10 UNESCO Heritage Sites In India

Taj Mahal

The ivory-white marble mausoleum in Agra is one of the most famous monuments in the world. Built between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is a striking piece of architectural and artistic brilliance. (All images by Pixabay)

Ajanta Caves

Located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, these are 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments that are USECO sites. The first Buddhist cave monuments at Ajanta date from the 2nd and 1st centuries B.C.

Ellora Caves

These are stunning ensembles of 34 monasteries and temples, extending over more than 2 km. Located near Aurangabad, its intricately carved sanctuaries are devoted to Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism.

Red Fort Complex

According to the UNESCO website, "the Red Fort is considered to represent the zenith of Mughal creativity which, under the Shah Jahan, was brought to a new level of refinement." Its massive enclosing walls of red sandstone give it its name.

Jantar Mantar

The astronomical observation site in Jaipur built in the early 18th century is a fascinating heritage site that features the world's largest stone sundial.

Sun Temple, Konark

The Sun Temple at Konark, located 35 km from Puri in Odisha, is a monumental representation of the sun god Surya's chariot. Built in the 13th century, it has 24 elaborately carved stone wheels, drawn by seven horses.

Group of Monuments at Hampi

The stunning Hampi comprise mainly the remnants of the Capital City of Vijayanagara Empire (14th-16th Century CE), considered the last great Hindu Kingdom. The spectacular site is located in the Tungabhadra basin in Central Karnataka.

Khajuraho Group of Monuments

A group of Hindu and Jain temples in Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh, the temples are famous for their Nagara-style architectural symbolism and a few erotic sculptures.

Mahabodhi Temple Complex

The first temple was built by Emperor Asoka in the 3rd century B.C., and according to the UNESCO website, it is one of the earliest Buddhist temples built entirely in brick, still standing in India, from the late Gupta period. It is located in Bodh Gaya, Bihar.

Sunderbans National Park

The Sundarbans contain the world's largest mangrove forests. Most of it is located in West Bengal and a part of it is in Bangladesh. A huge expanse of space with both land and water, Sunderans is the home to several endangered species, including the mighty Royal Bengal Tiger.

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