How many UNESCO World Heritage Sites are there in India?

India is a country with a rich history and heritage. Wherever you go in India, you are never too far from a heritage site. Do you know how many UNESCO World Heritage Sites are there in India? Let’s find out.

How many UNESCO World Heritage Sites are there in India?

There are currently 42 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India. India ranks number 6 in terms of the total number of UNESCO-designated heritage sites. In September 2023, two new sites were added which took the number from 40 to 42.

Two new UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India are – Santiniketan and Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas.

Countries with most UNESCO World Heritage Sites

1. Italy – 59
2. China – 57
3. Germany – 52
4. France – 52
5. Spain – 50
6. India – 42
7. Mexico – 35
8. United Kingdom – 33
9. Russia – 31
10. Iran – 27

Full list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India

Cultural sites

1. Agra Fort (1983)
2. Ajanta Caves (1983)
3. Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara at Nalanda, Bihar (2016)
4. Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi (1989)
5. Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park (2004)
6. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) (2004)
7. Churches and Convents of Goa (1986)
8. Dholavira: a Harappan City (2021)
9. Elephanta Caves (1987)
10. Ellora Caves (1983)
11. Fatehpur Sikri (1986)
12. Great Living Chola Temples (1987, 2004)
13. Group of Monuments at Hampi (1986)
14. Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram (1984)
15. Group of Monuments at Pattadakal (1987)
16. Hill Forts of Rajasthan (2013)
17. Historic City of Ahmadabad (2017)
18. Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi (1993)
19. Jaipur City, Rajasthan (2019)
20. Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana (2021)
21. Khajuraho Group of Monuments (1986)
22. Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya (2002)
23. Mountain Railways of India (1999, 2005, 2008)
24. Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi (1993)
25. Rani-ki-Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell) at Patan, Gujarat (2014)
26. Red Fort Complex (2007)
27. Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (2003)
28. Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas (2023)
29. Santiniketan (2023)
30. Sun Temple, Konârak (1984)
31. Taj Mahal (1983)
32. The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement (2016)
33. The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur (2010)
34. Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai (2018)

Natural sites

1. Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area (2014)
2. Kaziranga National Park (1985)
3. Keoladeo National Park (1985)
4. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (1985)
5. Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks (1988, 2005)
6. Sundarbans National Park (1987)
7. Western Ghats (2012)

Mixed sites

1. Khangchendzonga National Park (2016)

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