UNESCO World Heritage Architectural Sites in India
India has a total of 40 World Heritage Sites as of 2022, of which 32 are cultural, 7 are natural, and one, Khangchendzonga National Park, is of mixed type. Dholavira, listed in 2021, is the most recent addition to the list.
With the largest number of sites in the world, India ranks sixth. In 1983, the Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves, Agra Fort, and Taj Mahal were the first sites to be listed by the World Heritage Committee.
What are World Heritage Sites
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designates World Heritage Sites of outstanding universal value to cultural or natural heritage which have been nominated by countries which are signatories to the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, established in 1972.
India accepted the convention on 14 November 1977, making its sites eligible for inclusion on the list.
In addition, India has 52 sites on its tentative list.
Top visited UNESCO World Heritage Architectural Sites in India
1. Taj Mahal:
The Taj Mahal is considered one of the world’s most iconic landmarks and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. The monument is made of white marble and took over 20 years to complete.
2. Red Fort:
The Red Fort was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century and served as the residence of the Mughal emperors for almost 200 years. It is made of red sandstone and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
3. Qutub Minar:
The Qutub Minar is a tower that stands at 73 meters and is the tallest brick minaret in the world. It was built by the Delhi Sultanate in the 12th century and is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
4. Hawa Mahal:
The Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of Winds, is a five-story building in Jaipur, Rajasthan. It was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh and is made of red and pink sandstone. The building has 953 small windows, which were designed to allow the royal ladies to watch the street below without being seen.
5. Charminar: (on tentative list for cultural significance)
The Charminar is a monument and mosque located in Hyderabad, Telangana. It was built in 1591 by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah to commemorate the end of a deadly plague that ravaged the city. The structure is made of granite and limestone and has four minarets.
6. Fatehpur Sikri:
Fatehpur Sikri is a ghost town located near Agra, Uttar Pradesh. It was built in the 16th century by Mughal Emperor Akbar and served as the capital of the Mughal Empire for a brief period. The town is made of red sandstone and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
7. Khajuraho Group of Monuments:
The Khajuraho Group of Monuments is a group of Hindu and Jain temples located in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. The temples were built between the 9th and 11th centuries and are famous for their intricate carvings and sculptures. The monuments are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
8. Golden Temple: (on tentative list for cultural significance)
The Golden Temple is the holiest site in Sikhism and is located in Amritsar, Punjab. The temple is made of white marble and is covered in gold leaf. It has four entrances, which symbolize the openness of the Sikhs towards people of all religions.