India is a country known for its rich culture, deep history, and beautiful natural heritage. The nation proudly holds 44 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India, each reflecting its unique story and importance. These sites are recognized by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) for their cultural, historical, or natural value.
The inclusion of the Maratha Military Landscapes of India in 2025 as the 44th site once again highlights India’s heritage diversity. From ancient caves and grand forts to beautiful temples and green national parks, the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India represent the true spirit of the country. They remind us how India’s traditions and art have stood strong for centuries.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India
The UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India are special places selected by UNESCO for their universal value. These places may be cultural, natural, or both. India joined the UNESCO World Heritage Convention in 1977 and received its first recognitions in 1983. The first sites to be included were Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves, Agra Fort, and the Taj Mahal.
There are 44 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India as for 2025, including 36 cultural sites, 7 natural sites, and 1 mixed site, Khangchendzonga National Park in Sikkim. These sites are not just monuments; they are part of India’s identity. They help preserve ancient knowledge, architecture, and biodiversity for future generations.
From the caves of Maharashtra to the mountain railways of the Himalayas, each site represents a piece of India’s long and proud history.
Newly Added UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India
India continues to add new sites to its World Heritage list, showing its dedication to protecting history and culture. The latest addition, Maratha Military Landscapes of India, was officially included in 2025 during the 47th World Heritage Committee session. It became India’s 44th World Heritage Site.
Before this, in 2024, the Moidams – the Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty from Assam was added as the 43rd site. These new additions display India’s cultural strength and its regional diversity.
The Maratha Military Landscapes include several historical forts built by the Maratha rulers, known for their strong defense design and hilltop architecture. They represent the strategic planning and creativity of India’s historical military architecture.
Such additions to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India list make India one of the top countries in the world in terms of heritage recognition. They also attract researchers, historians, and tourists from across the globe.
Types of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India
The UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India are classified into three types: Cultural, Natural, and Mixed.
- Cultural Sites: These include monuments, temples, forts, and historical towns that represent India’s art, architecture, and traditions. Examples are the Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Jaipur City, and Rani-ki-Vav. India has 36 such sites.
- Natural Sites: These are areas of natural beauty and biodiversity, such as national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Examples are Kaziranga National Park, Sundarbans National Park, and the Western Ghats. There are 7 natural sites in India.
- Mixed Sites: These hold both cultural and natural importance. India has one such site—Khangchendzonga National Park in Sikkim.
List of 44 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India
The following is the complete list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India along with their type and year of recognition:
| Site Name | Location | Year | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ajanta Caves | Maharashtra | 1983 | Cultural |
| Ellora Caves | Maharashtra | 1983 | Cultural |
| Agra Fort | Uttar Pradesh | 1983 | Cultural |
| Taj Mahal | Uttar Pradesh | 1983 | Cultural |
| Sun Temple, Konark | Odisha | 1984 | Cultural |
| Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram | Tamil Nadu | 1984 | Cultural |
| Kaziranga National Park | Assam | 1985 | Natural |
| Manas Wildlife Sanctuary | Assam | 1985 | Natural |
| Keoladeo National Park | Rajasthan | 1985 | Natural |
| Churches and Convents of Goa | Goa | 1986 | Cultural |
| Khajuraho Group of Monuments | Madhya Pradesh | 1986 | Cultural |
| Group of Monuments at Hampi | Karnataka | 1986 | Cultural |
| Fatehpur Sikri | Uttar Pradesh | 1986 | Cultural |
| Group of Monuments at Pattadakal | Karnataka | 1987 | Cultural |
| Elephanta Caves | Maharashtra | 1987 | Cultural |
| Great Living Chola Temples | Tamil Nadu | 1987 | Cultural |
| Sundarbans National Park | West Bengal | 1987 | Natural |
| Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks | Uttarakhand | 1988 | Natural |
| Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi | Madhya Pradesh | 1989 | Cultural |
| Humayun’s Tomb | Delhi | 1993 | Cultural |
| Qutb Minar and its Monuments | Delhi | 1993 | Cultural |
| Mountain Railways of India | Multiple States | 1999 | Cultural |
| Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya | Bihar | 2002 | Cultural |
| Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka | Madhya Pradesh | 2003 | Cultural |
| Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus | Maharashtra | 2004 | Cultural |
| Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park | Gujarat | 2004 | Cultural |
| Red Fort Complex | Delhi | 2007 | Cultural |
| Jantar Mantar, Jaipur | Rajasthan | 2010 | Cultural |
| Western Ghats | Multiple States | 2012 | Natural |
| Hill Forts of Rajasthan | Rajasthan | 2013 | Cultural |
| Rani-ki-Vav | Gujarat | 2014 | Cultural |
| Great Himalayan National Park | Himachal Pradesh | 2014 | Natural |
| Nalanda Mahavihara | Bihar | 2016 | Cultural |
| Khangchendzonga National Park | Sikkim | 2016 | Mixed |
| Architectural Work of Le Corbusier | Chandigarh | 2016 | Cultural |
| Historic City of Ahmedabad | Gujarat | 2017 | Cultural |
| Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai | Maharashtra | 2018 | Cultural |
| Jaipur City | Rajasthan | 2019 | Cultural |
| Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple | Telangana | 2021 | Cultural |
| Dholavira: a Harappan City | Gujarat | 2021 | Cultural |
| Santiniketan | West Bengal | 2023 | Cultural |
| Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas | Karnataka | 2023 | Cultural |
| Moidams – Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty | Assam | 2024 | Cultural |
| Maratha Military Landscapes of India | Maharashtra | 2025 | Cultural |
Importance of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India
The UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India hold great national and international importance. They are not just tourist attractions but also living records of India’s culture and creativity. These sites promote tourism, create jobs, and help local communities grow.
They also teach younger generations the value of heritage preservation. Natural sites like Kaziranga and Sundarbans highlight the need to protect wildlife, while cultural sites like the Taj Mahal and Hampi show the brilliance of ancient Indian architecture.
Moreover, inclusion in the UNESCO list brings global attention, support for conservation, and cultural exchange. It also increases India’s prestige on the world stage. These sites remind us that heritage is not only about monuments but also about people and traditions that give them meaning.
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FAQs
Q1. How many UNESCO World Heritage Sites are there in India in 2025?
Ans. There are 44 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India as of 2025.
Q2. What was India’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Ans. The first sites were Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves, Agra Fort, and Taj Mahal in 1983.
Q3. Which is the newest UNESCO World Heritage Site in India?
Ans. The Maratha Military Landscapes of India, added in 2025, is the latest.
Q4. How many natural UNESCO World Heritage Sites are in India?
Ans. India has 7 natural UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Q5. Why are UNESCO World Heritage Sites important?
Ans. They help protect valuable cultural and natural heritage for future generations.
