India is a perfect blend of both the ancient and the modern worlds. As one travels across India they can see and experience the diverse terrain, natural landscapes, warm hospitality, vibrant cultures, delectable cuisine and much more. There are 38 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India, all recognized by the UNESCO World Heritage Convention due to their cultural and natural importance.
1. Taj Mahal, Agra
Taj Mahal is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Widely known as the eternal monument of love, the Taj Mahal receives a vast number of tourists from around the world as they come to visit this architectural masterpiece during their India tour. The mausoleum was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Taj is widely believed to be the best example of Mughal architecture and is also known as the Jewel of Muslim Art in India.
Timings: Opens 30 mins. before sunrise till 30 mins. before sunset every day except Fridays
How to reach: Agra, the abode of the Taj Mahal is located around 215 km from Delhi and is well connected to most Indian cities by road. The nearest commercial airport is located in New Delhi. Agra is an integral part of the Indian Golden Triangle.
2. Agra Fort, Agra
The Agra Fort is one of the most important structures built during the reign of the Mughal dynasty. This heritage site in India was established in the Mughal Era during the time of Emperor Akbar. The architecture of the fort is a combination of the Persian and Indian styles of architecture. The Agra Fort includes several buildings within its complex such as Sheesh Mahal, Diwan-e-Khas, Diwan-e-Am and Moti Masjid.
Timings: Open on all days from 6 AM to 6 PM
3. Hill Forts of Rajasthan
The hill forts of Rajasthan was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India in 2013. The six majestic forts are Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Ranthambore, Gagron, Amber and Jaisalmer. These forts are located on the Aravalli Mountain Range in the state of Rajasthan and are popular for their role in Rajput military defense. The sheer size and expanse of these forts once portrayed the power and strength of the Rajputana chiefs. Within the walls of the fort, there are several markets, palaces, temples and trading centers, etc. These forts have some of the most innovative and unique water storage and harvesting systems some of which are still in use to date.
4. Humayun’s Tomb, New Delhi
This heritage site in India was built by Hamida Banu Begum, the wife of Mughal Emperor Humayun between 1565, several years after the death of her beloved husband. This tomb was the inspiration behind the Taj Mahal and is one of the first and finest Mughal architectural masterpieces in India. The monument was the first garden-tomb built in India and houses the highest number of tombs of descendants of the Mughal dynasty.
Timings: Open on all days from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
How to reach: Delhi, the capital of India is connected internationally to all major countries in the world. It is well connected to most Indian cities by air, land and rail.
5. Jantar Mantar, Jaipur
Jantar Mantar an astronomical observatory, created by the Rajput King Sawai Jai Singh of Rajasthan in 1738. It is a collection of 19 man-made astronomical instruments including the world’s largest stone equinoctial sundial. The observatory consists of tools that were used to calculate observe the astronomical positions with the naked eye.
Timings: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on all days of the week
How to reach: Jaipur has an international airport and the city connected to most Indian cities by air, rail, and road.
6. Qutub Minar
One of the most famous Heritage Sites in India, the Qutub Minar was built in 1193 by Qutub-ud-din Aibak of the Mamluk Dynasty, the first Muslim ruler of Delhi after he waged a war and defeated Delhi’s last Hindu Kingdom. The Qutub Minar is one of the buildings located within the Qutub complex, and it occupies the limelight mainly due to its height. The structure is 73 meters tall and has a diameter of 15 m at the base and 2.5 m at the top. The Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, Lal Kot and brick minarets are all a part of the Qutub Minar Complex and representing one of the earliest works of Islamic Architecture in India.
Timings: Open on all days from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
7. Red Fort
Located in the center of the capital city of New Delhi, the Red Fort was built by Emperor Shah Jahan as he shifted his capital city from Agra to Delhi. Thus the fort emerged as the political hub of the Mughals. The Red Fort is the perfect example of the prosperity of the Mughal dynasty. There are little influences of the Indo-Islamic, Timurid, Hindu and Persian forms. The complex is made of red sandstone and houses several other small buildings like theDiwan-i-aam, the Diwan-i-Khas and more. Red Fort is one of the most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India that is directly managed by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Timings: Open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. except on Mondays.
8. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
Formerly known as the Victoria Terminus, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus is currently the headquarters of Central Railway in Mumbai. It was built by Frederick William Stevens who drew inspiration from the Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and the traditional Mughal architecture. This historic monument gave Bombay the recognition of being the International Mercantile Port of India.
How to reach: Mumbai is well connected to other countries across the globe and major Indian cities by air. Mumbai is well connected by road and rail to major Indian cities.
9. Pink City of Jaipur
Jaipur was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites in India in 2019. As the nation’s first planned city and one of the largest cities in India. The city is surrounded by walls and gates decorated with artwork with a beautiful pink hue, making the city look like it’s painted in pink. Jaipur is home to other UNESCO World Heritage sites including Amer Fort and Jantar Mantar. The city is home to magnificent forts, beautiful palaces, ancient temples and amazing museums. Jaipur is a paradise for shopaholics as the city has a variety of local marketplaces from where people could buy local handicrafts and trinkets.
10. Khajuraho Group of Monuments
Khajuraho is a famous UNESCO World Heritage site in India that is located in the state of Madhya Pradesh. This is a unique heritage site is popular for a group of Hindu and Jain Temples that are popular for their Nagara style symbolism and erotic figures and sculptures. These sensuous stone carvings of human and animal form in erotic poses are portrayed very aesthetically and is a symbol of the nation’s cultural heritage. These temples were built between 950 to 1050 under the rule of the Chandella dynasty consisting of about 85 temples with Kandariya temple as the most prominent of them all within the Khajuraho complex.
Timings: Open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day
How to reach: Khajuraho is well connected by road to major Indian cities. There is a direct train from the Khajuraho railway station to New Delhi. Khajuraho also has a domestic airport, which is well-connected to Indian cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Varanasi, Bhopal and Allahabad. UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India are some of the must-see places while you are on a tour of India and get acquainted with these heritage sites that uphold the nation’s culture, history, heritage and traditions.