The complete list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India 2025: 43 Cultural and Natural Wonders You Must Explore | Science & Environment News
India is a civilized country spanning thousands of years and remains a repository of globally popular heritage. As of 2025, India has 43 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – 34 cultures, 7 nature and 2 mixed locations. These sites are the best representative examples of Indian art, architecture and environment richness.
The latest member of the list is “Moidams – The Hill System of the Ashom Dynasty”, recognized in 2024 for its unique historical and archaeological value.
Here is the full list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India:
Cultural World Heritage Site (34)
1. Taj Mahal, Uttar Pradesh
A white marble tomb built by Emperor Shah Jahan for Mumtaz Mahal, symbolizing eternal love.
2. Agra Fort Uttar Pradesh
The 16th-century Mughal fortress, with palaces, mosques and audience halls.
3. Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh
The former Mughal capital is famous for its red sandstone architecture and Buland Darwaza.
4. Humayun’s Grave, Delhi
India’s first garden bomb and the predecessor of the Taj Mahal.
5. Qutub Minar and Delhi
Representing Indian-Islamic architecture the Victory Tower and surrounding ancient buildings.
6. Red Fort Complex in Delhi
The main residence of the Mughal emperor symbolized India’s independence.
7. Monument to Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
Rocky temples and sculptures of the Pallava dynasty on the Coromandel coast.
8. SunTemple, Konark, Odisha
A chariot-shaped temple from the 13th century dedicated to the sun god Surya.
9. Goa Church and Monastery
Religious architecture from the Portuguese era shows European architecture.
10.
The temple is famous for its intricate erotic sculptures and Nagano-style designs.
11. Ajata Cave, Maharashtra
Buddhist rock cave temple with beautiful murals and sculptures.
12. Elora Cave, Maharashtra
A mixture of Hindus, Buddhist and Jana caves, including the magnificent Kaelas Temple.
13. Elephant Cave, Maharashtra
Rock cave, designed for the Lord Shiva on an island near Mumbai.
14. Brihadeeswara Temple in Tamil Nadu
A masterpiece of the Chola dynasty dedicated to the Lord Shiva, known for its towering Vimana.
15. Airavatesvara Temple in Tamil Nadu
A Dravid-style temple rich in sculptures and Chora inscriptions.
16. Tamil Nadu Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple
Another miracle of the Chora Dynasty showed their empire power.
17. Gujarat Rani Ki Vav
Well designed Stepwell with stunning sculptural panels.
18.
A fusion of Hindu and Islamic architecture in historic cityscape.
19. The Great Living Jora Temple, Tamil Nadu
Three Chola temples representing the summit of South Indian temple architecture.
20. Monument Group in Hambi, Karnataka
The ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire are scattered among the boulders.
21. Monument Group in Patadakar, Karnataka
Harmonious fusion of North Indian temple architecture.
twenty two. Rock shelter in Bhimbetka, Madhya Pradesh
The history of prehistoric rock art and cave painting can be traced back to more than 30,000 years.
twenty three.
Stupa and monastery complexes track the development of Buddhist architecture.
twenty four. Mountain Forts in Rajasthan
Six majestic fortresses showcase the military and cultural power of Rajput.
25.
Le Corbusier’s modernist architecture symbolizes Indian urban planning.
26. Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Orchestra in Mumbai
A unique fusion of European architectural styles in colonial architecture in Mumbai.
27. Nalanda Mahavihara, Bihar
Ancient ruins of one of the oldest universities in the world.
28. Jaipur, Rajasthan
It is known as the pink city and represents the urban layout planned in the 18th century.
29. Ramapa Temple, Trangana
A 13th-century temple famous for its intricate carvings and “floating” bricks.
30. Dholavira, Gujarat
Well preserved Harappan era city with advanced urban planning.
31. Holy ensemble of Karnataka Hoysalas
The temples of Belur, Halebid and Somnathpura, with intricate stone sculptures and rich portraits.
32. Santiniketan, West Bengal
Founded by Rabindranath Tagore, it is a hub for modern education and art in India.
33. Moidams – Hilly System of the Ahom Dynasty in Assam (added in 2024)
The Royal Burial Mound reflects the unique funeral architecture of the Ahome rulers.
34. Temple of Bell and Halibidu (as part of the sacred ensemble)
Part of the newly recognized Hoysala Temple Group, known for its intricate carvings.
Natural World Heritage Site (7)
1. Kaziranga National Park in Assam
Known for its single-horned rhino and diverse fauna.
2. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam
UNESCO biodiversity hotspot in the Himalayan foothills.
3. Kiraddo National Park in Rajasthan
Birdwatchers’ paradise and an important overwintering place for migratory birds.
4. Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal
The largest mangrove forest in the world is the location of the Royal Bengal tiger.
5. Nanda Devihe Flowers in Uttarakhand
Alpine meadows and snowy peaks with unique Himalayan flora and fauna.
6. Western Ghats (Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra)
One of the eight “hot spots” of biodiversity in the world.
7. Himalayan National Park, Himaal Pradesh
Home to endangered species in the unspoiled Himalayan ecosystem.
Mixed World Heritage Site (2)
1.
A sacred landscape that combines natural beauty with indigenous cultural significance.
2. NandaDevi Biosphere Reserve (under Flower Valley)
Recognized for its ecological diversity and spiritual heritage.
India’s 43 UNESCO World Heritage Sites reflect its status as a cultural and ecological power. From ancient cities and temples to national parks and sacred mountains, these places not only provide glimpses of the past, but also remind us of future generations who have a responsibility to preserve our shared heritage.
(With UNESCO World Heritage Conference investment, image source: freepik)
(This article is for your general information only. Zee News does not guarantee its accuracy or reliability.)
