State-Wise List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India (Updated 2025)
India is home to 43 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (35 cultural, 7 natural, and 1 mixed). From ancient cave paintings and majestic forts to lush national parks, these sites reflect India’s rich cultural and ecological legacy. This post includes a state-wise, type-wise, and year-wise breakdown—perfect for exam prep and general knowledge enthusiasts!
📘 Read also: All 18 Biosphere Reserves of India
Table of Contents
- What are UNESCO World Heritage Sites?
- Complete List of Sites in India (43)
- Statewise UNESCO Sites
- Cultural Heritage Sites (35)
- Natural Heritage Sites (7)
- Mixed Heritage Site (1)
- Map of World Heritage Sites in India
- FAQs
- Conclusion
What are UNESCO World Heritage Sites?
UNESCO World Heritage Sites are landmarks or areas recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization for their outstanding universal value. They can be cultural, natural, or mixed sites, each protected to preserve their integrity and significance for future generations.
Complete List of Sites in India (43)
| # | Site Name | State/UT | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Agra Fort | Uttar Pradesh | 1983 |
| 2 | Ajanta Caves | Maharashtra | 1983 |
| 3 | Ellora Caves | Maharashtra | 1983 |
| 4 | Taj Mahal | Uttar Pradesh | 1983 |
| 5 | Sun Temple, Konârak | Odisha | 1984 |
| 6 | Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram | Tamil Nadu | 1984 |
| 7 | Kaziranga National Park | Assam | 1985 |
| 8 | Keoladeo National Park | Rajasthan | 1985 |
| 9 | Manas Wildlife Sanctuary | Assam | 1985 |
| 10 | Churches and Convents of Goa | Goa | 1986 |
| 11 | Khajuraho Group of Monuments | Madhya Pradesh | 1986 |
| 12 | Group of Monuments at Hampi | Karnataka | 1986 |
| 13 | Fatehpur Sikri | Uttar Pradesh | 1986 |
| 14 | Group of Monuments at Pattadakal | Karnataka | 1987 |
| 15 | Elephanta Caves | Maharashtra | 1987 |
| 16 | Great Living Chola Temples | Tamil Nadu (1987, extended 2004) | 1987 |
| 17 | Sundarbans National Park | West Bengal | 1987 |
| 18 | Nanda Devi & Valley of Flowers NP | Uttarakhand (1988, extended 2005) | 1988 |
| 19 | Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi | Madhya Pradesh | 1989 |
| 20 | Humayun’s Tomb | Delhi | 1993 |
| 21 | Qutb Minar and its Monuments | Delhi | 1993 |
| 22 | Mountain Railways of India | Darjeeling / Ooty / Kalka–Shimla | 1999 |
| 23 | Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya | Bihar | 2002 |
| 24 | Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka | Madhya Pradesh | 2003 |
| 25 | Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus | Maharashtra | 2004 |
| 26 | Champaner–Pavagadh Archaeological Park | Gujarat | 2004 |
| 27 | Red Fort Complex | Delhi | 2007 |
| 28 | The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur | Rajasthan | 2010 |
| 29 | Western Ghats | Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu | 2012 |
| 30 | Hill Forts of Rajasthan | Rajasthan | 2013 |
| 31 | Rani‑ki‑Vav (Stepwell), Patan | Gujarat | 2014 |
| 32 | Great Himalayan National Park | Himachal Pradesh | 2014 |
| 33 | Nalanda University (Archaeological Site) | Bihar | 2016 |
| 34 | Khangchendzonga National Park (Mixed) | Sikkim | 2016 |
| 35 | The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, Chandigarh | Chandigarh | 2016 |
| 36 | Historic City of Ahmedabad | Gujarat | 2017 |
| 37 | Victorian Gothic & Art Deco Ensembles, Mumbai | Maharashtra | 2018 |
| 38 | Jaipur City | Rajasthan | 2019 |
| 39 | Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa), Telangana | Telangana | 2021 |
| 40 | Dholavira: a Harappan City | Gujarat | 2021 |
| 41 | Santiniketan | West Bengal | 2023 |
| 42 | Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysala | Karnataka | 2023 |
| 43 | Moidams – Mound‑Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty | Assam | 2024 |
Statewise UNESCO Sites
Here’s the list of UNESCO world heritage sites in India grouped by States:
Map credits: MAPS FOR UPSC
Assam
- Kaziranga National Park
- Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
- Moidams – Ahom Dynasty Burial Mounds
Bihar
- Mahabodhi Temple
- Nalanda Mahavihara
Chandigarh
- Le Corbusier’s Capitol Complex
Delhi
- Humayun’s Tomb
- Qutb Minar
- Red Fort
Goa
- Churches and Convents of Goa
Gujarat
- Champaner–Pavagadh Park
- Rani‑ki‑Vav
- Ahmedabad City
- Dholavira
Himachal Pradesh
- Great Himalayan National Park
- Kalka–Shimla Railway
Karnataka
- Hampi Monuments
- Pattadakal Monuments
- Sacred Ensembles of Hoysalas
- Western Ghats (shared)
Kerala
- Western Ghats (shared)
Maharashtra
- Ajanta & Ellora Caves
- Elephanta Caves
- CST Mumbai
- Victorian Gothic Mumbai
- Western Ghats (shared)
Madhya Pradesh
- Khajuraho Monuments
- Sanchi Monuments
- Bhimbetka Shelters
Odisha
- Sun Temple, Konark
Rajasthan
- Jantar Mantar
- Hill Forts
- Keoladeo National Park
- Jaipur City
Sikkim
- Khangchendzonga National Park
Tamil Nadu
- Mahabalipuram Monuments
- Great Living Chola Temples
- Nilgiri Railway
- Western Ghats (shared)
Telangana
- Ramappa Temple
Uttar Pradesh
- Agra Fort
- Taj Mahal
- Fatehpur Sikri
Uttarakhand
- Nanda Devi & Valley of Flowers
West Bengal
- Sundarbans National Park
- Darjeeling Railway
- Santiniketan
Cultural Heritage Sites (35)
Most of India’s UNESCO sites are cultural—temples, forts, palaces, cave temples, archaeological sites, and distinctive built heritage—showing the country’s artistic ingenuity and historical depth.
Natural Heritage Sites (7)
These include rich ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and mountain terrains that represent ecological diversity and conservation. Examples include:
- Kaziranga NP (Assam)
- Keoladeo NP (Rajasthan)
- Manas NP (Assam)
- Western Ghats (multiple states)
- Great Himalayan NP (HP)
- Nanda Devi & Valley of Flowers NP (UK)
- Sundarbans NP (West Bengal)
Mixed Heritage Site (1)
- Khangchendzonga National Park (Sikkim) – recognized for both cultural and natural significance since 2016.
Map of World Heritage Sites in India
Map credits: MAPS FOR UPSC
FAQs
Q1: How many UNESCO World Heritage Sites does India have in 2025?
A: India has 43 sites—35 cultural, 7 natural, and 1 mixed.
Q2: Which were the first sites recognized?
A: In 1983: Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves, Agra Fort, and Taj Mahal.
Q3: What is India’s only mixed site?
A: Khangchendzonga National Park, added in 2016.
Q4: What is the most recent heritage site?
A: Moidams – Mound‑Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty in Assam (2024).
Q5: Which state has the highest number of sites?
A: Maharashtra, with 5 sites.
Conclusion
India’s 43 UNESCO World Heritage Sites are a testament to its exceptional cultural richness and natural diversity. For students, travelers, and heritage lovers, these sites offer incredible insight into India’s story. Bookmark and revisit this post whenever you need a quick reference or revision guide.
✅ Share this with friends preparing for SSC or planning a heritage-filled trip across India!