Top 10 Most Famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India


Top 10 Most Famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India
Top 10 Most Famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India
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We know that India is draped in a rich cultural and heritage sphere. Not only this, but India is also a country that has fostered a splendid philosophical history. India is also renowned for its glorious past, present, and future. Today, the top-notch and most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites of India are recognized for their accomplishments in serving the humanities and witnessing rich historical chronicles of Indian architecture, culture, philosophy, society, and ancient civilizations. We are disscusing about Top 10 Most Famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India.

We are disscusing about Top 10 Most Famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India:

Ajanta Caves 

Ajanta Caves 
Image source: timesofindia

These are the evidence of fabulous Buddhist architecture carved in the form of 30 rock cuts, which trace their origin from the 2nd century BCE to about 480 CE. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is not only a monument or the rarest art specimen but also a place that tells about contemporary India’s political and cultural history. 

  • Location: Aurangabad, Maharashtra 431117 
  • UNESCO Site ID: 242 
  • Link to get tickets: asi
  • Link to know how to reach there: yatra

Taj Mahal 

Taj Mahal 
Image source: indianexpress

The most outlandish feature is being draped in the finest and most intricate architecture of the Mughals, which blended in the Indian, Persian, and Islamic styles as well. The Mughal emperor Shahjahan initiated the construction of this spectacular monument in 1632, which was opened in 1648. The architect behind this beautiful architecture was Ustad Ahmad Lahori. This monument is built in memory of Shahjahan’s dearest wife, Mumtaz Mahal. 

  • Location: Dharmapuri, Forest Colony, Tajganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282001
  • UNESCO Site ID: 252 
  • Link to get tickets: tajmahal
  • Link to know how to reach there: tajmahal

Hampi 

Hampi 
Image source: karnatakatourism

Encased in over 500 ancient and intricately designed monuments, spectacular temples, bastions, treasury buildings, and many more, this place is the living captivation of the Vijayanagara Empire. The austerity of this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the grandiosity of the empire. 

  • Location: Vijaynagar District, Karnataka 
  • UNESCO Site ID: 241 
  • Link to learn about places to stay: booking
  • Link to know how to reach there: holidify

Khajuraho 

Khajuraho 
Image source: timesofindia

Designed in the Nagara style of architecture, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a group of Hindu and Jain temples, symbols of splendid cultural and historical glories of the past. This site holds the record for being a grandeur of Indian architecture. This is not just one building but a group of temples and monuments. 

  • Location: Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh 
  • UNESCO Site ID: 240-015
  • Link to know places to stay: tripadvisor
  • Link to know how to reach theretimesofindia

Ellora Caves 

Ellora Caves 
Image source: unesco

These caves are the structures that revived the ancient civilizations of Indian life. It is regarded as one of the longest rock-cut Hindu temples. It is not only a reflection of Buddhism; it also tells the glorious chronicles of Jainism and Hinduism. 

  • Location: Verul, Maharashtra,Maharashtra 431117 
  • UNESCO Site ID: 243 
  • Link to get tickets: aurangabadtourism
  • Link to know how to reach there: holidify

Sun Temple 

Sun Temple 
Image source: alternativetoursindia

Located in the Indian state of Orissa, this temple is exceptionally known for its unmatched opulence. With its conceptualized structure and refinement, it represents the strength and stability of the Ganga Empire. However, this temple was not completely constructed because the king named Narasimha Dev, who started its construction, died. 

  • Location: Sun Temple, Bus Stand, near Konark, Konark, Odisha 7521111 
  • UNESCO Site ID: 246 
  • Link to learn about places to stay: agoda
  • Link to know how to reach there: yatra

Mahabodhi Temple 

Mahabodhi Temple 
Image source: kayak

This temple holds great significance in Buddhism as it is where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. It has a splendid cultural and philosophical history. It is one of the oldest brick temples in India. This temple is regarded as one of Buddhism’s most important pilgrimage centers. 

  • Location: Bodh Gaya, Bihar, 824231
  • UNESCO Site ID: 1056 
  • Link to learn about places to stay: makemytrip
  • Link to know how to reach there: gaya

Pattadakal 

Pattadakal 
Image source: karnatakatourism

The most outlandish feature of this temple is that it perfectly encases the harmonious blend of Northern and Southern architectural styles. This group of monuments represents a series of nine Hindu temples, as well as the sanctuaries of Jainism.

  • Location: Pattadakal, Karnataka 587201 
  • UNESCO Site ID: 239 
  • Link to learn about places to stay: tripadvisor
  • Link to know how to reach there: wikivoyage

Jantar Mantar 

Jantar Mantar 
Image source: flickr

Here comes another UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Rajasthan. It is one of the most famous astronomical observatories, with over 20 main instruments. This place was constructed by King Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur.

  • Location: Gangori Bazaar, J.D.A. Market, Pink City, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002
  • UNESCO Site ID: 1338 
  • Link to get tickets: rajasthan
  • Link to know how to reach there: thrillophilia

Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram

Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram
Image source: mahabalipuram

A group of monuments of Mahabalipuram origin can be traced back to the 7th century by the Pallavas of the South. They hold a splendid opulence of India’s cultural and historical heritage. This cultural site contains over 40 ancient temples and is one of the most renowned UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India.

  • Location: Fisherman Colony, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, 603104 
  • UNESCO Site ID: 249 
  • Link to know about places to stay: goibibo
  • Link to know how to reach there: tourism

FAQs

Which season is considered the best to plan a visit to Hampi? 

The best time to plan your trip to Hampi is during the winter, which is between October and February. 

Who laid down the foundation stone of Ellora Caves? 

The Ellora Caves, the historical opulence of Indian culture and heritage, were built by theRashtrkuta king, Krishna I. 

How many wheels are there in the sun temple? 

One of the most exceptional temples in India, the Sun Temple, situated in Orissa, has 24 wheels, representing Lord Surya’s chariot. 

Is there more than one Jantar Mantar? 

Yes, the Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur laid down the foundation stone for five Jantar Mantars, which are built in New Delhi, Jaipur, Ujjain, Varanasi, and Mathura. 

Conclusion

As we wrap up this post, we can honestly acknowledge that this blog post is not only a write-up that provides information about the preeminent UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India but also notes their locations, ways of reaching them, and places to stay. So, what are you waiting for when you have it all at once? Get up, book your ticket, and set off on your journey to dive into the history of India now!


Vaisakh V K