6 Must Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites In India

UNESCO World Heritage Sites is designed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. General Conference on International Cultural Heritage set them up to preserve the world of natural and cultural heritage. UNESCO works closely with other international organizations to list the site as a World Heritage Site. This is done by analyzing the sites about their status in the culture, history, and humanity in general. A site is only listed as a World Heritage Site if it meets these high standards. There are many UNESCO world heritage sites in India. But, in this article, I will let you know the top 6 UNESCO world heritage sites of India.

# Keoladeo National Park

Keoladeo National Park is also known as Bharatpur bird sanctuary. It is located in Rajasthan state. It is home to 366 species of birds. However, it is also known as the wintering and nesting area for many non-indigenous, migratory bird species. It was initially a duck shooting area. Later, it was made an artificial wetland/place. It covers 29 kilometers. Hunting is prohibited in this area, and it is a crime. There are 379 species of birds and 50 species of fish. This is an example of India’s rich biological heritage.

# Bodh Gaya

Bodh Gaya is approximately 96kms from Patna in Bihar. It is one of the Indian heritage places and on the list of UNESCO. This is an important religious center for Buddhists as it was where Mahatma Buddha achieved enlightenment. The sacred Bodhi tree is where Siddhartha attained enlightenment and was later made Gautam Buddha. In the reign of Ashoka, the famous Mahabodhi Temple was built in approximately 250 BCE. It is one of the oldest Buddhist temples. The Mahabodhi Temple Complex in Bodh Gaya currently includes the Mahabodhi Temple Complex, 50m high. It also contains the sacred Bodhi tree, six sacred sites of Buddha’s enlightenment. Due to all these factors, Bodh Gaya is the most sacred pilgrimage spot of Buddhists.

# Kanchenjunga National Park

Kangchenjunga National Park is located in the Himalayan Ranges of north and west Sikkim. It was declared a world heritage site in 2016. This brings the total number of Indian world heritage sites to 35. It covers more than 850 sq. km. It is at an elevation of 1,829m to 8,500m above sea level. Kangchendzonga National Park also includes Kanchenjunga Peak, which is the third highest peak in the world. It is well-known for its fauna, including snow leopards being spotted occasionally. Trekkers will find few trekking routes within the national park.

# Jantar Mantar

Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory in Rajasthan. It was built in the 18th century. It is an observatory that astronomers use to determine the time. It was built by Rajput King Sawai Jai Singh, Rajasthan, in 1738 CE. It contains 19 astronomical instruments, including the largest-ever stone Sundial. All of these instruments were made by man. This observatory contains tools used to calculate celestial coordinates, the horizon–zenith network, the earth equatorial system, and the ecliptic. This monument is one of India’s most well-preserved observatories is a fine example of India’s scientific and cultural heritage.

# Western Ghats

The western coast of the Indian Peninsula is home to the Western Ghats and the Sahyadri Mountain Ranges. The range extends from the west edge to the Deccan Plateau, running north-south. There are several national parks, reserves, forests, and wildlife sanctuaries within the range. These include Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. It covers 160000 km2 and has a length of 1600 km, a width of 100 km, and 1200m. It is home to exceptional biodiversity and ranks in the top 8 of the World’s Biological Hot Spots Locations. About 325 species of fauna and flora are in the forests of the Western Ghats including rare, and endangered species.

# Nanda Devi Peak

Nanda Devi is the highest mountain peak in Uttarakhand. It is also the highest peak in India. This is because Kanchenjunga shares its border with Nepal. The mountain has 2 peaks. The eastern peak is called the Sunanda Devi. It is a mountain that has been a symbol of Hinduism since the time of Upanishads and Puranas. It is located at a height of 6400m above sea level.