25+ Amazing Architectural UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India
Some of India’s breathtaking architectural marvels are among those identified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to their enduring historical importance and splendor.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India
The Taj Mahal, AgraÂ
The Taj Mahal, one of the most recognizable buildings in the world, is a mausoleum constructed by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in honor of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
The Agra FortÂ
The Agra Fort, a sizable red sandstone fort that housed the Mughal rulers’ palace until the end of the 16th century, was by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Fatehpur Sikri, Agra
Fatehpur Sikri, an abandoned city that served as the Mughal Empire’s temporary capital, is known for its stunning architectural features and elaborately carved limestone palaces.
Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi
The Mughal emperor Humayun is laid to rest in Humayun’s Tomb, a magnificent specimen of the style of Mughal architecture.
Red Fort Complex, Delhi
For more than 200 years, the Mughal rulers called the Red Fort Complex home. It is a magnificent example of Mughal architecture.
Delhi’s Qutub Minar and its MonumentsÂ
The Qutub Minar, a high minaret constructed of red sandstone and marble and surrounded by numerous other historic buildings, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, GujaratÂ
This archaeological park is home to several antiquated buildings that serve as examples of India’s rich cultural past.
Rani Ki Vav (The Queen’s Stepwell), GujaratÂ
Queen Udayamati erected this exquisite stepwell in honor of her late husband. It is an architectural masterpiece.
Group of Monuments at Hampi, KarnatakaÂ
The Group of Monuments at Hampi is a collection of historic temples, palaces, and other buildings that showcase the design prowess of the empire of Vijayanagara.
Group of Monuments at Pattadakal, KarnatakaÂ
The ten ancient temples that make up this group in Pattadakal are outstanding representations of Dravidian and Nagara architecture.
Elephanta Caves, Maharashtra
These historic caves on Elephanta Island sorts as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are home to beautiful carvings and sculptures that bear witness to India’s rich cultural history.
Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra
The Ajanta Caves are a collection of 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave temples that date back to the 2nd century BC and are home to exquisite murals and carvings.
Maharashtra’s Ellora CavesÂ
The Ellora Caves are a collection of 34 monasteries and temples carved into the rock that date back to the sixth century includes as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sun Temple, Konark, OdishaÂ
This architectural wonder from the 13th century is well-known for its elaborate carvings of Hindu gods and goddesses.
The Mahabalipuram Group of Monuments, Tamil Nadu
The Mahabalipuram Group of Monuments is a collection of ancient temples, caves carved out of rock, and bas-reliefs that serve as a reminder of India’s rich cultural legacy.
Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur, Tamil NaduÂ
This temple from the 11th century is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its tall gopuram and well-carved statues.
Khajuraho Group of Monuments, Madhya Pradesh
This group of monuments, which includes the Brihadisvara Temple, Gangaikondacholapuram Temple, and Airavatesvara Temple, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sanchi Stupa in Madhya Pradesh, IndiaÂ
The Sanchi Stupa, a Buddhist structure from the third century BC, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that also has several historic stupas, monasteries, and temples.
Group of Monuments at Mandu
Monuments from the 11th to the 16th centuries are included in this. Among them are mosques, palaces, pavilions, and rock-cut tombs and temples.
Churches and Convents of Goa
(Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, Church of St. Francis of Assisi, and Church of St. Cajetan), Goa. These churches and convents include on the UNESCO World Heritage List and are known for their magnificent Baroque and Renaissance architecture.
The Hill Forts of Rajasthan
This site includes six forts, the Chittor Fort, Kumbhalgarh Fort, Ranthambore Fort, Gagron Fort, Amber Fort, and Jaisalmer Fort. These four forts, which are known for their spectacular architecture and historical significance, are a tribute to India’s rich cultural history.
Le Corbusier’s Architectural Work in Chandigarh, Punjab
The architectural creations of Le Corbusier in Chandigarh, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, contain several structures that serve as examples of the modernist movement in architecture.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (previously Victoria Terminus), Maharashtra
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is one of India’s busiest railway stations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a spectacular example of Victorian Gothic architecture.
Jantar Mantar, Jaipur
The City Palace complex, built in the 18th century, is a stunning example of Rajput architecture, while the Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory that dates back to the 18th century.
Nalanda Mahavihara, Bihar
In the fifth century CE, in what is now the Indian state of Bihar, Nalanda Mahavihara recognizes as a Buddhist monastery and a center of study. In 2016, UNESCO designated it as a World Heritage Site.
By Srajati Tiwari
A young and enthusiastic learner who enjoys experimenting with the complexity of architecture in light of the evolving environment and the way society functions, while also being mindful of the sustainability aspect and the history of the specific area or build. I think that words and architecture assist individuals in expressing their deepest selves & aim to calm curiosity with a pen and tame the endless why’s and hows through a research method followed with meticulous attention to detail.
