Top 10 World Heritage Sites of India as declared by UNESCO

India has a rich cultural heritage due to its glorious past. There are a vast number of architectural prodigies in India. UNESCO categorized these cultural heritages as the world heritage sites. They hold some universal importance. The Top 10 world heritage sites in India are listed below depending on their historical and popularity importance. They are as follows:

1. TAJ MAHAL:

Taj Mahal is situated in Agra, Taj Mahal is listed amongst the Seven Wonders of the World. It was constructed by the prodigious Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the remembrance of his adored wife, Mumtaz.

The building of Taj Mahal accomplished in the year 1943. This white marble mausoleum consists of a mosque as well as a guest house. Taj Mahal is considered as the jewel of Muslim art.

It shows different shades during the day, night and evening and even changes its mood according to the seasons in a year.

For example, it turns slight pinkish in the morning, golden in the moonlight and milky white during the evening hour. In the year 1983, it was listed in the UNESCO world heritage site.

 

2. THE SUN TEMPLE:

Konark Sun Temple is one of the oldest heritages of India. Located on the shores of Bay of Bengal, this architectural marvel was built in the 13^th It was dedicated to Sun God Surya by the king of Eastern Ganga Dynasty, king Narasimhadeva.

The twelve pairs of wheels are the main attraction of this temple. The wheels are located at the base of the temple. It is believed that the wheel’s spokes create a sundial and tells the time. In between every two stones of the Sun Temple, an iron plate is present.

3. QUTUB MINAR:

This tall architecture is located a few kilometers south of New Delhi. The red sandstone tower was built during the 13^th Its height is 72.5 meters, the peak diameter is about 2.75 meters whereas at the base of Qutub Minar the diameter is 14.32 meters.

It surrounded by several funerary buildings which include two mosques, Alai-Darwaza gate and the famous Indo-Muslim art built in the year 1311.

It also serves as the home for the 23 ft. Iron Pillar of Delhi. In the year 1993, the tower along with its surrounding archaeological areas was listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in India.

4. MONUMENTS OF KHAJURAHO:

The monuments of Khajuraho depicts the majestic past of our country. It was listed by UNESCO as a world heritage site due to its significant and unique temples. Each of the temples has three main parts. These are the entrance, the assembly hall and the sanctum.

It was constructed during the Chandel Empire in 1050 AD. It is located in a small district of Madhya Pradesh.

Near about 85 temples in Khajuraho was destroyed due to natural calamities and the remaining 22 temples are still present. The western geographical division of Khajuraho consists of Jaddambi temple, Chitragupta temple, and Kandariya Mahadeva.

It is located in a small district of Madhya Pradesh. Near about 85 temples in Khajuraho was destroyed due to natural calamities and the remaining 22 temples are still present.

The western geographical division of Khajuraho consists of Jaddambi temple, Chitragupta temple, and Kandariya Mahadeva.

 

5. KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK:

The Kaziranga national park is the home to the highest density of tigers. In 2006, this national park was declared as a Tiger Reserve.

It was established in the year 1905 and stretches from east to west along the Brahmaputra River. Again, in the year 1950, this park was given a new name known as the Kaziranga wildlife sanctuary. It also consists of tall grasses, dense tropical forests and a few small water bodies.

It was also declared as one of world heritage sites by UNESCO. It is not allowed for the tourists to get inside the park but walking outside the boundary of the park proves to be an eye-catching view.

 

6. MAHABODHI TEMPLE:

Bodhgaya, a place in Bihar, is considered as the place where Buddha attained enlightenment. This temple was built in 260 BC by Emperor Ashoka. During the opening and closing hours of the temple, chanting and meditation are conducted on a daily basis.

The entire complex has a soothing ambiance which is crafted and well maintained. The Mahabodhi temple is situated to the east of Bodhi tree. During Buddha Jayanti, this place attracts many tourists. In the year 2002, the Mahabodhi temple was marked as one of the heritage sites by the UNESCO.
 

7. MOUNTAIN RAILWAYS OF INDIA:

West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Himachal Pradesh are the three states which have the mountain railways of India.

In West Bengal, the Darjeeling-Himalayan railway, in Tamil Nadu, the Nilgiri Mountain Railways and in Himachal Pradesh, the Kalka-Shimla railways are the three lines that are functionally operating in the hilly terrains of India.

8. CHOLA TEMPLES:

Stretching over a vast area in Tamil Nadu, South India, the Chola temples were built by the kings of the Chola dynasty during the 11^th and 12^th The three Chola temples showcase the archaeological art and culture of the Cholas.

The Brihadisvara temple, the Airavatesvara temple, and the Gangaikodancholisvaram temple are the three famous Chola temples.

During the year 1987, UNESCO declared the Chola temples as one of the world heritage sites. Winter season is the perfect time to visit the Chola temples. From 6.30 a.m. in the morning to 8.30 p.m. the temple remains open.

9. FATEHPUR SHIKRI:

During the Mughal reign in India, Fatehpur Sikri, the city of victory was built.

Fatehpur Sikri was considered as the luxurious capital of the Mughal Empire. It has the unique blend of both religious beliefs as well as India’s architectural excellence. It consists of mosques, palaces and beautiful courtyards which are built in red sandstone.

10. AJANTA CAVES:

Ajanta Caves is located in the Aurangabad district, Ajanta Caves stands amongst the finest spectacles of Indian art and culture.

Excavated by the Buddhist monks, this cave is also one of the oldest cave monuments since 2^nd century BC. There are about 30 horseshoe shaped caves, each of which has a height of 76 meters.

Until 1819, this cave was hidden but it was during this year when a British Officer once again rediscovered the cave accidentally. The Ajanta Caves are embellished with beautiful paintings.