Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a culture nerd, or a nature lover, there are several UNESCO World Heritage sites in India to pique your interest. India is home to the sixth-highest number of UNESCO-designated World Heritage sites, including man-made and natural wonders. These locations are of great cultural importance and display India’s glorious past through carvings, sculptures, domes, and artwork. You can book online flight tickets from Edmonton to Mumbai and visit these locations. Presently, there are 38 UNESCO World Heritage sites in total. Because there are so many options, we’ve compiled a list of India’s Historical Gems: Top UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India. So, read on.
1. Taj Mahal, Agra
Listed Year: 1983
The Taj Mahal was added to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites in 1983. The Taj Mahal is one of the “Seven Wonders of the World” and a World Heritage Site. The magnificent white marble building is situated in Agra, the historic capital of the Mughal Empire.
Because Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor, built it in honor of Mumtaz Mahal, his beloved wife and the love of his life, it serves as a symbol of pure and enduring love. A number of Mughal monuments were combined to create the Taj Mahal, which is recognized as a masterpiece. The splendor of the Taj Mahal increases at sunrise and sunset.
2. Red Fort, Agra
Listed Year: 1983
Agra Fort is located in the Mughal city of Agra, only 2.5 miles from the well-known Taj Mahal. Formerly, it served as the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty’s home. It has been designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO because of the spectacular Islamic architecture it contains.
In the years 1567–1703, Akbar constructed the fort on the Yamuna’s banks. A red sandstone wall, 2.4 km long and 21 m high, surrounds it. Two sizable elaborate gateways, exquisitely decorated with painted glaze and fantastic patterns inlaid in white marble, adorn it. This Islamic building in India stands as the sole place where one can find these patterns, representing living creatures.
3. Ellora Caves, Maharashtra
Listed Year: 1983
The UNESCO placed Ellora Caves on its list of World Heritage Sites in 1983. On a tour of Maharashtra’s heritage, you can travel even deeper and see the Ellora caves. These caves are a collection of Jain, Hindu, and Buddhist caverns. These Rashtrakuta dynasty-built buildings have been recognized as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO because of their cultural importance.
Examining the rock-cut architectural design that was used to create these tunnels is interesting since it seems magnificent. We can learn more about the level of religious concord that was practiced during the period by examining the coexistence of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain caves at the same site. You can visit all these places from USA to India also, by availing cheap flight offers on Tripbeam.com
4. Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram
Listed Year: 1984
A collection of monuments in Mahabalipuram received the UNESCO World Heritage designation in 1984. The Group Monuments of Mahabalipuram, a collection of religious buildings, are situated on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, about 60 kilometers from Chennai.
The major Mahabalipuram complex is located there, along with 40 shrines, one of which features an outside rock relief. Some of the well-known temples are the famous cave temples, the structural temples like Shore Temple and Olakkanesvara Temple, and other rock monuments. Among the well-known temples are ratha temples like ArjunaRatha, DraupadiRatha, and BhimaRatha. Since gaining its independence, the area has gained importance as a pilgrimage, tourism, and archaeological site. So, book your Vancouver to Mumbai flight tickets with Flyopedia today!
5. Sun Temple, Odisha
Listed Year: 1984
The UNESCO World Heritage List included the Sun Temple in 1984. This temple, constructed in the 13th century in Konark, Odisha, takes the form of a massive ratha (chariot), as the name implies, and is dedicated to the Sun God.
Also it has twelve sets of wheels and a chariot drawn by seven horses. It is elaborately made and has beautifully carved details. Its wheels, which are actually sundials, are significant, making it a well-liked location for people interested in ancient astronomy.
6. Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra
Listed Year: 1983
In 1983, the UNESCO World Heritage List included the Ajanta Caves. These caverns, situated near Aurangabad, Maharashtra, have origins dating back to the second century BC. Scholars consider these Buddhist caves as some of the finest examples of ancient artistic endeavor. There are about thirty caves, which remained buried in dense woodlands for a significant period before a British officer retrieved them.
The mural paintings that are still visible in the caves are among the best examples of ancient Indian art, and contemporary artists frequently draw inspiration from them.
7. Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Listed Year: 1985
Kaziranga National Park received the UNESCO World Heritage Site designation in 1985. The national park is a delight for anyone who enjoys the outdoors and exploring animals. Assam is home to two-thirds of the great one-horned rhinos in the world.
In addition to these, the area is home to a wide variety of other fauna and avifauna species. As a result, it has been given the highest level of protection possible under Indian law for the protection of wildlife. The national park is a popular destination for those who want to enjoy a tour of natural heritage due to its gorgeous surroundings and pristine landscape.
Bottom Line
Each of these incomparable architectural and natural beauties will delight visitors and provide a memorable experience in its own right. After reading our list of Indian UNESCO World Heritage Sites, are you now more motivated to travel? What else are you waiting for? Pack your bags, book flight tickets from Edmonton to Delhi with Flyopedia and travel to see these spectacular man-made and natural wonders.
Also Read: Exploring India’s Rich Cultural Heritage: Top Sites to See
