UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India 2025: List of 44 Sites
India has 44 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (36 cultural, 7 natural, 1 mixed), placing it 6th globally. The article covers the complete list, including the 2025 additions like Maratha Military Landscapes and new tentative geological sites (Deccan Traps, St. Mary's Island, etc.), and explains the selection criteria.
UPSC Mains
GS I
Indian Heritage and Culture
Latest Update
Gajendra Singh Godara
Apr 21, 2025
8
mins read
India holds a unique place in global history. You see this reflected in its stunning architecture and diverse landscapes. The total UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India now stands at 44. This impressive number places India sixth globally for heritage recognition.
You might be looking for a detailed list of world heritage sites in India or checking the latest updates. This guide covers the complete list, the breakdown of categories, and the exciting new additions to the tentative list in 2025.
Understanding UNESCO World Heritage Sites
What Are UNESCO World Heritage Sites?
UNESCO World Heritage Sites are landmarks or areas recognized for outstanding cultural, historical, or natural significance. They are protected under the World Heritage Convention, an international treaty administered by UNESCO. The final inscription is decided by the World Heritage Committee. These sites represent humanity's shared heritage and are preserved for future generations, serving as vital subjects for Indian culture and heritage for UPSC.
Types of Sites: These protected areas encompass diverse categories: ancient ruins, monuments, architectural ensembles, historic cities, cultural landscapes, forests, mountains, and wilderness areas. Each representing the universal value of human and natural heritage.
Global Recognition: As of December 2025, there are 1,223 World Heritage Sites across 168 countries, with 952 cultural sites, 231 natural sites, and 40 mixed sites selected for their outstanding universal value.
Famous Examples Worldwide: Globally recognized sites include the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the Pyramids of Egypt, and the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. Each showcasing humanity's cultural or natural treasures.
How Many World Heritage Sites in India?
The official count is 44.
Many people still search for "42 world heritage sites in India," but that number is outdated. In 2024, the Moidams of Assam were added to the list, bringing the total to 44.
The sites are divided into three clear categories:
36 Cultural Sites: These include temples, forts, and ancient caves.
7 Natural Sites: These protect wildlife and unique ecosystems.
1 Mixed Site: This site is recognized for both cultural and natural value.
List of 44 UNESCO Sites
S.No | UNESCO Site Name | Year(s) of Inscription | Category |
1 | Agra Fort | 1983 | Cultural |
2 | Ajanta Caves | 1983 | Cultural |
3 | Ellora Caves | 1983 | Cultural |
4 | Taj Mahal | 1983 | Cultural |
5 | Sun Temple, Konark | 1984 | Cultural |
6 | Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram | 1984 | Cultural |
7 | Kaziranga National Park | 1985 | Natural |
8 | Keoladeo National Park | 1985 | Natural |
9 | Manas Wildlife Sanctuary | 1985 | Natural |
10 | Churches and Convents of Goa | 1986 | Cultural |
11 | Fatehpur Sikri | 1986 | Cultural |
12 | Group of Monuments at Hampi | 1986 | Cultural |
13 | Khajuraho Group of Monuments | 1986 | Cultural |
14 | Elephanta Caves | 1987 | Cultural |
15 | Great Living Chola Temples | 1987, 2004 | Cultural |
16 | Group of Monuments at Pattadakal | 1987 | Cultural |
17 | Sundarbans National Park | 1987 | Natural |
18 | Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers | 1988, 2005 | Natural |
19 | Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi | 1989 | Cultural |
20 | Humayun’s Tomb | 1993 | Cultural |
21 | Qutb Minar and its Monuments | 1993 | Cultural |
22 | Mountain Railways of India | 1999, 2005, 2008 | Cultural |
23 | Mahabodhi Temple Complex in Bodh Gaya | 2002 | Cultural |
24 | Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka | 2003 | Cultural |
25 | Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park | 2004 | Cultural |
26 | Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus | 2004 | Cultural |
27 | Red Fort Complex | 2007 | Cultural |
28 | The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur | 2010 | Cultural |
29 | Western Ghats | 2012 | Natural |
30 | Hill Forts of Rajasthan | 2013 | Cultural |
31 | Rani-ki-Vav | 2014 | Cultural |
32 | Great Himalayan National Park | 2014 | Natural |
33 | Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara | 2016 | Cultural |
34 | The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier | 2016 | Cultural |
35 | Khangchendzonga National Park | 2016 | Mixed |
36 | Historic City of Ahmedabad | 2017 | Cultural |
37 | Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai | 2018 | Cultural |
38 | Jaipur City | 2019 | Cultural |
39 | Dholavira: A Harappan City | 2021 | Cultural |
40 | Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple | 2021 | Cultural |
41 | Santiniketan | 2023 | Cultural |
42 | Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas | 2023 | Cultural |
43 | Moidams | 2024 | Cultural |
44 | Maratha Military Landscapes of India | 2025 | Cultural |
The Cultural Heritage of India
India boasts 36 cultural sites. These locations showcase the country's rich history, from ancient rock carvings to modern architecture, a major part of the GS Paper 1 Art and Culture syllabus (see the full UPSC Syllabus). Other forms of heritage are also significant, such as those covered by GI Tags in India – Cultural & Economic Significance. For more in-depth preparation, consider this High-Yield History Guide for UPSC Prelims 2025.
The Pattadakal UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Pattadakal UNESCO World Heritage Site in Karnataka deserves your special attention. This site represents the peak of the Chalukya dynasty's architectural style. It is famous for a harmonious blend of Northern (Nagara) and Southern (Dravidian) temple art. The Virupaksha Temple here is a masterpiece you must see.
Complete List of Cultural Sites
Agra Fort (1983): A red sandstone fortress near the Taj Mahal.
Ajanta Caves (1983): Rock-cut Buddhist caves famous for ancient frescoes.
Ellora Caves (1983): A complex featuring Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain temples.
Taj Mahal (1983): The white marble symbol of love in Agra.
Sun Temple, Konark (1984): A temple designed as a massive chariot for the Sun God. This spectacular monument was first built in the 13th century by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty.
Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram (1984): Famous for its Shore Temple and rock carvings.
Churches and Convents of Goa (1986): Evidence of Portuguese history in India.
Fatehpur Sikri (1986): Emperor Akbar's abandoned capital city.
Group of Monuments at Hampi (1986): The ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Khajuraho Group of Monuments (1986): Temples renowned for intricate sculptures.
Elephanta Caves (1987): Island caves dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Great Living Chola Temples (1987, 2004): Massive temples that are still active places of worship.
Group of Monuments at Pattadakal (1987): A fusion of architectural styles.
Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi (1989): Home to the oldest stone structures in India.
Humayun’s Tomb (1993): The garden tomb that inspired the Taj Mahal.
Qutb Minar and its Monuments (1993): The tallest brick minaret in the world.
Mountain Railways of India (1999, 2005, 2008): Engineering marvels in Darjeeling, Nilgiri, and Shimla.
Mahabodhi Temple Complex in Bodh Gaya (2002): Recognized for its profound significance as the site where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment and became the Buddha.
Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (2003): Cave paintings dating back 30,000 years.
Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park (2004): A prehistoric and medieval landscape.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (2004): A stunning example of Victorian Gothic architecture in Mumbai.
Red Fort Complex (2007): The massive fort symbolizing Mughal power in Delhi.
The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur (2010): An 18th-century astronomical observatory, famously commissioned by Maharaja Jai Singh II.
Hill Forts of Rajasthan (2013): Six majestic forts including Chittorgarh and Jaisalmer.
Rani-ki-Vav (2014): A subterranean stepwell in Gujarat designed as an inverted temple.
Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara (2016): An ancient university in Bihar.
The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier (2016): Modernist buildings in Chandigarh.
Historic City of Ahmedabad (2017): India's first UNESCO World Heritage City.
Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai (2018): A collection of 19th-century public buildings.
Jaipur City (2019): The famous "Pink City" known for its grid planning.
Dholavira: A Harappan City (2021): A well-planned city from the Indus Valley Civilization.
Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple (2021): Known for its floating bricks and intricate carvings.
Santiniketan (2023): The educational center founded by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore.
Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas (2023): The star-shaped temples of Belur, Halebid, and Somanathapura.
Moidams (2024): The royal burial mounds of the Ahom dynasty in Assam.
Maratha Military Landscapes of India (2025): Collection of 12 forts including 11 in Maharashtra (like Raigad, Shivneri, Lohagad, Pratapgad, Panhala, etc. and one in Tamil Nadu - Gingee Fort)
Natural World Heritage Sites in India
India protects its varied ecosystems through these 7 recognised sites, which also form a crucial part of Indian geography for UPSC.
Kaziranga National Park (1985): Famous for hosting two-thirds of the world's great one-horned rhinoceroses.
Keoladeo National Park (1985): A critical wintering ground for migratory birds.
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (1985): A biodiversity hotspot in the Himalayan foothills.
Sundarbans National Park (1987): The largest mangrove forest on earth and home to the Royal Bengal Tiger.
Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers (1988, 2005): A high-altitude wilderness with rare alpine flowers.
Western Ghats (2012): One of the world's eight "hottest hotspots" of biological diversity. This ecological significance is tied to the concept of Biosphere Reserves in India & UNESCO MAB recognition.
Great Himalayan National Park (2014): Protects high-altitude alpine meadows and snow leopards.
Mixed World Heritage Site in India
There is currently only one UNESCO World Heritage Site in India classified as "Mixed".
Khangchendzonga National Park (2016): Located in Sikkim, this site is unique. It protects the world's third-highest peak and the sacred landscape worshipped by the indigenous people.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites Selection Criteria
To qualify for the World Heritage List, a site must demonstrate Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) by meeting at least one of ten criteria assessed by ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites) or IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). Additionally, sites must meet conditions of integrity and, for cultural properties, authenticity.
Cultural Criteria
Represents a masterpiece of human creative genius
Exhibits an important interchange of human values
Bears unique testimony to a cultural tradition
Outstanding example of architecture, technology, or landscape
Traditional human settlement or land/sea use
Associated with events, ideas, or beliefs of universal significance
Natural Criteria
Contains superlative natural phenomena or beauty
Represents major stages of Earth's history
Example of significant ecological and biological processes
Important natural habitat for biodiversity conservation
New Tentative List Additions in 2025
The "Tentative List" is the waiting room for World Heritage status. A site must be on this list for a year before nomination. In 2025, India added 7 significant natural sites that focus on geological history rather than just biodiversity. Keeping track of new additions is key for UNESCO-related current affairs.
1. Deccan Traps (Maharashtra)
Located at Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar, these massive volcanic features show Earth's fiery history. They represent one of the largest volcanic eruptions in geological history.
2. St. Mary’s Island (Karnataka)
This cluster off the Malpe coast features unique hexagonal rock columns. These 88-million-year-old formations provide vital clues about how India separated from Madagascar.
3. Meghalayan Age Caves (Meghalaya)
The Mawmluh Cave contains stalagmites that define the current geological age. These formations hold climate records from a mega-drought that occurred 4,200 years ago.
4. Naga Hill Ophiolite (Nagaland)
This site in the Kiphire district offers a rare glimpse into ancient oceanic crust exposed on land. It is a key location for understanding plate tectonics.
5. Erra Matti Dibbalu (Andhra Pradesh)
These rare red sand dunes near Visakhapatnam are a geological marvel. They serve as a unique archive of the Earth's dynamic history and coastal evolution.
6. Tirumala Hills (Andhra Pradesh)
Beyond their spiritual fame, these hills are a geological treasure. They feature the "Eparchaean Unconformity" and a natural arch that is 1.5 billion years old.
7. Varkala Cliffs (Kerala)
These coastal cliffs are the only place in southern Kerala where tertiary sedimentary formations overlook the Arabian Sea. They reveal crucial data about ancient sea levels.
Other 2025 Cultural Proposals
India also proposed several cultural sites this year:
Kanger Valley National Park (Chhattisgarh): Known for limestone caves.
Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs (Telangana): Ancient standing stones from the Iron Age.
Ashokan Edict Sites: Rock inscriptions that document the Mauryan emperor's ethical governance.
Chausath Yogini Temples: A series of rare circular temples dedicated to Goddess Durga.
Gupta Temples: Architectural gems from India's "Golden Age".
Palace-Fortresses of the Bundelas: Majestic forts in Central India blending Rajput and Mughal styles.
UPSC PYQs
UNESCO sites are a core topic, making them important static GK topics for UPSC Prelims. Find more UPSC GK Questions (Topic-wise) to practice. To test your knowledge on sites like these, download the UPSC Previous Year Question Papers PDF. Learning about these sites will also improve your ability on how to write culture answers in UPSC Mains. Learn How to make effective UPSC notes to structure your answers.
Q1. Consider the following properties included in the World Heritage List released by UNESCO: (UPSC Prelims 2024)
1. Shantiniketan
2. Rani-ki-Vav
3. Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas
4. Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya
How many of the above properties were included in 2023?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Ans: (b)
This expansion of the list signals a shift in India's strategy. The focus is moving toward "geological heritage" and sustainable tourism. Inclusion on the UNESCO list helps protect these fragile sites from unregulated mining and urbanization, an essential aspect of environment and conservation topics for UPSC. It also opens doors for specialized "geotourism" that benefits local economies without harming the environment. You can enhance your study with AI-based UPSC preparation tools for revision.
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