World Heritage Sites of India
1. Agra Fort
The Agra Fort, also known as the "Red Fort", is located in Agra, India. It was included as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983.
2. Ajanta Caves
The Ajanta Caves, located in the Ajanta district of Maharashtra, are about 29 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments built between the 2nd and 3rd centuries BCE. It was built during the Gupta period (5th and 6th centuries AD). It was included as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The matting in Ajanta Cave depicts Jataka tales.
3. Ellora Caves
Located in Aurangabad (Maharashtra), the Ellora Caves were built by the Kalachuri, Chalukya, and Rashtrakuta dynasties during the 6th and 9th centuries. The Ellora Caves were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. They are the largest rock-cut monuments in the world.
4. Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is located on the right bank of the Yamuna River in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. The relief architecture technique is mainly used to decorate the Taj Mahal. It was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983.
5. Mahabalipuram Temple
It is a group of monuments established by the Pallava kings who built the Coromandel in the 7th and 8th centuries. It was carved out of rock along the coast. It is particularly known for its Rathas (temples in the form of chariots), Mandapas (cave sanctuaries), Giant Open Air Reliefs like the famous Descent of the Ganges River, and Temple and Glory of Shiva, which has thousands of sculptures.
The Mahavalipuram temple has five Rathas: Dharmaraja (Yudhistira) Ratha, Bhima Ratha, Arjuna Ratha, Nakula Sahadeva Ratha, and Draupadi Ratha.
6. Konark Sun Temple
An architectural marvel of India's heritage, the Konark Sun Temple, commonly known as Konark, is located in Odisha. The temple is a massive structure dedicated to the Sun God. It was included as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.
7. Kaziranga National Park
Located in the Nagaon and Golaghat districts of Assam, Kaziranga spans an area of 430 km². It has the highest density of tigers among the protected areas of the world. It was declared a Tiger Reserve in 2006 and included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. Kaziranga is famous for the one-horned rhinoceros (Indian rhinoceros).
8. Keoladeo National Park
Formerly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Rajasthan), it was declared a national park in 1982 and listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985. The park is home to over 375 species of birds and animals, such as the basking python, painted stork, deer, nilgai, and more. It is mainly known for the migratory Siberian crane.
9. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in Assam, the Manas Wildlife Sanctuary is a biodiversity hotspot. It was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1985 and became a biosphere reserve in 1989.
10. Churches and Monasteries of Goa
These churches and monasteries are located in the former capital of the Portuguese Indies, about 10 km east of Panjim, Goa. They were included as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.