Explore India's UNESCO World Heritage Sites—Taj Mahal, Ajanta & Ellora Caves, Qutub Minar, and Amer Fort. Immerse in centuries-old history, marvel at architectural wonders, and witness India's rich cultural legacy.

1. UNESCO World
Heritage Sites in
India

2. Definition of UNESCO World Heritage Sites
UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.Thiswas born on 16 November
1945. It contributes to peace and security by promoting international cooperation in education, sciences, culture,
communication and information. UNESCO promotes knowledge sharing and the free flow of ideas to accelerate
mutual understanding and a more perfect knowledge of each other's lives. UNESCO's programmes contribute to
the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals defined in the 2030 Agenda, adopted by the UN General
Assemblyin 2015. UNESCO has 195 Members and 8 AssociateMembers and is governed by the General
Conference and the Executive Board.
VISION:Political and economic arrangements of governments are not enough to secure the
lasting and sincere support of the peoples. Peace must be founded upon dialogue and mutual
understanding. Peace must be built upon the intellectual and moral solidarity of humanity.

3. Total
number of
UNESCO
World
Heritage
Sites in India
Cultural Sites
1.Taj Mahal, Uttar Pradesh
2.Qutub Minar and its Monuments,
Delhi
3.Red Fort Complex, Delhi
4.Jaipur City, Rajasthan
5.Elephanta Caves, Maharashtra
6.Great Living Chola Temples, Tamil
Nadu
7.Group of Monuments at
Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
8.Sun Temple, Konark, Odisha
9.Kaziranga National Park, Assam
(Mixed site)
10.Keoladeo National Park,
Rajasthan (Mixed site)
11.Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam
(Mixed site)
12.Churches and Convents of Goa
13.Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh
14.Groupof Monuments at Hampi,
Karnataka
15.Khajuraho Group of Monuments,
Madhya Pradesh (Mixed site)
16.Groupof Monuments at
Pattadakal, Karnataka
17.Sundarbans National Park, West
Bengal (Mixed site)
18.NandaDevi and Valley of Flowers
National Parks, Uttarakhand (Mixed
site)
19.Sanchi Stupa, Madhya Pradesh
20.Humayun'sTomb, Delhi
21.Delhi - Qutub Minar, Red Fort
Complex, Humayun's Tomb

4. Mixed Sites:
28. Khajuraho Group of
Monuments, Madhya Pradesh
(Mixed site)
29.Group of Monuments at Hampi,
Karnataka (Mixed site)
30.Group of Monuments at
Pattadakal,Karnataka (Mixed site)
31.Sundarbans National Park, West
Bengal (Mixed site)
32.Kaziranga National Park, Assam
(Mixed site)
33.Manas Wildlife Sanctuary,
Assam (Mixed site)
Natural Sites
23. Sundarbans National Park, West
Bengal (Mixed site)
Kaziranga National Park, Assam (Mixed
site)
Western Ghats
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam (Mixed
site)
Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers
National Parks, Uttarakhand (Mixed site)

6. Cultural WorldHeritage
Sites
TAJ MAHAL
• Location: Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India.
• Significance:Symbol of love, built by
Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz
Mahal.
• History:Construction started in 1632,
completed in 1653, showcasing Mughal
architecture.
• UNESCOInscription Date: 1983.
• Additional Facts: New Seven Wonders of
the World, attracts millions of visitors
annually.
•

7. Qutub Minar and its
Monuments, Delhi
• Location: Delhi, India.
• Significance:Iconic Islamic architectural
complex, featuring the Qutub Minar and
surrounding monuments.
• History:
• Qutub Minar built by Qutb-ud-din
Aibak in 1193.
• Other structures, like Quwwat-ul-
Islam Mosque and Iron Pillar, added
by successive rulers.
• UNESCOInscription Date: 1993.
• Additional Facts:
• Qutub Minar is a UNESCO World
Heritage Site.
• Represents early Indo-Islamic
architecture in India.

8. Red Fort
Complex,
Delhi
• Location: Delhi, India.
• Significance:Historic fort served as the main residence of Mughal
emperors.
• History:
• Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century.
• Witnessed significant historical events, including India's
Independence Day celebrations.
• UNESCOInscription Date: 2007.

9. Jaipur City, Rajasthan:

10. Elephanta Caves,
Maharashtra:
Location: Elephanta Island,
Mumbai, Maharashtra,
India.
Significance: Ancient rock-
cut caves housing Hindu
and Buddhist sculptures.
History:
Created between the 5th
and 7th centuries.
Represents Hindu and
Buddhist art and culture.
UNESCO Inscription Date:
1987.
Additional Facts:
Main cave features a colossal
Trimurti sculpture
representing Brahma,
Vishnu, and Shiva.
Accessible by a short boat
ride from Mumbai.

11. Natural World Heritage Sites
• Sundarbans National Park,
West Bengal
• Location: West Bengal, India.
• Significance:Largest mangroveforest,
home to the Bengal tiger.
• History:
• Formed by the delta of the Ganges,
Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers.
• Rich biodiversity with unique flora
and fauna.
• UNESCOInscription Date: 1987.
• Additional Facts:
• Habitat for the endangered Bengal
tiger.
• Unique ecosystem with a complex
network of tidal waterways.

12. Kaziranga National Park,
Assam • Location: Assam, India.
• Significance: Conservation success for the Indian
one-horned rhinoceros.
• History:
• Established in 1905 as a reserve forest.
• Home to diverse wildlife, including elephants
and tigers.
• UNESCO Inscription Date: 1985.
• Additional Facts:
• UNESCOsite for its unique biodiversity and
successfulconservation efforts.
• Also a Tiger Reserve and Important Bird Area.

13. Western Ghats:
•Location: Along the western edge of India.
•Significance: Biodiversity hotspot with
diverse ecosystems.
•History:
•One of the world's eight "hottest
hotspots" of biological diversity.
•Home to numerous endemic species.
•UNESCO Inscription Date: 2012.
•Additional Facts:
•Critical for the Indian monsoon and
regional climate regulation.
•Supports numerous rare and
threatened species.

14. Manas Wildlife
Sanctuary, Assam
• Location: Assam, India.
•Significance: Home to the rare
Assam roofed turtle and Bengal
florican.
•History:
•Designated a sanctuary in 1928,
a UNESCO site in 1985.
•Threatened by poaching and
human encroachment.
•UNESCO Inscription Date: 1985.
•Additional Facts:
•A Project Tiger reserve and
Elephant Reserve.
•Important for the conservation
of endangered species.

15. Mixed World Heritage Sites
Khajuraho Group of Monuments,
Madhya Pradesh
• Location: Khajuraho,MadhyaPradesh, India.
• Significance: A group of stunning medievalHindu and
Jain temples known for their erotic sculptures.
• History:
• Built between 950 and 1050 CE by the Chandela
dynasty.
• Reflects the cultural and artistic achievementsof
the Chandelarulers.
• UNESCO Inscription Date: 1986.
• Additional Facts:
• Temples dividedinto Western, Eastern, and
Southern groups.
• Famous for intricatecarvings depicting various
aspects of life.

16. Great Living Chola Temples,
Tamil Nadu:
• Location: Various locations in Tamil Nadu, India.
• Significance: Three major temples representing
the Chola dynasty's architecture and artistic
achievements.
• History:
• Brihadeeswarar Temple (Thanjavur),
Gangaikonda Cholapuram, and Airavatesvara
Temple (Darasuram) built during the Chola
period (between the 11th and 12th
centuries).
• UNESCO InscriptionDate: 1987.
• AdditionalFacts:
• Brihadeeswarar Temple has one of the tallest
vimanas (temple towers) in the world.
• Reflects the Chola's grandeur in temple

17. Keoladeo National Park,
Rajasthan:
•Location: Bharatpur, Rajasthan, India.
•Significance:Renowned avifauna sanctuary,
formerly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary.
•History:
•Created by Maharaja Suraj Mal in the 18th
century as a waterfowl hunting ground.
•Declared a national park in 1982.
•UNESCOInscription Date: 1985.
•Additional Facts:
•A Ramsar Wetland Site and a UNESCO
World Heritage Site.
•Home to over 370 bird species, including
the rare Siberian Crane.

18. Importance of preservation and
recognition
Cultural Legacy: Preservation maintains unique
cultural expressions, fostering respect for global
diversity.
EnvironmentalSignificance: Recognizing natural
sites sustains biodiversity and safeguards
ecosystems crucial for the planet.
Educationand Awareness: Designation raises public
awareness, encouraging responsible tourism and
fostering appreciation for our shared heritage.
InternationalCooperation: Recognition promotes
collaboration among nations to protect and
celebrate humanity's collective treasures.

19. Conservation Efforts
Red Fort sees ongoing
restorationby the
Archaeological Survey of India.
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
benefits from the Indian Rhino
Vision 2020.
Community Involvement:
• Jaipur City engages local communities
in preserving its architectural heritage.
• Keoladeo National Park involves locals
in biodiversity conservation.
TechnologicalInnovation:
• Elephanta Caves use advanced
restoration techniques for rock-cut
sculptures.
• Great Living Chola Temples integrate
modern methods for structural
preservation.

20. Conclusion
1.Respect Locals:
•Follow local customs and traditions.
•Be considerate to preserve cultural heritage.
2.Protectthe Environment:
•Use eco-friendly practices.
•Conserve resources during your visit.
3.Learn and Share:
•Understand the site's significance.
•Share knowledge to raise awareness.
4.Contribute to Conservation:
•Financially support preservation efforts.
•Understand the impact of your visit.
5.Engage Locally:
•Support local businesses.
•Be mindful of the community's well-being.

21. References

22. Prepared by
❑Hafizul Ahmed
❑Arman Rahman
❑Shahin Ikbal Islam
❑Jahingir Alam
❑Rajibul Hussain