India is a diverse land of rich culture, history and natural beauty. Its diverse geography and millennia of civil evolution has given it a unique space in world heritage. From the largest mangrove forest of the Sundarbans to the World Wonder of the Taj Mahal, the country is home to treasures that have earned global recognition in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India list.
A World Heritage Site is a landmark or area selected by UNESCO as “places on Earth that are of outstanding universal value to humanity and as such, have been inscribed on the World Heritage List to be protected for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.” It implies that these sites ascend individual or national interest and are part of a Global Human Heritage.
India is one of the top ranked countries in World Heritage Sites, having 44 in total, including 36 cultural, 7 natural and 1 mixed site. In this blog we will take a look at the complete list of all UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India, highlighting their historical importance, cultural significance and natural beauty. Whether you are an avid traveller, history buff or simply curious this blog will guide you about the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of India.
India is home to a number of UNESCO-recognised heritage sites. As of 2025 there are 44 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India, making it the 6th largest in the world. These are categorised as cultural, natural and mixed and are as follows:
These UNESCO World Heritage Sites of India are representative of the history of human civilization in the subcontinent that is one of the oldest in the world and the rich diversity it offers. It gives an insight into how people lived, worshipped, ruled and adapted to changing life.
As part of Humanity’s collective heritage protecting them is of utmost importance so that future generations can revel in the wonders of places like the temples of Khajuraho, Agra fort or the Western Ghats. It also helps India strengthen its tourism industry banking on the grandeur of the world heritage sites in India.
| UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India | Location | Date of Induction |
| Cultural Sites | ||
| Agra Fort | Uttar Pradesh | 1983 |
| Ajanta Caves | Maharashtra | 1983 |
| Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara | Bihar | 2016 |
| Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi | Madhya Pradesh | 1989 |
| Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park | Gujarat | 2004 |
| Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) | Mumbai, Maharashtra | 2004 |
| Churches and Convents of Goa | Goa | 1986 |
| Dholavira: A Harappan City | Gujarat | 2021 |
| Elephanta Caves | Maharashtra | 1987 |
| Ellora Caves | Maharashtra | 1983 |
| Fatehpur Sikri | Uttar Pradesh | 1986 |
| Great Living Chola Temples | Tamil Nadu | 1987, 2004 |
| Group of Monuments at Hampi | Karnataka | 1986 |
| Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram | Tamil Nadu | 1984 |
| Group of Monuments at Pattadakal | Karnataka | 1987 |
| Hill Forts of Rajasthan | Rajasthan – Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Ranthambore, Amber, Jaisalmer, Gagron | 2013 |
| Historic City of Ahmedabad | Gujarat | 1993 |
| Humayun's Tomb | Delhi | 1993 |
| Jaipur City | Rajasthan | 2019 |
| Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple | Telangana | 2019 |
| Khajuraho Group of Monuments | Madhya Pradesh | 1986 |
| Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya | Bihar | 2002 |
| Maratha Military Landscapes of India | Maharashtra & Tamil Nadu | 2025 |
| Moidams – the Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty | Assam | 2024 |
| Mountain Railways of India | Darjeeling, Nilgiri, Kalka-Shimla | 1999, 2005, 2008 |
| Qutb Minar and its Monuments | Delhi | 1993 |
| Rani-ki-Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell) | Patan, Gujarat | 2014 |
| Red Fort Complex | Delhi | 2007 |
| Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka | Madhya Pradesh | 2003 |
| Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas | Karnataka | 2023 |
| Santiniketan | West Bengal | 2023 |
| Sun Temple | Konârak, Odisha | 1984 |
| Taj Maha | Uttar Pradesh | 1983 |
| The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement | The Complexe du Capitole in Chandigarh (India), one of 17 sites spread over 7 countries | 2016 |
| The Jantar Mantar | Jaipur | 2010 |
| Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensemble of Mumbai | Maharashtra | 2016 |
| Natural SItes | ||
| Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area | Himachal Pradesh | 2014 |
| Kaziranga National Park | Assam | 1985 |
| Keoladeo National Park | Rajasthan | 1985 |
| Manas Wildlife Sanctuary | Assam | 1985 |
| Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks | Uttarakhand | 1988, 2005 |
| Sundarbans National Park | West Bengal | 1987 |
| Western Ghats | Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu | 2012 |
| Mixed Site | ||
| Khangchendzonga National Park | Sikkim | 2016 |
The archaeological sites in India are some of the oldest and most fascinating in the world. It gives us a glimpse into the world of the past and understand our own heritage as well as learn how our society has evolved over the years. As such many of them have been recognised as UNESCO World Heritages sites of India.
The most prominent one is the Nalanda Mahavira in Bihar. It is one of the world’s oldest universities that had attracted scholars from distant lands between the 5th and 12th century CE. From the ancient cave paintings in the Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka in Madhya Pradesh to the Ruins of Hampi showcasing the once grand VIjaynagara empire these sites show history spanning over 30,000 years.
Some other sites of significance that have been inducted to the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites in India are the Sanchi Stupa, the Khajuraho Temple, the Agra Fort and the world famous Taj Mahal. The Archeological Survey of India is responsible for research, conservation and maintenance of these sites. They operate as an attached office under the Ministry of Culture of the Government of India.
India's UNESCO World Heritage Sites aren’t just ruins and archeological finds. They include a living cultural landscape as well as stunning natural beauty. Cities such as Jaipur and Ahmedabad, where people still live in harmony with their ancestry, reflect the old ways with a mix of evolving urban evolution. Darjeeling Himalayan Railways depict the peak of engineering marvels from the colonial era.
Equally significant are the natural sites amongst the UNESCO World Heritage sites in India. They protect rare ecosystems, endangered wildlife and geological treasures. The Kaziranga National Park in Assam, home to the one-horned rhinoceros and the Sundrabans National Park, famous for the mangrove forest and the royal bengal tiger are part of global biodiversity hotspots.
Together they represent the duality of rich heritage that India possesses and a brief look at them will justify in anyone’s mind as to why they should be part of the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites in India to conserve both human creativity and natural diversity.
The UNESCO World Heritage sites of India are more than just ecological landmarks. They give the Indian culture an identity, recognises your heritage and elevates it to a global level. Their importance lies in culture, tourism, economy and conservation.
A recognition by a global agency such as UNESCO ensures protection and conservation of the archaeological sites in India, its ancient monuments and the traditions of thousands of years.
Being recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site of India ensures global recognition and results in massive tourism opportunities both at home and abroad.
Tourism and conservation efforts generate huge amounts of revenue for the country. According to the Ministry of Tourism, tourism contributed to 5% of the total GDP of the nation in 2022-23. Each UNESCO World Heritage site in India provides opportunities for employment for guides, artisans, tourist agencies, shop keepers and many more.
Many of these are archaeological sites in India, such as Nalanda, Rakhigarhi and Sanchi. A UNESCO listing brings attention towards these sites and put them on the global map of researchers and archaeologists.
Natural sites like the Sundarbans, Western Ghats and Kaziranga are essential for maintaining biodiversity and battling climate change. The natural UNESCO sites in India have stricter conservation laws that prevent deforestation, poaching and other adverse effects of environmental damage.
Having 44 sites in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India puts the country on a global pedestal. It strengthens India’s soft power and boosts its cultural diplomacy.
The UNESCO world heritage sites in India are more than symbolic designated places that lack real world values. They provide cultural, social, environmental and economic benefits to the nation. Not to mention they are awe inspiring places that can be a source of inspiration for future generations and enable them to learn about our culture.
However, mere recognition is not enough. It has to be followed by effort from the government, especially the Ministry of Culture, to conserve and manage them sustainably so that the world heritage sites in India do not fall in disrepair and erode as time passes. Stronger policies, awareness campaigns and public interest will make it possible to preserve them for the future.
As custodians of this rich legacy, it is our collective responsibility to keep India’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites alive for generations to come. Visiting, learning and spreading awareness about these sites is the first step towards safeguarding the heritage that defines India’s identity on the global stage.