India has many cultural heritage sites that have been designated World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Our country is filled with many heritage sites like monuments, caves, churches, and national parks. At present, there are 40 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India, and you must definitely not miss visiting them.
Churches and Convents of Goa
The churches and convents of Goa were once the capital of the Portuguese Indies, especially the Church of Bom Jesus, which has the tomb of St. Francis Xavier. The church was built in the fifteenth century and is lavishly decorated with precious stones and impressive works by skilled painters. So by chance, if you are in Goa, do not miss this wonderful spot, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ellora Caves
The Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are one of the best-known caves in Maharashtra. They have 34 monasteries and a temple rock cut into a wall of the high cliff made of basaltic rock. These caves are important not only for their unique artistic achievements but also because of the shrines dedicated to Jainism, Buddhism, and Hinduism. It highlights the spirit of tolerance and evokes the essence of old India.
Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri was built in the late 16th century by the Mughal Emperor Akbar to serve as the capital. The structures and monuments of the city display a mix of Hindu and Islamic architecture. This abandoned city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its monuments, sculptures, and other architectural wonders.
Humayun’s Tomb
This is one of the must-see sites when you are visiting Delhi. Humayun’s Tomb is one of the first tomb gardens in India. You can see inlaid titles and carvings of both Indian and Persian decorative elements. The monument is built along the banks of the Yamuna. It was designated in 1993 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Khajuraho Group of Monuments
The sheer beauty and amazing architecture have made them listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They are situated in Madhya Pradesh and are a collection of ancient Hindu and Jain temples built during the rule of the Chandella dynasty. One of the monuments is the Kandariya Temple, which is decorated with a plethora of sculptures that are among the finest works of Indian art.
Mahabodhi Temple Complex
Mahabodhi Temple, one of India’s oldest brick temples, was built by Ashoka, a Mauryan emperor. It is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of India’s prominent spiritual spots. This is the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. This elaborately crafted complex has a soothing and serene ambience.
Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal, which is one of the seven wonders of the world, will be a delight for you to visit. It is one of the most beautiful man-made buildings. It is located on the banks of the River Yamuna in Agra and is one of the finest architectural achievements in Indo-Islamic architecture. The monument stands as a symbol of the love of Shah Jahan for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
Sundarbans National Park
The Sunderbans National Park, located in West Bengal, is a biosphere reserve, a national park, and also a tiger reserve. It is mostly renowned for its Royal Bengal Tigers. The Sunderbans National Park is one of India’s largest reserves, covered in thick mangrove forests. There are also other animal species, like deer, and wild boars, along with aquatic animals like Irrawaddy and Ganges River dolphins. This site is worth a visit if you want to reconnect with nature.
Hampi
You will not be surprised if you learn that Hampi is the most Googled tourist attraction in Karnataka. This is one of the jewels of the southern part of India and is located in Karnataka. Here, you get to see a glimpse of our country’s rich history and cultural heritage. It also highlights the impressive engineering and artistic skills of the Empire of Vijayanagar.
Mahabalipuram
Unparalleled in aesthetic appeal, Mahabalipuram, also called Mamallapuram, is one of the most wondrous tourist destinations in South India. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for rock-cut temples, cave sanctuaries, and intricate carvings. These carvings highlight scenes from Hindu mythology and show the incredible artistic abilities of the Pallava dynasty.
Our country has a large number of UNESCO-designated World Heritage Sites. It includes everything from natural wonders to architectural marvels.
So what are you waiting for? Pick the one you are most interested in and explore these globally renowned destinations.