UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India (2008–2014) // Indian UNESCO World Heritage Sites (2014–2018)

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India (2008–2014)


@1. Kalka–Shimla Railway (Himachal Pradesh – 2008)



  1. Located in Himachal Pradesh.

  2. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.

  3. Length: 96.6 km; single-track railway.

  4. Built in the mid-19th century during British rule.

  5. Connects Kalka in the plains to Shimla, the former summer capital of British India.

  6. Known for its scenic route through mountains, tunnels, and bridges.


@2. Jantar Mantar, Jaipur (Rajasthan – 2010)



  1. Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan.

  2. Built by Rajput king Sawai Jai Singh II in the early 18th century.

  3. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010.

  4. Contains astronomical instruments for measuring time, predicting eclipses, and tracking stars.

  5. One of five Jantar Mantars built by Jai Singh II in India.

  6. A prime example of astronomical science and architecture combined.


@3. Western Ghats (Natural – 2012)



  1. Stretch across Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Goa, and Tamil Nadu.

  2. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012.

  3. Second-longest mountain range in India, also called Sahyadri.

  4. Length: 1,600 km.

  5. Recognized as a biodiversity hotspot with rich flora and fauna.

  6. Houses endemic species and important river ecosystems.


@4. Hill Forts of Rajasthan (Cultural – 2013)



  1. Located across Rajasthan; designated in 2013.

  2. Includes six forts:


    • Kumbhalgarh Fort, Kumbhalgarh

    • Gagron Fort, Jhalawar

    • Chittorgarh Fort, Chittorgarh

    • Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer

    • Amer Fort, Jaipur

    • Ranthambore Fort, Sawai Madhopur


  3. Built between the 5th and 18th centuries.

  4. Showcases Rajput military architecture and strategic fortification.

  5. Represents cultural heritage and historical significance of Rajputana.


@5. Rani-ki-Vav (Gujarat – 2014)



  1. Located in Patan, Gujarat on the banks of the Saraswati river.

  2. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014.

  3. Stepwell built by Solanki queen Udayamati in memory of her husband.

  4. Known for the Maru-Gurjara architectural style with intricate carvings.

  5. Featured on the ₹100 Indian banknote.

  6. Represents engineering excellence and cultural artistry of medieval Gujarat.


Indian UNESCO World Heritage Sites (2014–2018)


@1. Great Himalayan National Park (Himachal Pradesh – 2014)



  1. Located in Himachal Pradesh.

  2. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014.

  3. Known for alpine mountain peaks and meadows.

  4. Home to endangered species like the Western Tragopan and Himalayan musk deer.

  5. Represents Himalayan biodiversity and ecological significance.


@2. Nalanda Mahavihara (Bihar – 2016)



  1. Located in Nalanda, Bihar.

  2. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016.

  3. Established during the reign of Kumaragupta (Shakraditya).

  4. Famous as an ancient university of the Indian subcontinent.

  5. Flourished under Harshavardhana and the Pala kings.

  6. Associated with the historical development of Buddhism in India.


@3. The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier (Capitol Complex, Chandigarh – 2016)



  1. Part of a collection of 17 Le Corbusier sites across 7 countries, recognized in 2016.

  2. The Capitol Complex in Chandigarh is the only site in India.

  3. Represents modernist architecture and urban planning.

  4. Includes buildings like the Secretariat, Legislative Assembly, and High Court.

  5. Showcases Le Corbusier’s innovative use of concrete, form, and spatial planning.


@4. Khangchendzonga National Park (Sikkim – 2016)



  1. Located in Sikkim, in the Himalayan mountain range.

  2. Declared a UNESCO Mixed World Heritage Site (both cultural & natural) in 2016.

  3. Home to Khangchendzonga, the highest peak in India (8,598 m).

  4. Rich in biodiversity, sacred sites, and cultural significance for local communities.

  5. Represents ecological and spiritual values combined.


@5. Historic City of Ahmedabad (Gujarat – 2017)



  1. Located on the eastern bank of the Sabarmati River.

  2. Founded by Ahmed Shah I in 1411 AD as the capital of the Gujarat Sultanate.

  3. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017.

  4. Features Islamic, Hindu, and Jain architectural styles.

  5. Known for pol heritage houses, bazaars, and city planning of medieval India.


@6. The Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai (Maharashtra – 2018)



  1. Located in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

  2. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018.

  3. Includes public buildings in Victorian Gothic style (19th century) and Art Deco style (20th century).

  4. Examples include Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, University of Mumbai, and residential Art Deco buildings on Marine Drive.

  5. Represents architectural and urban development of colonial and post-colonial Mumbai.