Top 10 India’s Lesser Known UNESCO World Heritage Sites
There are 37 World Heritage Sites located in India, and the country has sixth largest number of sites in the world, include cultural sites, seven natural sites and one mixed site. – Image source
Khangchendzonga National Park – Mixed Heritage Site of India
Khangchendzonga National Park is the first “Mixed Heritage” site of India and home to the third highest peak in the world, mountain Kangchenjunga 8,586 metres.
The park at an elevation of 1,829 metres has an area of 1,784 km2 and home to 550 species of birds, trekking routes and mammal species including Himalayan musk deer, snow leopard, Himalayan black bear and Red panda.
Agra Fort – UNESCO World Heritage Site
Agra Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site and very important in terms of architectural history. The red sandstone fort is located close to sister monument, the Taj Mahal also known as jewel of Muslim art in India.
Rani Ki Vav – Cleanest Iconic Place in India
Rani Ki Vav is a stepwell and listed as Cleanest Iconic Place in India and also the monument is printed on the rear side of the 100 note in Lavender color.
Bhimbetka Rock Shelters – Archaeological Site in India
Bhimbetka Rock Shelters in the Raisen District of Madhya Pradesh is one of the most popular archaeological site in India that has prehistoric cave paintings, evidence hunting dance and cultural evolution.
Historic City of Ahmedabad – World Heritage City of India
The Historic City of Ahmadabad listed as the World Heritage City by UNESCO in July 2017, situated on the bank of Sabarmati river. Ahmedabad is India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City also an important economic and industrial hub in India and developed as a smart city under Smart Cities Mission.
Western Ghats – The Great Escarpment of India
Western Ghats are older than the great Himalayan mountains, parallel to the western coast of the India and one of the eight hottest hot spots in the world. The Great Escarpment of India also home to unique eco-regions of India and to thousands of critically endangered animal species.
Chandigarh Capitol Complex
Chandigarh Capitol Complex designed by the architect Le Corbusier and listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016. The Open Hand Monument, Secretariat building and Palace of Justice High Court are part of the Capitol Complex.
The Victorian and Art Deco Ensemble of Mumbai
The Victorian and Art Deco Ensemble of Mumbai are buildings that includes Bombay High Court, University of Mumbai and Rajabai Clock Tower, added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2018.
Champaner Pavagadh Archaeological Park
Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological park is located around the historical city of Champaner in Panchmahal district in Gujarat and includes list of heritage monuments, historic fortress, hill temples, structures such as stepwells and tanks,
Pavagadh is most famous for Mahakali temple and one of the 51 Shakti Peeths in India, at the height of 550 metres over the hill and visited by thousands of pilgrims every day.
Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks – Uttarakhand
Nanda Devi National Park and Valley of Flowers National Parks are part of the World Heritage Site in Uttarakhand, home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Valley of Flowers National Park is home to most rare and endangered wild Himalayan animals such as snow leopard, Asiatic black bear, Himalayan blue sheep and Himalayan brown bear.
Other well known UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India also include Convents and Churches of Goa, Hill Forts of Rajasthan, Mountain Railways of India, natural Heritage Sites include Great Himalayan National Park, Manas National Park, Kaziranga National Park and Sundarbans National Park along with Great Living Chola Temples, ruins of Nalanda Mahavihara and Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi.
