India, after Italy, Germany, France, Spain, China, has the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There are 43 of them, 35 of which are cultural. Many we are familiar with. Aware of these less-known ones?
Sacred Ensembles Of The Hoysalas at Belur, Halebidu, Somanathapura
Recognised in 2023, these exquisite 12th-13th century Karnataka temples are masterpieces of Hoysala architecture with intricate carvings and star-shaped platforms.
Moidams, Assam
Ahom dynasty's royal burial mounds, nestled in lush Assam landscape, are earthen pyramidal structures revealing fascinating funerary traditions and the rich history of the kings.
Kaziranga National Park, Assam
A natural UNESCO heritage site, it's a jewel of biodiversity. Has the world’s largest population of one-horned rhinoceros living amidst sweeping grasslands with tigers, elephants.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Mumbai, Maharashtra
An architectural triumph, the terminus, with its turrets, detailed facade, ornate dome, is one the most stunning Victorian Gothic buildings in the Eastern hemisphere.
Western Ghats
Stretching along India’s western coast, come monsoon the hills are alive with vibrant greenery, waterfalls and diverse sounds of wildlife.
Hill Forts Of Rajasthan
A splendid array of grand citadels -- Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Sawai Madhopur, Jhalawar, Jaipur, Jaisalmer -- that tell tales of valour, romance, royal intrigue.
Humayun's Tomb, Delhi
Erected during Emperor Akbar's reign for 1.5 million rupees, it was an extraordinarily grand tomb beginning a tradition of Mughal mausolea architecture.
Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, Gujarat
Both these towns together create a fascinating heritage site, with centuries-old temples, forts, monuments. Devotees flock to Pavagadh’s summit to visit Kalikamata Temple.
Ramappa Temple, Telangana
A stone carving at the site reveals that the beautiful temple was built in 1213 AD by Recharla Rudra, a commander under the Kakatiya king Ganapati Deva.
Sundarbans, West Bengal
Spanning 140,000 hectares and among the world’s largest mangrove forests, it is located where the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers meet the Bay of Bengal.
Old Goa
The churches and convents of this former capital reflect the strong artistic religious influence of Portuguese rule, that spread European styles across Asia through Catholic missions from the 16th to 18th c.
Ahmedabad, Gujarat
The fortified city, established in 1411 AD by Sultan Ahmad Shah along the eastern edge of the Sabarmati River, thrived for over 600 years as the heart of Gujarat’s administration and culture.
Bhimbetka, Madhya Pradesh
These rock shelters with prehistoric cave paintings are nestled at the base of the Vindhya hills that mark the southern boundary of the central plateau region in India.