Top UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India
United Nations educational and cultural organisation (UNSECO) is an organisation set up in 1972. UNESCO recognises the heritage and cultural sites across countries. To uphold the cultural significance, heritage and tradition. India comes at the 6th rank for having the largest number of sites in the world. India has 38 UNESCO World Heritage Sites of which 30 are cultural sites, 7 are natural sites and 1 is of mixed- criteria.
Here is the list of some the UNESCO world heritage sites in India:-
Table of Contents
1. Khajurao, Madhya Pradesh
Khajurao has a group of Hindu and Jain temples built during Chandela’as reign and consists of 85 temples spread over 20km. It is located in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The temples here are known for their Nagara style architecture. It has symbolism, erotic figures and sculptures which makes the place unique.
2. Hampi, Karnataka
Hampi is located in the state of Karnataka. It lies within the ancient ruins of the Vijaynagar kingdom. Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagara empire. The most important centre for religious culture for Hindus is the Virupaksha Temple. Other important temples are the Narasimha, Ganesa, Hemakuta group of temples and Lotus Mahal complex.
3. Mountain Railways of India
The mountain railways are trains from the regions – Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Kalka Shimla railway, and Nilgiri Mountain Railway. This signifies the skill in forming the railways over the Himalayas and mountains. The trains running through this route are all toy trains.
4. Western Ghats in India
The Western Ghats are also known as Sahyadri Range lie along the western coast of India. It consists of many National parks and wildlife sanctuaries and is home to many species especially elephants and tigers. It is among the “Hottest biodiversity hotspot”.
5. Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad is a world heritage city. Located in the state of Gujarat. The first city to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 2017. The city is rich in culture, tradition and the planned roadways make it perfect.
6. Kumbh Mela
Kumbh Mela is a major Hindu pilgrimage festival that is celebrated in the cycle of every 12 years. This happens at four religious sites – Hardwar, Ujjain, Prayagraj (Allahabad), and Nashik. It is listed in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list and is an important pilgrimage site for Indians.
7. Sundarbans National Park
Sundarbans is a national park in West Bengal. It has mangrove trees known as Sundari and is home to the National Animal of India- the Royal Bengal Tiger, and many migratory birds who come to this region in winters.
8. Churches and Convents of Goa
All the churches and convents present in Goa were built during the Portuguese rule and are known for their Manueline, Mannerist and Baroque art. These churches and convents built during the 16th and 17th Century AD were St. Catherine’s Chapel, Church and convent of St. Francis of Assisi, Igreja de San Francisco de Assis, and Basilica of Bom Jesus and illustrate the work of evangelization. These churches and convents were declared a World Heritage Site in 1986.
These unique, beautiful forms signify cultural depth and are present in Goa.
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