List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India

These UNESCO Heritage sites of India are among the cultural or natural heritage. India’s first 2 sites were marked on the list in the year 1983 these are the Ajanta Caves and the Agra Fort. Over the years, in India, more 38 sites have been inscribed. The latest is ‘Jaipur’ of Rajasthan. Among these 38 UNESCO Heritage sites of India, the list includes 30 cultural sites, 7 natural sites, and 1 mixed site.

Selection Criteria for UNESCO World Heritage Sites

There are a total of ten criteria among which one is required for getting enlisted in the World Heritage Sites. These are as follows:

1.Human creative genius.

2.Interchange of values.

3.Testimony to cultural tradition.

4.Significance in human history.

5.Traditional human settlement.

6.Heritage associated with events of universal significance.

7.Natural phenomena or beauty.

8.Major stages of Earth’s history.

9.Significant ecological and biological processes.

10.The significant natural habitat for biodiversity.

List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India

Name of sites

Year

Location

Ajanta Caves	1983	Maharashtra
Famous for Buddhist Rock-cut Cave Monuments. It is richly decorated with Paintings and Frescoes like Sigiriya Paintings.

Ellora Caves	1983	Maharashtra
Famous for Buddhist, Jain and Hindu Temples and Monasteries. These caves were excavated out of Hills, and it is a rock-cut Architecture.

Agra Fort	1983	Agra
This is one of the most prominent monumental structures by the Mughal empire.

Taj Mahal	1983	Agra
This is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. King Shahjahan had built this structure in the memory of his third wife Begum Mumtaz Mahal.

Sun Temple	1984	Orissa
This temple is famous for the traditional style of Kalinga Architecture.

Mahabalipuram Monuments	1984	Tamil Nadu
This monument is famous for the Largest Open Air Rock Relief, Mandapas, Chariot Temples, It is a Pallava Dynasty Architecture.

Kaziranga National Park	1985	Assam
Famous for Worlds 2/3rd population of Great One-Horned Rhinoceroses. It has the highest density of Tigers in World, Wild Water Buffalo, Elephants, Swamp Deer, and the park is also recognized as the Important Bird Area.

Keoladeo National Park	1985	Rajasthan
This National Park is popular for Man-Made Wetland Bird Sanctuary, Hotspot for Ornithologists, and Siberian Cranes.

Manas Wildlife Sanctuary	1985	Assam
This sanctuary is famous for Project Tiger Reserve, Biosphere Reserve and Elephant Reserve

Hope this article helped you get to know the most beautiful monuments and sites listed under the UNESCO World Heritage Sites Of India 2020. If you have any suggestions or doubts, do let us know in the comment section below.