UNESCO World Heritage Sites (India – Cultural & Natural)

1. Keoladeo National Park (Natural)


Location: Bharatpur, Rajasthan
Year of Recognition: 1985
Key Points:



  1. Formerly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary.

  2. A man-made wetland and former royal hunting reserve.

  3. Famous for migratory birds, especially the Siberian cranes.

  4. Attracts birdwatchers from around the world.

  5. Plays an important role in wetland ecosystem conservation.


2. Churches and Convents of Goa (Cultural)


Location: Goa
Year of Recognition: 1986
Key Points:



  1. Reflects the Portuguese colonial architecture and Christian heritage of India.

  2. Important sites include the Basilica of Bom Jesus (tomb of St. Francis Xavier).

  3. Showcases Baroque, Gothic, and Manueline styles of architecture.

  4. Represents the spread of Christianity in Asia.

  5. Located in Old Goa, the former capital of Portuguese India.


3. Khajuraho Group of Monuments (Cultural)


Location: Madhya Pradesh
Year of Recognition: 1986
Key Points:



  1. Built by the Chandela dynasty between the 9th and 11th centuries.

  2. Famous for Nagara-style temple architecture.

  3. Known for exquisite stone carvings and sculptures, including erotic art.

  4. Temples are dedicated to Hinduism and Jainism.

  5. Represents the cultural and artistic heritage of medieval India.


4. Group of Monuments at Hampi (Cultural)


Location: Karnataka
Year of Recognition: 1986
Key Points:



  1. Was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th–16th centuries.

  2. Contains grand temples like Virupaksha Temple and Vittala Swami Temple.

  3. Known for Dravidian architecture and stone carvings.

  4. Important centre of trade, art, and culture during its time.

  5. Now a site of ancient ruins spread over a vast landscape.


5. Fatehpur Sikri (Cultural)


Location: Uttar Pradesh
Year of Recognition: 1986
Key Points:



  1. Built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century.

  2. Served as the capital of the Mughal Empire for a short period (1571–1585).

  3. Known for red sandstone architecture and blend of Islamic, Hindu, and Jain styles.

  4. Important structures include Buland Darwaza, Panch Mahal, and Jama Masjid.

  5. Later abandoned due to water scarcity.


6. Elephanta Caves (Maharashtra – 1987)



  • The site contains five main caves, primarily associated with Hinduism.

  • Located on Elephanta Island in Mumbai Harbour.

  • The cave complex was mainly constructed during the 5th and 6th centuries.

  • The caves are dedicated to Lord Shiva, with the famous Trimurti (three-headed Shiva) sculpture being the most notable feature.


7. Group of Monuments at Pattadakal (Karnataka – 1987)



  • The site includes nine Hindu temples and one Jain temple.

  • Built by the Chalukya dynasty during the 7th and 8th centuries.

  • Virupaksha Temple was constructed by Queen Lokamahadevi in 740 CE to commemorate her husband’s victory over southern kings.

  • Represents a blend of Dravidian (South Indian) and Nagara (North Indian) architectural styles.


8. Great Living Chola Temples (Tamil Nadu – 1987, extended 2004)



  • A group of Hindu temples built by the Chola dynasty between the 11th and 12th centuries.

  • Three temples:

    1. Brihadeeswarar Temple at Thanjavur

    2. Gangaikondacholapuram Temple at Gangaikondacholapuram

    3. Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram



  • These temples are known for their grand architecture, intricate sculptures, and devotion to Lord Shiva.


9. Sundarbans National Park (West Bengal – 1987)



  • A national park that spans the deltas of the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers.

  • It is the largest mangrove forest in the world.

  • Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

  • Added as a Ramsar Wetland Site in 2019.

  • It is also a biodiversity hotspot, home to the Royal Bengal Tiger and various aquatic species.


10. Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks (Uttarakhand – 1988, extended 2005)



  • This World Heritage Site includes two areas: Nanda Devi National Park

  • Valley of Flowers National ParkKnown for their majestic Himalayan landscapes, rare flora, and snow-covered peaks.

  • The Valley of Flowers is famous for its seasonal bloom of over 300 species of alpine flowers.

  • These parks are rich in biodiversity and part of the Western Himalaya eco-region.