India, a civilization-rich country that spans millennia, is a repository of globally acclaimed heritage. As of 2025, India has 43 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including 34 cultural, 7 natural, and 2 mixed sites. These sites are the best representative examples of India’s artistic, architectural, and environmental abundance.
The newest addition to the list is Moidams, the Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty in Assam, recognized in 2024 for its unique historical and archaeological value.
Here is a full list of India’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
Cultural World Heritage Sites (34)
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Taj Mahal, Uttar Pradesh
- A white marble mausoleum symbolizing eternal love, built by Emperor Shah Jahan for Mumtaz Mahal.
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Agra Fort, Uttar Pradesh
- A 16th-century Mughal fortress with palaces, mosques, and audience halls.
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Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh
- The former Mughal capital known for its red sandstone architecture and Buland Darwaza.
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Humayuns Tomb, Delhi
- The first garden-tomb in India and a precursor to the Taj Mahal.
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Qutub Minar and Monuments, Delhi
- A victory tower and surrounding ancient structures representing Indo-Islamic architecture.
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Red Fort Complex, Delhi
- The main residence of the Mughal emperors, symbolizing India’s independence.
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Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
- Rock-cut temples and sculptures by the Pallava dynasty on the Coromandel Coast.
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Sun Temple, Konark, Odisha
- A 13th-century chariot-shaped temple dedicated to the Sun God Surya.
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Churches and Convents of Goa
- Portuguese-era religious structures showcasing European architecture.
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Khajuraho Group of Monuments, Madhya Pradesh
- Temples famous for their intricate erotic sculptures and Nagara-style design.
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Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra
- Buddhist rock-cut cave temples with beautiful murals and sculptures.
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Ellora Caves, Maharashtra
- A blend of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain caves including the magnificent Kailasa Temple.
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Elephanta Caves, Maharashtra
- Rock-cut caves dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on an island near Mumbai.
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Brihadeeswara Temple, Tamil Nadu
- A Chola dynasty masterpiece dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its towering vimana.
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Airavatesvara Temple, Tamil Nadu
- A Dravidian-style temple rich in sculpture and Chola inscriptions.
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Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, Tamil Nadu
- Another marvel of the Chola dynasty showcasing their imperial power.
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Rani ki Vav, Gujarat
- An intricately designed stepwell with stunning sculptural panels.
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Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, Gujarat
- A blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture within a historic cityscape.
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Great Living Chola Temples, Tamil Nadu
- A trio of Chola temples representing the zenith of South Indian temple architecture.
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Group of Monuments at Hampi, Karnataka
- The ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire, spread across a boulder-strewn landscape.
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Group of Monuments at Pattadakal, Karnataka
- A harmonious blend of North and South Indian temple architecture.
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Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka, Madhya Pradesh
- Prehistoric rock art and cave paintings dating back over 30,000 years.
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Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh
- Stupas and monastic complexes tracing the evolution of Buddhist architecture.
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Hill Forts of Rajasthan
- A collection of six majestic forts demonstrating Rajput military and cultural power.
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The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, Chandigarh
- Modernist buildings by Le Corbusier that symbolize urban planning in India.
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Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles, Mumbai
- A unique fusion of European architectural styles in Mumbai’s colonial-era buildings.
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Nalanda Mahavihara, Bihar
- The ancient ruins of one of the world’s oldest universities.
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Jaipur City, Rajasthan
- Known as the Pink City, it represents a planned urban layout of the 18th century.
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Ramappa Temple, Telangana
- A 13th-century temple known for its intricate carvings and floating bricks.
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Dholavira, Gujarat
- A well-preserved Harappan-era city with advanced urban planning.
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Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas, Karnataka
- Temples in Belur, Halebid, and Somnathpura with intricate stonework and rich iconography.
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Santiniketan, West Bengal
- Founded by Rabindranath Tagore, it is a hub of Indian modern education and art.
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Moidams: The Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty, Assam (Added in 2024)
- Royal burial mounds reflecting the unique funerary architecture of the Ahom rulers.
- Temple of Belur and Halebidu (as part of Sacred Ensembles)
- Part of the newly recognized Hoysala temple group known for intricate carvings.
Natural World Heritage Sites (7)
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Kaziranga National Park, Assam
- Famous for its population of one-horned rhinoceroses and diverse fauna.
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Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam
- A UNESCO biodiversity hotspot at the Himalayan foothills.
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Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan
- A birdwatchers paradise and important wintering ground for migratory birds.
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Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal
- The largest mangrove forest in the world, home to the Royal Bengal Tiger.
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Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand
- Alpine meadows and snow-covered peaks with unique Himalayan flora and fauna.
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Western Ghats (Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra)
- One of the world’s eight hottest hotspots of biological diversity.
- Great Himalayan National Park, Himachal Pradesh
- Home to endangered species in an unspoiled Himalayan ecosystem.
Mixed World Heritage Sites (2)
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Khangchendzonga National Park, Sikkim
- A sacred landscape combining natural beauty with indigenous cultural significance.
- Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (under Valley of Flowers)
- Recognized for its ecological diversity and spiritual heritage.
India’s 43 UNESCO World Heritage Sites reflect its status as a cultural and ecological powerhouse. From ancient cities and temples to national parks and sacred mountains, these places not only offer a glimpse into the past but also remind us of the responsibility to preserve our shared heritage for future generations.
Reference : https://zeenews.india.com/science-environment/complete-list-of-unesco-world-heritage-sites-in-india-2025-43-cultural-and-natural-wonders-you-must-explore-2888845.html
