Total UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India
Total UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India (2025) – Full List Year-wise
India is a country full of ancient temples, royal palaces, beautiful forests, and special places that tell amazing stories. These places are so important that UNESCO – a global organization – protects and celebrates them as World Heritage Sites.
As of 2025, India has 42 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, making it one of the top countries in the world with the most heritage sites. These include 34 cultural sites, 7 natural sites, and 1 mixed site (which is both cultural and natural).
📋 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India (Sorted by Year of Inscription)
Here is the complete list of all Indian sites with the year they were added to the UNESCO list.
🏛️ Cultural Heritage Sites
| Year | Site Name | State | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Ajanta Caves | Maharashtra | Ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves with paintings and sculptures. |
| 1983 | Ellora Caves | Maharashtra | Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain cave temples. |
| 1983 | Agra Fort | Uttar Pradesh | Red sandstone fort used by Mughal emperors. |
| 1983 | Taj Mahal | Uttar Pradesh | Iconic white marble mausoleum built by Shah Jahan. |
| 1984 | Sun Temple, Konark | Odisha | Temple shaped like a giant chariot of the sun god. |
| 1984 | Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram | Tamil Nadu | Ancient Pallava rock-cut temples and carvings. |
| 1985 | Churches and Convents of Goa | Goa | Portuguese-era churches, including Basilica of Bom Jesus. |
| 1986 | Fatehpur Sikri | Uttar Pradesh | The former capital of Emperor Akbar. |
| 1986 | Group of Monuments at Hampi | Karnataka | Beautiful ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire. |
| 1986 | Khajuraho Monuments | Madhya Pradesh | Famous for detailed erotic sculptures. |
| 1987 | Elephanta Caves | Maharashtra | Rock-cut temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. |
| 1987 | Great Living Chola Temples | Tamil Nadu | Temples showing Chola dynasty architecture. |
| 1989 | Group of Monuments at Pattadakal | Karnataka | Temples built in Chalukya style. |
| 1993 | Qutub Minar and its Monuments | Delhi | A tall minaret surrounded by ancient Islamic structures. |
| 1993 | Humayun’s Tomb | Delhi | Mughal-style garden tomb. |
| 2004 | Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka | Madhya Pradesh | Prehistoric cave paintings. |
| 2007 | Red Fort Complex | Delhi | Main residence of Mughal emperors. |
| 2010 | Jantar Mantar | Rajasthan | Historic astronomical instruments. |
| 2013 | Hill Forts of Rajasthan | Rajasthan | Six forts showing Rajput military architecture. |
| 2014 | Rani ki Vav (The Queen’s Stepwell) | Gujarat | Beautiful stepwell with carvings. |
| 2016 | Nalanda Mahavihara | Bihar | Ruins of an ancient university. |
| 2017 | Historic City of Ahmedabad | Gujarat | First Indian city listed as World Heritage. |
| 2018 | Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensemble of Mumbai | Maharashtra | Colonial-era buildings. |
| 2019 | Jaipur City | Rajasthan | The Pink City with royal palaces and markets. |
| 2021 | Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple | Telangana | Sandstone temple from 13th century. |
| 2021 | Dholavira | Gujarat | Indus Valley Civilization city ruins. |
| 2023 | Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas | Karnataka | Temples with detailed stone carvings. |
| 2023 | Santiniketan | West Bengal | University town founded by Rabindranath Tagore. |
| 2024 | Modiams | Assam | 700-year-old Ahom dynasty burial mounds; first from Northeast India. |
| 2025* | Gwalior Fort (Expected) | Madhya Pradesh | Historic hill fort with temples and palaces. (Proposal under review) |
🌿 Natural Heritage Sites
| Year | Site Name | State | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Kaziranga National Park | Assam | Famous for one-horned rhinoceros. |
| 1985 | Manas Wildlife Sanctuary | Assam | Rich in rare animals like tigers and elephants. |
| 1986 | Keoladeo National Park | Rajasthan | Known for migratory birds. |
| 1988 | Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers | Uttarakhand | High-altitude beauty and alpine flowers. |
| 2007 | Western Ghats | Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu | A biodiversity hotspot. |
| 2012 | Great Himalayan National Park | Himachal Pradesh | Glaciers, rivers, and rare flora/fauna. |
| 1987 | Sundarbans National Park | West Bengal | Largest mangrove forest, home to Bengal tigers. |
🔀 Mixed Heritage Site (Cultural + Natural)
| Year | Site Name | State | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Khangchendzonga National Park | Sikkim | Sacred Himalayan landscape with rich biodiversity. |
📸 Why These Sites Are Special
- They protect our culture and nature for future generations.
- They bring tourists and researchers from around the world.
- They help in getting international support for conservation.
- They make us proud of our history, nature, and traditions.
🧳 Top Heritage Sites to Visit in India
Here are some popular sites that every traveler should visit at least once:
- Taj Mahal – For its beauty and romantic story.
- Ajanta & Ellora Caves – For spiritual history and carvings.
- Hampi & Pattadakal – For exploring ancient kingdoms.
- Kaziranga & Sundarbans – For amazing wildlife and nature.
- Santiniketan – For art, culture, and Tagore’s legacy.
- Modiams (Assam) – For learning about Northeast India’s royal past.
✅ Tips for Visiting World Heritage Sites
- Always keep the site clean – don’t litter.
- Learn the history – take a local guide if possible.
- Respect the culture – dress and behave properly.
- Take photos, but also take memories and stories with you.
- Buy local crafts to support the communities nearby.
🧠 Final Thoughts
India’s 42 UNESCO World Heritage Sites are not just old buildings or forests – they are the soul of our nation. They show who we are, where we come from, and what we value. From royal palaces to peaceful caves, from big mountains to deep forests, these places deserve our love and protection.
Whether you are a traveler, student, or someone who loves history – start your journey with these amazing places and discover India’s true heritage.