Discover India’s UNESCO Heritage: 5 Must-See Sites

India World Heritage 2024: India is filled with majestic wonders, whether it’s the Taj Mahal, Charminar Minar, or the ruins of the ancient city of Hampi. Each site tells a unique story and showcases India’s rich cultural history.

In order to protect and preserve these sites for future generations, UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) has inscribed these sites on the World Heritage List over the past few years.

Here are five recently added, historically important World Heritage sites. These sites are not only of great significance to India but also of global importance in terms of cultural heritage.

5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

A total of 43 monuments are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, the latest of which is the Moidam tomb system of the Ahom dynasty.

Moidams are ancient tombs built by the Ahom people of Assam, India. This unique burial system reflects the cultural and historical significance of the Ahom Dynasty.

Below is the list of top 5 sites in India that are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List:

1. Moidam – The burial system of the Ahom dynasty

Source: Times Now

  • Location: Assam, India
  • Founded: 17th century
  • Significance: Moidam, or burials, are a unique funerary tradition of the Ahom dynasty that showcase their rich cultural heritage.
  • Architecture: These mounds are characterized by earthen structures, often decorated with intricate carvings and symbols representing the deceased.
  • Cultural Importance: They reflect the Ahom people’s belief in life after death and reverence for their ancestors, making them vital to understanding the history of the region.
  • Recognized by UNESCO: It will be included in the World Heritage List as the 43rd World Heritage in 2024, highlighting its historical and cultural significance.

2. Shantiniketan

Source: “Visit India”

  • Location: Birbhum district, West Bengal
  • Date of establishment: 1901
  • Founder: Rabindranath Tagore, Nobel Prize winner and cultural icon.
  • Significance: Santiniketan is famous for its educational philosophy that combines nature with learning and promotes holistic education.
  • Architecture: The site combines traditional Indian and modern architectural styles and includes open-air classrooms and art galleries.
  • Cultural Activities: This is home to the famous Poush Mela, which celebrates Bengali culture through music, dance and art. It will be listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2023.

3. Holy Land of Hoysala Empire

Source: Holiday Mall of India

  • Location: Karnataka, India
  • Time of establishment: 10th century to 14th century
  • Significance: These sites exemplify the architectural splendor of the Hoysala dynasty and are known for their intricate carvings and unique temple designs.
  • Architecture: Temples are usually built of soapstone and have star-shaped bases with elaborate sculptures depicting Hindu deities and mythological scenes.
  • Cultural Importance: They are important pilgrimage sites and reflect the religious and artistic achievements of the Hoysala period. It will be included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2023.

4. Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple

Source: Hans India

  • Location: Telangana, India
  • Founded: 12th century
  • Significance: Known for its unique architecture and intricate carvings, this temple showcases the artistic talent of the Kakatiya dynasty.
  • Architecture: Known for its red sandstone architecture and unique shikhara (tower), whose intricate sculptures tell the story of the Hindu epic.
  • Cultural Relevance: The temple was an important spiritual center for devotees and reflected the socio-religious practices of the time. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021.

5. Dholavila: Harappan City

Source: UNESCO

  • Location: Gujarat, India
  • Founded: about 4,500 years ago
  • Significance: Dholavila is one of the most remarkable archaeological sites of the Harappan civilization, displaying advanced urban planning and water conservation techniques.
  • Architecture: The city has a complex drainage system, large reservoirs, and fortified walls made of stone.
  • Cultural Importance: It provides insights into the life and culture of one of the world’s earliest urban societies. Doravilla was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2021.

Related Stories | (Updated) India’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites by 2024