Given the diverse culture and distinct history in India, we are home to 38 World Heritage Sites at present. Last month, six more UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India were added for inclusion in the tentative list. These archeological and natural iconic sites of India must be visited at least once. Let us have a look at the top 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India.
Lamayuru Monastery
The Lamayuru Monastery is one of the oldest and most significant monasteries in Ladakh. Situated at a high altitude of 3,511 meters above sea level. This is the largest monastery in Ladakh and is also known as ‘Tharpa Ling’ or ‘the place of freedom.’
Location: Leh, Ladakh
How To Reach: You can take the state-run JKSRTC bus from Srinagar to Leh. The closest airport is the Leh International Airport. If you’re nearby you can take a taxi or rent a car as well.
When To Visit: April to June
Khajuraho Group Of Monuments
The architectural magnificence of Khajuraho showcases the heights of artistic excellence achieved by architects of ancient India. One of the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India, Khajuraho attracts people for its incredible carvings depicted on temple walls.
Location: Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh
How To Reach: The Khajuraho domestic airport is accessible from most cities. AC and non-AC buses are available in most neighbourhood districts. One can also reach Khajuraho by taking a train.
When To Visit: October to February
Meenakshi Temple
Meenakshi temple is added to the list of World Heritage Sites. The temple is known for its mythological and historical significance. Thousands of devotees and travelers throng Meenakshi temple to witness its magnificent architecture.
Location: Madurai, Tamil Nadu
How To Reach: One can reach Madurai by air. The city is also connected by several state and national highways. Madurai Junction Railway Station is also connected with the rest of the country.
When To Visit: October to March
Amber Fort
One of the six Hill Forts of Rajasthan, Amber Fort is representative of an era of common Rajput-Mughal court. Popularly known as Amer Fort, it has received its name from the Goddess Amba. This mighty fort was created by Rajput King Man Singh-I.
Location: Amer, Rajasthan
How To Reach: You can either board a bus from the airport or take a cab to reach the fort.
When To Visit: September to March
Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara
The Nalanda Mahavihara is the archeological remains of a monastic and scholastic institution back from the 3rd century BCE to the 13 century CE. One of the iconic World Heritage Sites in India, it includes stupas, shrines viharas (residential and educational buildings and other important artworks. It is the most ancient university in the Indian Subcontinent.
Location: Nalanda, Bihar
How To Reach: The site is about 100 km away from Patna Airport. So you can reach Patna by air and get a taxi or rent a car to reach Nalanda. Rajgir Railway station and Gaya Railway Station are also nearby.
When To Visit: November to February
Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area
Great Himalayan National Park in the western part of the Himalaya in Himachal Pradesh has high alpine peaks, meadows and riverine forests. The park protects the monsoon-affected forests and alpine meadows of the Himalayan front ranges.
Location: Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
How To Reach: You can take a train for Pathankot then a toy train to Joginder Nagar. From there you can take a taxi or bus to Kullu. You can also travel by air to Bhunter Airport. Alternatively one can reach Kullu by road from neighbouring cities.
When To Visit: March to June
Also read: Best Pocket-Friendly Travel Destination In India
Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram
The group of monuments in Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram consist of rock-cut cave temples, monolithic temples, bas- relief sculptures and structural temples. These UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India were created by the Pallava dynasty between the 6th and 9th centuries.
Location: Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
How To Reach: Mahabalipuram is only an hour away from Chennai Airport. The city is well-connected through buses from all the major nearby cities. The nearest railway station is Chengalpattu that is only 22 km away from the city center.
When To Visit: November to February
Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka
The rock shelters of Bhimbetka are an archeological site that exhibits the earliest traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent. It marks the beginning of the South Asian Stone Age. It was added to the list of World Heritage Sites in India in 2003.
Location: Raisen, Madhya Pradesh
How To Reach: The nearest airport is Raja Bhoj Airport in Bhopal from where you can take a taxi to Bhimbetka. The nearest Railway station in Bhopal is only 45 km away from the site.
When To Visit: October to March
Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Kaziranga is one of the finest wildlife refuges in the world. Undisturbed by human presence, Kaziranga is truly one of the best of India’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It inhabits the world’s largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses, many mammals including tigers, elephants, panthers and bears and thousands of birds.
Location: Golaghat and Nagaon, Assam
How To Reach: The nearest airport is in Jorhat almost 74 km away. The nearest railway stations are Helem, Jorhat, Furkating and Guwahati. One can reach Kaziranga by bus from Guwahati, Tezpur, Dimapur and Upper Assam pass through Kohara.
When To Visit: November to April
Taj Mahal
One of the Seven Wonders, the Taj Mahal is indeed one of the 10 most popular world heritage sites in India. The spellbinding pristine beauty of this monument needs no introduction.
Location: Agra, Uttar Pradesh
How To Reach: One can reach Agra by train or by road. There are two railway stations named Agra Cantt and Agra Fort railway station. The city is well connected by state buses or you can drive by yourself.
When To Visit: October to March
How many of these top 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites you have been to? Share with us in the comments below.