The UNESCO World Heritage Site designation is established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The General Conference on International Cultural Heritage initiated this program to safeguard the world's natural and cultural heritage. UNESCO collaborates closely with other international bodies to designate sites as World Heritage Sites.
The designation process involves evaluating sites based on their cultural, historical, and universal significance. A site is only granted World Heritage status if it meets these stringent criteria. India is home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and in this article, I will highlight the top 9 of them.
# Keoladeo National ParkAlso known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Keoladeo National Park is situated in Rajasthan and is home to 366 bird species. It serves as a crucial wintering and nesting ground for numerous migratory birds. Originally established as a duck hunting reserve, it was later transformed into an artificial wetland covering 29 square kilometers. Hunting is strictly prohibited, and violations are considered criminal. The park also hosts 379 bird species and 50 fish species, showcasing India’s rich biological diversity.
# Bodh GayaLocated approximately 96 kilometers from Patna in Bihar, Bodh Gaya is a significant heritage site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a vital religious center for Buddhists, as it is where Mahatma Buddha attained enlightenment under the sacred Bodhi tree. The Mahabodhi Temple, constructed during Ashoka's reign around 250 BCE, is one of the oldest Buddhist temples. The Mahabodhi Temple Complex includes the 50-meter-high temple, the Bodhi tree, and six sacred sites of Buddha’s enlightenment, making it a major pilgrimage destination for Buddhists.
# Kanchenjunga National ParkSituated in the Himalayan Ranges of north and west Sikkim, Kanchenjunga National Park was designated a World Heritage Site in 2016, bringing India’s total to 35. The park spans over 850 square kilometers and ranges from 1,829 meters to 8,500 meters in elevation. It includes Kanchenjunga Peak, the third highest peak in the world, and is renowned for its diverse fauna, including occasional sightings of snow leopards. The park also offers various trekking routes for adventurers.
# Jantar MantarJantar Mantar in Rajasthan, built in the 18th century by Rajput King Sawai Jai Singh, is an astronomical observatory renowned for its 19 astronomical instruments, including the largest stone sundial ever constructed. Established in 1738 CE, this observatory was designed to determine celestial coordinates and time. It is one of India’s best-preserved observatories and exemplifies the country’s scientific and cultural heritage.
# The Western GhatsThe Western Ghats, extending along the western edge of the Indian Peninsula from the Deccan Plateau, cover Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. This mountain range spans 1,600 kilometers in length, 100 kilometers in width, and reaches heights of up to 1,200 meters. It is known for its exceptional biodiversity, ranking among the world’s top eight biological hotspots, with approximately 325 species of fauna and flora, including many rare and endangered species.
# Nanda Devi PeakNanda Devi is the highest mountain peak in Uttarakhand and India, as Kanchenjunga straddles the border with Nepal. The peak has two summits, with the eastern one named Sunanda Devi. The mountain has been a symbol of Hinduism since the Upanishads and Puranas and stands at 6,400 meters above sea level.
# Valley of FlowersThe Valley of Flowers National Park, located near Nanda Devi Peak, stretches 8 kilometers in length and 2 kilometers in width. It is renowned for its stunning array of flowers that blanket the valley. The park is home to over 600 species of flora and more than 520 species of fauna, showcasing India’s rich natural heritage.
# Kumbh MelaKumbh Mela is India’s largest religious festival, recognized on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list for its profound cultural significance. Held every three years in Haridwar, Ujjain, Prayagraj (Allahabad), and Nashik, it attracts millions of devotees and spectators, making it a living testament to India’s cultural traditions.
# Manas Wildlife SanctuaryLocated in Assam, Manas Wildlife Sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a protected area named after Goddess Manasa. The sanctuary features lush green forests and dense vegetation and is a Project Tiger Reserve, Elephant Reserve, and Biosphere Reserve. It is home to many endangered species, making it a crucial site for wildlife conservation in India.