When in India, visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites is highly recommended! These are the gateway to India’s history and rich heritage. These sites speak volumes about India’s ancient civilizations, spiritual significance and architectural marvels.
In this blog, we will take you to the 10 best UNESCO Sites in India while planning your tour to India. India currently has more than 40 UNESCO sites and we have listed the highly recommended top 10 sites.
Agra Fort, Agra
Agra Fort is an old fort in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. This UNESCO Heritage Site was built by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1573. The fort was the imperial residence of the Emperor and was the seat of power of the Mughal Empire. The massive fort holds stories of invasion, battles, and leadership transitions.
The evidence of these historical activities still remains intact in the fort. The beautiful fort is built in Mughal Architecture with structures made of White Marble and Red Sandstone.
Ajanta Caves
Located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, there lies a group of caves that looks nothing less than an extra terrestrial site. 30 Rock cut caves from a mountain showcasing beautifully carved statues of Buddha, depicting his life and activities. The views inside the caves are surreal and will certainly leave you astonished.
Archeological sites of Nalanda Mahavihara at Nalanda, Bihar
The ruins of Nalanda were once one of the major ancient learning centres in the world. It was a Buddhist monastery and was set up by the Gupta Empire during the 3rd – 6th century CE.
Fatehpur Sikri, Agra
The old town of Fatehpur Sikri was once the capital of the Mughals. It is a walled city and a major tourist attraction near the city of Agra. The massive monument houses numerous small complexes, prayer hall, audience halls and lush-green gardens.
Hill Forts of Rajasthan
Indian state of Rajasthan is known as the land of the Kings. There are numerous forts and palaces and some of them are even recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The places are Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Sawai Madhopur, Jhalawar, Jaipur and Jaisalmer. All these places were commissioned by different rulers and have significant importance in the region’s history.
Jaipur City, Rajasthan
Jaipur city is the capital city of Rajasthan. The city is iconically also called the ‘Pink city of India’ and is adorned with a rich history and heritage. There are numerous attractions and places to visit such as forts, palaces, museums and more. When in Jaipur, you must visit City Palace, Amer Fort, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mahal and Albert Hall Museum.
Khajuraho Group of Monuments, Khajuraho
Located in Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is famous for its intricately carved temples, primarily dedicated to Hindu gods and goddesses, though some are Jain temples as well. These temples date back to the 10th to 12th centuries.
Sun Temple, Konark
Located in Konark, in the Indian state of Odisha, Sun temple is indeed the zenith of temple architecture in India. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu God Sun and is famous for its intricate architecture, all seen in an impeccable symmetry.
Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is one of the seven wonders of the world and is one the most searched landmarks in the world. The 17th century mausoleum is made of pristine white Makrana marble and is indeed an architectural wonder. The story of Taj Mahal symbolises the love of an emperor for his wife.
The Jantar Mantar
Situated in Jaipur and built by a King who himself was fond of Astronomy, Jantar Mantar is indeed a sight to behold. The observatory includes 19 astronomical equipment that are built using old ancient technology to study space; the time when present-day technology didn’t exist.
Summary
UNESCO World Heritage Sites are recognized sites which tell a lot about a land’s history! There are numerous other iconic places in India which you must visit. Speak with our travel planner and make your India tour a lifetime experience.
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