeaderDetails
1Inscription2014
2LocationHimachal Pradesh
3Area1,171 km2
4Established1984
5RegionAsia-Pacific
6UNESCO CriteriaNatural: (x)
7Property90,540 ha
8Buffer Zone26,560 ha
9Dossier1406rev
10DescriptionThe national park covers habitats from alpine peaks of the Himalayas above 6,000 m (20,000 ft) to alpine meadows and riverine forests below 2,000 m (6,600 ft). In total, there are 25 types of forests recorded, and it is home to endangered species such as the western tragopan and musk deer.

12Great Living Chola Temples

UNESCO World Heritage Sites
No.HeaderDetails
1Inscription1987
2LocationTamil Nadu
3Boundary Modification2004
4Includes1) The Brihadisvara Temple Complex, Thanjavur
2) The Brihadisvara Temple Complex, Gangaikondacholapuram
3) The Airavatesvara Temple Complex, Kumbakonam
5Area21.88 ha (54.1 acres)
6UNESCO CriteriaCultural: (ii) (iii)
7Property21.74 ha
8Buffer Zone16.715 ha (41.30 acres)
9Dossier250bis
10DescriptionGreat Living Chola Temples represent some of the best examples of Dravidian architecture of the Chola period. They are made of stone and decorated with stone and bronze sculptures.

13Group of Monuments at Hampi

Hampi
No.HeaderDetails
1Inscription1986
2LocationHampi, Vijayanagara District, Karnataka
3Boundary Modification2012
4IncludesVirupaksha Temple
5Endangered1999–2006
6UNESCO CriteriaCultural: (i) (iii) (iv)
7Property4,187.24 ha
8Buffer Zone19,453.62 ha
9Dossier241bis
10DescriptionHampi was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire until its abandonment after the sacking and pillaging by the Deccan sultanates in 1565.

14Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram

UNESCO World Heritage Sites
No.HeaderDetails
1Inscription1984
2LocationMahabalipuram, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu
3Includes1) The main complex of Mahabalipuram
a) Pancha Rathas
b) Ganesha Ratha
c) Cave Temples
d) Descent of the Ganges
e) Shore Temple
f) Olakkannesvara Temple
2) Mukunda Nayanar Temple
3) Pidari Ratha / Valian Kuttai Ratha
4UNESCO CriteriaCultural: (i) (ii) (iii) (vi)
5Dossier249
6DescriptionThe artistic expression of the monuments was influential in the broader region, including Cambodia, Vietnam, and Java.

15Group of Monuments at Pattadakal

UNESCO World Heritage Sites
No.HeaderDetails
1Inscription1987
2LocationBagalkot District, Karnataka
3RegionAsia-Pacific
4UNESCO CriteriaCultural: (iii) (iv)
5Property5.56 ha
6Buffer Zone113.48 ha
7Dossier239rev
8DescriptionThis site comprises 9 Hindu and 1 Jain temple that was built in the 7th and 8th centuries under the Chalukya dynasty. They were constructed in the Badami Chalukya style that blends influences from northern and southern India.

16Hill Forts of Rajasthan

Hill Forts of Rajasthan
No.HeaderDetails
1Inscription2013
2LocationRajasthan
3Includes1) Chittor Fort
2) Kumbhalgarh Fort
3) Ranthambore Fort
4) Gagron Fort
5) Amber Fort
6) Jaisalmer Fort
4UNESCO CriteriaCultural: (ii) (iii)
5Property736 ha
6Buffer Zone3,460 ha
7Dossier247rev
8DescriptionHill Forts of Rajasthan are eclectic in style, with elements of the Sultanate and Mughal architecture, and were influential on the later styles of the Maratha Empire. They are situated in different settings, for example, Ranthambore is in a forest, and Jaisalmer is in a desert.

17Historic City of Ahmadabad

Historic City of Ahmadabad
No.HeaderDetails
1Inscription2017
2LocationAhmedabad District, Gujarat
3Established1411
4Founded ByAhmad Shah I
5UNESCO CriteriaCultural: (ii) (v)
6Property535.7 ha
7Buffer Zone395 ha
8Dossier1551
9DescriptionThe architecture is based on timber, and the typical neighborhoods are called pols, densely packed traditional houses with gated streets.

18Humayun’s Tomb

Humayun's Tomb
No.HeaderDetails
1Inscription1993
2LocationMathura road, Nizamuddin East, Delhi
3Boundary Modification2016
4TypeTomb
5Architectural StyleMughal
6Groundbreaking1558
7ArchitectMirak Mirza Ghiyath Sayyed Muhammad
8Official NameHumayun’s Tomb, Delhi
9UNESCO CriteriaCultural: (ii) (iv)
10Property27.04 ha
11Buffer Zone53.21 ha
12Dossier232bis
13DescriptionThe monumental double-domed mausoleum represents a leap in Mughal architecture and is an architectural predecessor of the Taj Mahal.

19Jaipur City

Jaipur City
No.HeaderDetails
1Inscription2019
2LocationJaipur District, Rajasthan
3Establishment1727
4Founded ByJai Singh II
5Named ForJai Singh II
6Area467 km2
7Elevation431 m (1,414 ft)
8Demonym(s)Jaipuri, Jaipuriya
9Official LanguageHindi
10GDP Nominal₹ 1,22,140 crores (2020-21)
11RegionSouthern Asia
12UNESCO CriteriaCultural: (ii) (iv) (vi)
13Property710 ha
14Buffer Zone2,205 ha
15Dossier1605
16DescriptionThe city was built with a grid plan, which was inspired both by ancient Hindu and Western ideals, in a departure from the medieval architecture of the region.

20Jantar Mantar

Jantar Mantar Jaipur
No.HeaderDetails
1Inscription2010
2LocationJaipur, Rajasthan
3UNESCO CriteriaCultural: (iii) (iv)
4Property1.8652 ha
5Buffer Zone14.6664 ha
6Dossier1338
7DescriptionIt dates from the early 18th century, from the late Mughal period. There are about 20 astronomical instruments that were designed and built for naked-eye observations of the positions of stars and planets.

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21Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga National Park
No.HeaderDetails
1Inscription1985
2LocationGolaghat & Nagaon District, Assam
3Area430 km2
4Established1905
5National Park1974
6UNESCO CriteriaNatural: (ix) (x)
7Property42,996 ha
8Dossier337
9Governing bodyGovernment of Assam
Government of India
10DescriptionKaziranga National Park is one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in the world, home to the world’s largest population of the Indian rhinoceros, as well as tiger, Asian elephant, wild water buffalo, and the Ganges river dolphin.

22Keoladeo National Park

Keoladeo National Park
No.HeaderDetails
1Inscription1985
2LocationBharatpur, Rajasthan
3Area2,873 hectares
4Established10 March 1982
5Official nameKeoladeo National Park
6UNESCO CriteriaNatural: (x)
7Property2,873 ha
8Dossier340
9Governing BodyRajasthan Tourism Development Corporation
10Ramsar Wetland Designation1st October 1981
11Reference230
12DescriptionOver 350 species of birds have been recorded, including 15 species of herons, the Siberian Crane, and the Greater Spotted Eagle.

23Khajuraho Group of Monuments

Khajuraho Group of Monuments
No.HeaderDetails
1Inscription1986
2LocationChhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh
3UNESCO CriteriaCultural: (i) (iii)
4Dossier240
5DescriptionThis site comprises 23 temples, both Hindu and Jain, that were built in the 10th and 11th centuries, during the Chandela dynasty. The temples are built in the Nagara style.

24Khangchendzonga National Park

Khangchendzonga National Park
No.HeaderDetails
1Inscription2016
2LocationNorth Sikkim, Sikkim
3Nearest CityChungthang
4Area1,784 km2
5Established1977
6UNESCO CriteriaMixed: (iii) (vi) (vii) (x)
7Property178,400 ha
8Buffer Zone114,712 ha
9Dossier1513
10Governing BodyMinistry of Environment & Forests
Government of India
11DescriptionThe national park is located around Mount Khangchendzonga, the world’s third-highest mountain (8,586 m (28,169 ft)).

25Mahabodhi Temple

UNESCO World Heritage Sites
No.HeaderDetails
1Inscription2002
2LocationBodh Gaya, Bihar
3UNESCO CriteriaCultural: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (vi)
4Property4.86 ha
5Dossier1056rev
6DescriptionThe Buddhist temple complex marks the site where Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree.

26Manas Wildlife Sanctuary

Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
No.HeaderDetails
1Inscription1985
2LocationChirang and Baksa District, BTR, Assam
3Nearest CityBarpeta, Assam
4Area500 Km2
5Established1990
6UNESCO CriteriaNatural: (vii) (ix) (x)
7Property39,100 ha
8RegionAsia-Pacific
9Dossier338
10Endangered1992–2011
11Governing BodyMinistry of Environment & Forests
Government of India
12DescriptionThe area is a biodiversity hotspot & home to several endangered species, including the Indian rhinoceros, Asian elephants, Wild water buffaloes, tiger, sloth bear, pygmy hog, Gee’s golden langur, and the Bengal florican.

27Mountain Railways of India

Mountain Railways of India
No.HeaderDetails
1Inscription1999
2LocationWest Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh
3Boundary Modification2005, 2008
4Includes1) Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
2) Nilgiri Mountain Railway
3) Kalka–Shimla Railway
5UNESCO CriteriaCultural: (ii) (iv)
6Property88.99 ha
7Buffer Zone644.88 ha
8Dossier944ter
9DescriptionThe Darjeeling Himalayan Railway was initially listed alone in 1999. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway was added in 2005 and the Kalka–Shimla railway in 2008.

28Nalanda Mahavihara

UNESCO World Heritage Sites
No.HeaderDetails
1Inscription2016
2LocationNalanda District, Bihar
3RegionMagadha
4TypeCentre of Learning, Ancient University
5Dimensions240 m (L) 490 m (W)
6Area12 ha (30 acres)
7BuilderKing Kumaragupta I
8Founded5th Century
9Abandoned13th Century
10CulturesBuddhism
11OwnershipGovernment of India
12ManagementArchaeological Survey of India
13UNESCO CriteriaCultural: (iv) (vi)
14Property23 ha
15Buffer Zone57.88 ha
16Dossier1502
17Official NameArchaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara (Nalanda University) at Nalanda, Bihar
18DescriptionThe remains of Nalanda include Shrines and Stupas, Viharas (residential and educational buildings), and Artworks in Different Materials

29Nanda Devi & Valley of Flowers National Parks

Nanda Devi & Valley of Flowers National Parks
No.HeaderDetails
1Inscription1988
2LocationChamoli District, Uttarakhand
3Boundary Modification2005
4Includes1) Nanda Devi National Park
2) Valley of Flowers National Park
5UNESCO CriteriaNatural: (vii) (x)
6Property71,210 ha
7Buffer Zone514,857 ha
8Dossier335bis
9DescriptionDifferent types of high-altitude habitats exist, from high mountain peaks (Nanda Devi, at 7,817 m (25,646 ft) is India’s second highest mountain) to alpine meadows. Nanda Devi NP was originally listed alone in 1988, and the Valley of Flowers NP was added in 2005.

30Qutb Minar

Qutb Minar
No.HeaderDetails
1Inscription1993
2LocationMehrauli, Delhi
3UNESCO CriteriaCultural: (iv)
4Dossier233
5DescriptionThe complex includes the Qutb Minar, a 72.5 m (238 ft)-high minaret, the Alai Darwaza gateway, the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque where several stone pillars from previous Hindu temples were repurposed, the Iron pillar, and several tombs and other monuments.

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31Ramappa Temple

UNESCO World Heritage Sites
No.HeaderDetails
1Inscription2021
2LocationPalampet Village, Mulugu District, Telangana
3AffiliationHinduism
4DeityShiva as Ramalingeswara Swamy
5FestivalsMaha Shivaratri
6ArchitectRamappa
7TypeKakatiya Architecture, Bhumija/Vesara style
8CreatorRecharla Rudra
9Completed13th Century
10Direction of FaçadeEast-Facing
11Official NameKakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana
12UNESCO CriteriaCultural: (i) (iii)
13Property5.93 ha
14Buffer Zone66.27 ha
15Dossier1570
16DescriptionThe place is decorated with stone carvings and sculptures in granite and dolerite that depict regional dance customs. In line with Hindu practices, the temple is constructed in a way that blends harmonically with the environment.

32Rani-ki-Vav

Rani Ki Vav
No.HeaderDetails
1Inscription2014
2LocationPatan, Gujarat
3UNESCO CriteriaCultural: (i) (iv)
4Property4.68 ha
5Buffer Zone125.44 ha
6Dossier922
7DescriptionIt consists of seven levels, each of which is decorated with stone carvings and sculptures, depicting religious and secular themes and literary works.

33Red Fort

Red Fort
No.HeaderDetails
1Inscription2007
2LocationOld Delhi, Delhi
3Height18–33 m (59–108 ft)
4Built12 May 1639 – 6 April 1648
5ArchitectUstad Ahmad Lahori
6Architectural StyleIndo-Islamic, Mughal
7Owner1) Mughal Empire (1638–1771)
2) Maratha Empire (1771–1803)
3) British India (1803–1947)
4) Government of India (1947–present)
8Official NameRed Fort Complex
9UNESCO CriteriaCultural: (ii) (iii) (vi)
10Property49.1815 ha
11Buffer Zone43.4309 ha
12Dossier231rev
13DescriptionThe Red Fort was the setting of historical events, it was sacked and partially repurposed by the British, and it was the site where the independence of India was first celebrated.

34Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka

UNESCO World Heritage Sites
No.HeaderDetails
1Inscription2003
2LocationRaisen District, Madhya Pradesh
3UNESCO CriteriaCultural: (iii) (v)
4Property1,893 ha
5Buffer Zone10,280 ha
6Dossier925
7DescriptionThis site comprises five clusters of rock shelters in the foothills of the Vindhya Range. They contain rock paintings from the hunter-gatherer societies of the Mesolithic to the historical period.

35Sun Temple

Konark Sun Temple
No.HeaderDetails
1Inscription1984
2LocationKonark, Puri District, Odisha
3AffiliationHinduism
4DeitySurya
5FestivalChandrabhaga Melan
6Governing BodyASI
7StyleKalinga
8CreatorNarasimhadeva I
9Completed1250 CE
10UNESCO CriteriaCultural: (i) (iii) (vi)
11Property10.62 ha
12Dossier246
13DescriptionIt represents the chariot of the solar deity Surya: on the outer sides, it has 24 wheels, carved of stone and richly decorated, and it is pulled by six horses.

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36Sundarbans National Park

Sundarbans National Park
No.HeaderDetails
1Inscription1987
2LocationSouth 24 Parganas, West Bengal
3Area1330.10 km2
4Established1984
5UNESCO CriteriaNatural: (ix) (x)
6Property133,010 ha
7Dossier452
8Ramsar Wetland Designation30th January 2019
9Ramsar Wetland Official NameSundarban Wetland
10Reference2370
11Governing BodyGovernment of India
12DescriptionSundarbans National Park is the world’s largest and richest mangrove forest, with about 78 recorded mangrove species. It is a biodiversity hotspot, home to a large population of Bengal tigers as well as an important habitat for the Irrawaddy dolphin and Ganges river dolphin. In Bangladesh, the Sundarbans is listed as a separate World Heritage Site.

37Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal
No.HeaderDetails
1Inscription1983
2LocationAgra, Uttar Pradesh
3Area17 hectares (42 acres)
4Height73 m (240 ft)
5Built1631–1653
6Built ForMumtaz Mahal
7ArchitectUstad Ahmad Lahauri
8Architectural StyleMughal Architecture
9Governing BodyGovernment of India
10UNESCO CriteriaCultural: (i)
11Dossier252
12DescriptionThe Taj Mahal is the finest example of Indo-Islamic architecture. It was built in Agra on the bank of the Yamuna river as a mausoleum of Mumtaz Mahal, the Persian wife of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, between 1631 and 1648.

38The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier

UNESCO World Heritage Sites
No.HeaderDetails
1Inscription2016
2LocationChandigarh, Chandigarh Capital Region
3Includes17 Sites on Three Continents
4Part OfThe Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement
5Includes1) Palace of Assembly
2) Secretariat Building
3) Punjab and Haryana High Court
4) Open Hand Monument
6Area66 ha (0.25 sq mi)
7UNESCO CriteriaCultural: (i) (ii) (vi)
8Property98.4838 ha
9Buffer Zone1,409.384 ha
10Dossier1321rev
11DescriptionThis transnational site (shared with Argentina, Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland, and Japan) encompasses 17 works of Franco-Swiss architect Le Corbusier.

39Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai

UNESCO World Heritage Sites
No.HeaderDetails
1Inscription2018
2LocationMumbai, Maharashtra
3UNESCO CriteriaCultural: (ii) (iv)
4Property66.34 ha
5Buffer Zone378.78 ha
6Dossier1480
7DescriptionPublic buildings in the Victorian Gothic style from the second half of the 19th century adapted Gothic Revival elements for the Indian climate, introducing features such as balconies and verandas.

40Western Ghats

No.HeaderDetails
1Inscription2012
2Location1) Gujarat
2) Maharashtra
3) Goa
4) Karnataka
5) Kerala
6) Tamil Nadu
3RegionWestern & Southern India
4BiomeTropical rainforests & Marshes
5Age of RockCenozoic
6Type of RockBasalt, Laterite, & Limestone
7Highest PeakAnamudi, Eravikulam National Park
8Elevation2,695 m (8,842 ft)
9Length1,600 km
10Width100 km
11Area160,000 km2
12UNESCO CriteriaNatural: (ix) (x)
13Property795,315 ha
14Dossier1342rev
15DescriptionThe area is a biodiversity hotspot and home to endangered species such as the Bengal Tiger, Dhole lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri tahr, and Nilgiri langur.
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