Today, September 27, marks World Tourism Day (WTD), an annual celebration established by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) to raise awareness about the global significance of tourism. In 1979, the UNWTO announced the World Tourism Day. However, officially it was started celebrating in 1980. Since its inception, this day has been dedicated to highlighting the pivotal role of tourism in fostering cultural exchange, economic growth, and social well-being. This year, the theme for World Tourism Day 2023 is Tourism and Green Investments.
On this day, countries and various organisations promote tourism so that people rediscover and explore history, luxury, heritage, cultures, places and adventure. Today, we here bring you the list of Heritage Sites in India designated by UNESCO which you should consider visiting in your next travel plan. Let’s look at some major tourist spots:
Taj Mahal, Uttar Pradesh
The Taj Mahal is located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. It is one of the seven wonders of the world and is considered an iconic and beautiful example of Mughal architecture. It was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.
Agra Fort, Uttar Pradesh
Agra Fort is a historic fort located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. It was awarded the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. It was constructed in the 16th century by the Mughal emperor Akbar and later expanded by his grandson Shah Jahan. The fort is made of red sandstone and comprises several palaces, mosques, and other structures of great historical importance.
Sun Temple, Odisha
The Sun Temple, located in Konark, Odisha, India, is a 13th-century temple devoted to the Hindu sun god, Surya. It was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. The temple is designed to resemble a chariot and has 12 pairs of finely carved wheels, which are pulled by seven horses. One of the remarkable features of the temple is its precise alignment with the sun, with the first rays of the sun illuminating the main entrance every day.
Ellora Caves, Maharashtra
The Ellora Caves, located in Maharashtra, India, were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983. The site consists of 34 rock-cut temples and monasteries representing the three major religions of India: Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. These caves date back to 600 AD to 1000 AD, providing a glimpse into the ancient civilization of India. Notably, the Kailasa Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is considered one of the largest monolithic structures in the world.
Hampi, Madhya Pradesh
The Hampi Monuments in Karnataka, India, are ancient ruins and temples from the 14th to 16th centuries. They were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. They comprise of temples, palaces, and other structures, including the famous Virupaksha Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. These monuments are renowned for their impressive architecture, intricate carvings, and historical significance.
Mahabalipuram Monuments, Tamil Nadu
It is a collection of ancient Hindu temples and rock-cut monuments located in Tamil Nadu, India. They were built between the 7th and 9th centuries by the Pallava dynasty. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. This monument is famous for the Mahabalipuram Largest open Air Rock Relief, Mandapas, and Chariot Temples.
Qutub Minar, Delhi
Qutub Minar and the surrounding monuments are among the most famous buildings in Delhi. They were constructed in early 1311 and are a masterpiece of Indo-Muslim art. The tower itself stands at a height of 72.5 m. In 1993, the Qutub Minar and its monuments were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Humaryun’s Tomb, Delhi
Humayun’s Tomb is a beautiful complex made of red sandstone and white marble. Its onion dome inspired the Taj Mahal’s architecture. The precise gardens have symmetrical fountains, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which was added to the list in 1993.
Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya
The Mahabodhi Temple Complex in Bodh Gaya, India, holds immense significance as the place where Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. This sacred site is a pilgrimage destination for Buddhists worldwide, symbolizing the birth of Buddhism and its profound spiritual teachings. It was added to the UNESCO list in 2010.
Red Fort, Delhi
The Red Fort Complex, a palace fort built in 1546 for Emperor Shah Jahan, is a stunning fusion of Persian, Timurid, and Hindu traditions. It is popular for its Red Sandstone Architecture, Moti Masjid. Red Fort has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007.
Dholavira Gujarat
Dholavira, an archaeological site in Gujarat, India, dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization (c. 2500–1500 BCE). It’s known for its well-planned urban layout, advanced water management systems, and remarkable reservoirs. It was first discovered in the year 1967, but excavation here began in 1989. UNESCO declared Dholavira India’s 40th UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021.
Rani Ki Vav, Gujarat
Rani Ki Vav, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Gujarat, India, is a stepwell built by Queen Udayamati in the 11th century. This architectural marvel showcases intricate carvings of deities, mythological scenes, and water-related themes, reflecting the importance of water in the arid region. The Stepwell has been listed as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites since 2014.
Santiniketan, West Bengal
Santiniketan, a cultural and educational hub founded by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, has achieved a coveted place on UNESCO’s World Heritage List (2023). This recognition signifies a major achievement for India and celebrates the lasting legacy of this exceptional institution situated in the Birbhum district of Bengal.
