UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India | Complete List

India has 43 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which are a blend of ancient Indian culture and natural wonders. These sites tell the story of the country’s rich history, artistic background and ecological diversity. On one hand, there are places full of cultural richness like the world-famous Taj Mahal, old cave paintings, the Sun Temple of Konark and the ancient caves of Ajanta and Ellora. On the other hand, there are places rich in natural wealth like the biodiversity-rich Western Ghats, the Sundarbans of Bengal and the serene Kaziranga National Park.

Among the hundreds of attractions of India filled with ancient traditions, culture and God-gifted diverse natural wealth, these 43 sites represent a remarkable global place between unique human achievements and incomparable natural beauty. These unique and rare places of their kind in the world are recognized for their outstanding universal value.
Recently added in 2024, Charaideo Moidam – the mound-burial system of the Ahom dynasty, reflects the continued recognition of India’s multifaceted heritage.

India ranks among the countries with the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites globally, reflecting the country’s diverse and rich heritage. These sites are categorized as:

• Cultural: 36 sites showcasing India’s rich history, architecture, and traditions. Examples include the Taj Mahal, Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves, Khajuraho Group of Monuments, and the Historic City of Ahmedabad. The most recent cultural additions in 2023 were Santiniketan and the Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas, and in 2024, the “Moidams – the Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty”.
• Natural: 7 sites recognized for their ecological significance and natural beauty. These include Kaziranga National Park, Keoladeo National Park, Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Western Ghats.
• Mixed: 1 site, Khangchendzonga National Park in Sikkim, which has both cultural and natural significance.

1. Ajanta Caves | Maharashtra | Cultural site listed in 1983

The Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra are a group of 30 rock-cut Buddhist monuments dating from the 2nd century BC to around 480 CE. Famous for their frescoes and sculptures, the caves are considered masterpieces of Buddhist religious art depicting the life of the Buddha and the Jataka tales.

2. Ellora Caves | Maharashtra | Cultural site listed in 1983

Features 34 monasteries and temples carved out of a basalt cliff, representing Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism art from the 6th to 10th centuries. The Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) is the largest single monolithic rock excavation in the world.

3. Agra Fort | Uttar Pradesh | Cultural site listed in 1983

A significant 16th-century Mughal monument, also known as the Red Fort of Agra. It contains palaces, audience halls, and mosques.

4. Taj Mahal | Uttar Pradesh | Cultural site listed in 1983

An ivory-white marble mausoleum built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. It’s considered the jewel of Muslim art in India and a universally admired masterpiece.

5. Sun Temple, Konark | Odisha | Cultural site listed in 1984

A 13th-century Sun temple designed as a colossal chariot with intricately carved stone wheels, walls, and pillars. It’s a masterpiece of Kalinga architecture.

6. Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram | Tamil Nadu | Cultural site listed in 1984

A collection of 7th and 8th-century Pallava-era monuments, including rathas (chariot-shaped temples), mandapas (cave sanctuaries), and giant open-air rock reliefs. The Shore Temple is one of the earliest significant stone temples in South India.

7. Kaziranga National Park | Assam | Natural site listed in 1985

Hosts the world’s largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses. It’s also an important habitat for tigers, elephants, wild water buffalo, and various bird species.

8. Keoladeo National Park | Rajasthan | Natural site listed in 1985

A former duck-hunting reserve, now a significant wintering ground for numerous migratory birds. It has a rich avifauna, including the Siberian crane.

9. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary | Assam | Natural site listed in 1985

Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, it’s a biodiversity hotspot known for its rare and endangered endemic wildlife, including the Assam roofed turtle, hispid hare, golden langur, and pygmy hog.

10. Churches and Convents of Goa | Goa | Cultural site listed in 1986

A collection of religious monuments that showcase the influence of Portuguese architecture from the 16th to 18th centuries. Includes the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which contains the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier.

11. Khajuraho Group of Monuments | Madhya Pradesh | Cultural site listed in 1986

A group of Hindu and Jain temples known for their Nagara-style architecture and intricate sculptures, many of which depict sensuous figures. Most temples were built between the 10th and 11th centuries by the Chandela dynasty.

12. Group of Monuments at Hampi | Karnataka | Cultural site listed in 1986

The ruins of Hampi were the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. The site contains the impressive remains of temples, palaces, market complexes, and other structures, reflecting the grandeur of the last great Hindu kingdom of South India. The Virupaksha Temple is a major pilgrimage center.

13. Fatehpur Sikri | Uttar Pradesh | Cultural site listed in 1986

A city built by Mughal emperor Akbar in the late 16th century, featuring Indo-Islamic architecture. Notable structures include Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid, and Panch Mahal. It was briefly the capital of the Mughal Empire.

14. Group of Monuments at Pattadakal | Karnataka | Cultural site listed in 1987

A group of 9 Hindu temples and a Jain shrine representing the pinnacle of early Chalukyan art and architecture from the 7th and 8th centuries. It showcases a blend of Nagara and Dravidian styles.

15. Elephanta Caves | Maharashtra | Cultural site listed in 1987

A network of sculpted caves located on Elephanta Island in Mumbai Harbour. The caves contain rock-cut temples predominantly dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, with notable sculptures including the Trimurti.

16. Great Living Chola Temples | Tamil Nadu | Cultural site listed in 1987 & 2004

Includes three magnificent 11th and 12th-century Chola temples: the Brihadeeswarar Temple at Thanjavur, the Temple at Gangaikondacholapuram, and the Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram. These temples are outstanding examples of Chola architecture, sculpture, painting, and bronze casting.

17. Sundarbans National Park | West Bengal | Natural site listed in 1987

The core area of the larger Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest. It’s a crucial habitat for the Bengal tiger and numerous other species, including aquatic fauna and birds.

18. Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks | Uttarakhand | Natural site listed in 1988 & 2005

Two distinct high-altitude Himalayan areas known for their outstanding natural beauty. Nanda Devi National Park features rugged mountain wilderness, while the Valley of Flowers is famous for its alpine meadows with a diverse collection of endemic alpine flowers.

19. Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi | Madhya Pradesh | Cultural site listed in 1989

Features a group of Buddhist monuments dating from the 3rd century BCE to the 12th century CE. The Great Stupa is one of the oldest stone structures in India and contains relics of Buddha.

20. Humayun’s Tomb | Delhi | Cultural site listed in 1993

A precursor to the Taj Mahal, this 16th-century tomb is an excellent example of early Mughal architecture. It set a trend for subsequent Mughal mausolea.

21. Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi | Delhi | Cultural site listed in 1993

A towering 73-meter high minaret built in the early 13th century, along with other historical structures like the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque and the Iron Pillar. It represents early Indo-Islamic architecture.

22. Mountain Railways of India (Darjeeling, Nilgiris, Kalka-Shimla) | West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh | Cultural site listed in 1999, 2005, 2008

A network of three scenic railway lines built in the 19th and early 20th centuries that demonstrate ingenious engineering solutions to establish effective rail links through mountainous terrain.

23. Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya | Bihar | Cultural site listed in 2002

Marks the place where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment and became the Buddha. The sacred Bodhi Tree is a direct descendant of the tree under which the Buddha meditated. It’s a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists.

24. Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka | Madhya Pradesh | Cultural site listed in 2003

Contains over 700 rock shelters adorned with prehistoric cave paintings, some dating back to the Mesolithic period. They provide a glimpse into early human life on the Indian subcontinent.

25. Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park | Gujarat | Cultural site listed in 2004

An archaeological site with historical and living cultural heritage properties, including prehistoric chalcolithic sites, a hill fort, and remains of the 16th-century capital built by Sultan Mahmud Begada.

26. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) | Maharashtra | Cultural site listed in 2004

A historic railway station in Mumbai, an outstanding example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture blended with traditional Indian elements. Designed by British architect F.W. Stevens.

27. Red Fort Complex | Delhi | Cultural site listed in 2007

A 17th-century fort complex built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, featuring impressive gates, audience halls, mosques, and palaces. It was the main residence of the Mughal emperors.

28. The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur | Rajasthan | Cultural site listed in 2010

An 18th-century astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh II. It features a collection of nineteen large architectural astronomical instruments used for observing celestial positions with the naked eye.

29. Western Ghats | Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu | Natural site listed in 2012

A mountain range along the western coast of India, recognized for its high levels of biological diversity and endemism. It is home to a significant proportion of the country’s flora and fauna.

30. Hill Forts of Rajasthan (six forts) Rajasthan | Cultural site listed in 2013

A series of six majestic forts (Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Jaisalmer, Ranthambhore, Amber, and Gagron) showcasing Rajput military defensive architecture from the 8th to 18th centuries.

31. Rani-ki-Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell) at Patan | Gujarat | Cultural site listed in 2014

An intricately constructed stepwell built in the 11th century by the Solanki dynasty. Its walls and steps are adorned with hundreds of sculptures depicting mythological, religious, and secular imagery.

32. Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area | Himachal Pradesh | Natural site listed in 2014

Characterized by high alpine peaks, glaciers, and riverine forests. It is home to diverse flora and fauna, including several threatened species.

33. Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara (Nalanda University) at Nalanda | Bihar | Cultural site listed in 2016

The remains of a monastic and scholastic institution dating from the 3rd century BCE to the 13th century CE. It was one of the earliest great universities of the world.

34. Khangchendzonga National Park | Sikkim | Cultural site listed in 2016

Features stunning high mountain scenery, including the world’s third-highest peak, Mount Khangchendzonga, and a unique diversity of flora and fauna. It also has cultural significance to local communities.

35. The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier | Chandigarh | Cultural site listed in 2016

A selection of 17 sites across seven countries showcasing the work of the Franco-Swiss architect Le Corbusier, representing his significant contribution to the Modern Movement. The Capitol Complex in Chandigarh is part of this inscription.

36. Historic City of Ahmedabad | Gujarat | Cultural site listed in 2017

A walled city founded by Sultan Ahmad Shah in the 15th century, showcasing rich architectural heritage with mosques, temples, gates, and traditional pols (residential clusters). It blends Hindu and Islamic design.

37. Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai | Maharashtra | Cultural site listed in 2018

A collection of 19th-century Victorian Gothic buildings and 20th-century Art Deco buildings, primarily in the Fort area and along Marine Drive, reflecting the modernization of Mumbai during the British colonial period.

38. Jaipur City | Rajasthan | Cultural site listed in 2019

The “Pink City,” founded in 1727 by Sawai Jai Singh II. Known for its well-planned grid layout, iconic monuments like Hawa Mahal and City Palace, and its architectural blend of Rajput, Mughal, and European styles.

39. Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple | Telangana | Cultural site listed in 2021

A 13th-century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, renowned for its unique star-shaped plan, intricate carvings, and the use of lightweight porous bricks in its superstructure.

40. Dholavira: a Harappan City | Gujarat | Cultural site listed in 2021

One of the five largest Harappan sites, notable for its unique water management system, multi-layered defensive mechanisms, and the use of stone in construction. It provides significant insights into the Indus Valley Civilization.

41. Santiniketan | West Bengal | Cultural site listed in 2023

Founded by Rabindranath Tagore, this town is home to Visva-Bharati University, which embodies Tagore’s vision of a humanistic and internationalist education. It represents a unique approach to education and its connection with nature and art.

42. Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas | Karnataka | Cultural site listed in 2023

A serial property comprising the three most representative examples of Hoysala architecture in the 12th-13th centuries: the Chennakeshava Temple in Belur, the Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebidu, and the Keshava Temple in Somanathapura. Known for their intricate sculptures and star-shaped ground plans.

43. Charaideo Moidams – the Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty Assam | Cultural site listed in 2024

Represents the burial mounds of the Ahom royalty and aristocracy, showcasing the burial traditions and architecture of the Ahom dynasty that ruled a significant part of Northeast India from the 13th to the 19th century.

So, these 43 special places in India recognized by UNESCO show how amazing and diverse the country is, both in terms of its history and nature. They are like a big wonder to the world, and it is important that we take care of them so that future generations can also see how incredible India is, from its old buildings and art to its beautiful natural sites. These UNESCO World Heritage Sites tell the story of India’s rich and fascinating past.

I hope this detailed list is helpful! Let me know if you would like more information about any of these sites.

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