World Heritage Sites in India

UNESCO (The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) says "Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass on to future generation. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration." With an aim to encourage the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world, in the year 1972 UNESCO adopted an international treaty called the Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site may be forts, monuments, forests, mountain range, lake, desert, city, railway, city, complex etc. India is bestowed with so many such sites which have been declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Presently India is home to 27 World Heritage Sites that include forts and monuments, caves, wildlife parks and sanctuaries and old heritage properties.

Ajanta Caves (Declared World Heritage Site in 1983) : Situated in Aurangabad District of Maharashtra, Ajanta Caves were inhabited around 200 B.C by the Buddhist monks. Ajanta Caves are also famous for magnificent paintings considered as masterpieces of Buddhist religious art.

Ellora Caves (Declared World Heritage Site in 1983) : Ellora Caves are located in Aurangabad District of Maharashtra. Constructed between 600 AD to 1,000 AD, the Ellora Caves have 34 Buddhist monasteries, and Hindu and Jain temples.

Elephanta Caves (Declared World Heritage Site in 1987) : Elephant Caves are located on Elephant island at a distance of 9 km from Mumbai. For reaching the caves you have to take boat or jetty ride from Gateway of India, Mumbai. Carved out between the years 450 AD and 750 AD, the Elephanta Caves are known for rock-cut temples.

Taj Mahal (Declared World Heritage Site in 1983) : World’s one of the seven wonders, Taj Mahal lies in Agra city of Uttar Pradesh. Built around 350 (1631 and 1653 AD) years ago by Mughal Emperor Shahjanah,Taj Mahal stands as a symbol of eternal love between Shahjahan and his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal.

Agra Fort (Declared World Heritage Site in 1983) : Situated just one km away from the world famous Taj Mahal, Agra Fort speaks of the splendour of Mughal architecture. Built by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 16th century, Agra Fort Houses picturesque palaces like Jehangir Palace, Khas Mahal etc.

Fatehpur Sikri (Declared World Heritage Site in 1986) : Fatehpur Sikri is located at a distance of 40 kms from Agra. Built by Emperor Akbar in 1569, Fatehpur Sikri remained the capital of Mughal Empire for about 15 years. Also referred to as the ‘Deserted City’ Fatehpur Sikri houses a number of interesting structures like Jama Masjid, Diwan - I - Aam, Diwan - I – Khas, Buland Darwaza etc.

Red Fort, Delhi (Declared World Heritage Site in 2007) : Situated in India’s capital Delhi, Red Fort has been declared a World Heritage Site recently. Constructed between 1638 and 1648 by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan, Red Fort houses a number of magnificent palaces and Moti Masjid (mosque).

Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram (Declared World Heritage Site in 1984) : Located in Chinglepur District of Tamil Nadu, the group of monuments were founded by the Pallava Kings between 630 AD and 800 AD. Carved out of rock, these monuments are known for rathas, mandapas, giant open air reliefs, the temple of Rivage and sculpture dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Group of Monuments at Hampi (Declared World Heritage Site in 1986) : Situated in the Bellary District of Karnataka, Hampi was the last capital of Hindu Kingdom of Vijayanagar. Constructed between the 14 th and 16 th centuries, these monuments are considered as masterpieces of Dravidian style of architecture.

Group of Monuments at Khajuraho (Declared World Heritage Site in 1986) : Built by the Chandela rulers between 950 AD and 1050 AD, the Khajuraho temples are located in Indian state of Madya Pradesh. Originally there were 85 temples but now only 22 temples remain and known for the collection of erotic and sensual sculptures.

Group of Monuments at Pattadakal (Declared World Heritage Site in 1987) : Situated in Bijapur district of Karnataka, Pattadakal is home to an impressive series of monuments including nine Hindu temples and Jain Sanctuary.

Buddhist Monastery at Sanchi (Declared World Heritage Site in 1989) : Sanchi is located at a distance of 40 kms from Bhopal and houses a group of Buddhist monuments. Here you can see monolithic pillars, palaces, temples and monasteries an interesting specimen of the Buddhist architecture of that period.

Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi (Declared World Heritage Site in 1993) : Built in 1570 AD by Haji Begum, wife of Humayun, Humayun’s Tomb is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture.

Qutab Minar and its Monuments, Delhi (Declared World Heritage Site in 1993) : A 72.5 mtr high tower, Qutab Minar was built in 1193 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak. Apart from the imposing tower, in the Qutab complex you can see notable monuments like Alai Darwaza and the Quwwatul Islam mosque.

Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (Declared World Heritage Site in 2003) : Situated in the foothills of the Vindhya mountain ranges Madhya Pradesh, Bhimbetka is the place where earliest known traces of human life in India were discovered.

Wildlife Parks in India : India is varied land and it is home to a number of protected wildlife areas called the wildlife parks and sanctuaries. UNESCO has designated some of the national parks of India as World Heritage Sites for providing shelter to unique floral and faunal species. Presently five wildlife parks of India are designated as World Heritage Site that include Kaziranga National Park (Declared World Heritage Site in 1985), Manas National Park (Declared World Heritage Site in 1985), Keoladeo Ghana National Park (Declared World Heritage Site in 1985), Sunderbans Tiger Reserve (Declared World Heritage Site in 1987) and Nanda Devi National Park (Declared World Heritage Site in 1988).

Other World Heritage Sites : Sun Temple, Orissa (Declared World Heritage Site in 1984), Brihadisvara Temple (Great Living Chola Temples) (Declared World Heritage Site in 1987), Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya (Declared World Heritage Site in 2002), Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Declared World Heritage Site in 2002), Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Station (Declared World Heritage Site in 2004), Champaner – Pavagadh Archaeological Park (Declared World Heritage Site in 2004) and Churches and Convents of Goa (Declared World Heritage Site in 1986).

For more info visit :

http://whc.unesco.org/

Thiruvananthapuram

Kerala’s capital city Thiruvananthapuram is also known as Trivandrum. A coastal city, Thiruvananthapuram is set on seven low hills, just 87 kms away from the southern tip of India bounded by the Arabian Sea on the west and Tamil Nadu on the east. Besides its administrative importance, Thiruvananthapuram is an easy-going city known for attractive mixture of narrow backstreets, traditional red-tiled gabled houses, beautifully laid-out parks and acres of palm trees.

The wooded highlands on the Western Gahts in the eastern and northeastern borders give Thiruvananthapuram some of India’s most enchanting picnic spots. A long coastline, with some internationally renowned beaches, historic monuments, tranquil backwater stretches and a rich cultural heritage made Thiruvananthapuram a much sought after tourist destination.

Although Thiruvananthapuram has a few monuments, but it is an ideal first stop in the state of Kerala, as a window of Keralan culture. Fort area, Shri Padmanbhaswamy temple and Puttan Malika Palace are most interesting part of the town. While other interesting places are Shri Chitra Art Gallery and Napier Museum stand together in a park in the north. In addition to these, martial art and dance schools specializing in Kathakali and Kutiyattam, offer visitors an insight into the Keralan art forms. You can also shop for a variety of artifacts and items of daily use in the shops located at the MG Road.

For more info visit :

http://www.footstops.com/somak_sen/blog/1848/

Kota

Once the capital of the Kota state, Kota is now the industrial centre of Rajasthan. Set along the east bank of the Chambal river, Kota is home to the hydroelectric power plants. At the centre of the town is the Tourist Office or Bungalow and a number of small hotels. On the southern side of the town is the Chambal Garden while to the north there is the Civil Lines.

Chambal Gardens are a famous picnic spot and have a pond well stocked with crocodiles. Upstream from the Chambal Gardens at Bhitariya Kund, there is a famous swimming spot in the clear waters of the Chambal river. The Kota Barrage acts as a control over the Chambal river’s waters and also feeds an irrigation canal system.

Adjancet to the gardens is the Kota Fort. The fort has two museums, namely the government museum and the Rao Madho Singh museum. Both this museum have a good collection of old items. Jag Mandir is another place of tourist interest in Kota. Located near the tourist bungalow this large tank has a building on a small island in the centre. In addition to tourist Bungalow there is a fine collection of royal tombs. Visit this charming town of Rajasthan and enjoy a good vacation alongwith your family.

For more info visit :

http://momentsofkota.blogspot.com/

Bundi

Bundi is a beautiful small town, situated 142 kms to south-east of Ajmer and only 39 km west of Kota. The town of Bundi is picturesquely seated in a narrow valley, brooded over by the imposing Taragarh Fort. The road that leads to Bundi town comes in along the other side of the valley so you have a good view over the town and across the fort as you arrive.

Bundi is a historic town known for its ornate forts, places and baoris (stepwells) or water reservoirs. Taragarh Fort is the main attraction of the town. Built in 1372 AD, the fort can be reached by a steep road up the hillside to its massive gateway topped by rampant elephants. Inside the fort there are palaces and the Chitrashala or picture gallery with the walls covered in murals of hunting and religious scenes painted in the Bundi style. From the fort ramparts you will get the fine view of the Bundi town and the surrounding areas. Directly below the fort are the Ratan Daulat or horse stables.

Naval Sagar is an artificial lake visible from the fort as well. In the centre of the lake, there is a temple dedicated to Varuna, the Aryan God of Water. Just one km out of the town, the modern palace lies at Phool Sagar with its beautiful artificial tank and gardens. Shikar Burj is a small hunting loge and picnic spot near Bundi. You can see the cenotaphs of Bundi’s rulers near here at Khshar Bagh. Another small palace, Sukh Niwas is situated at the Jait Sagar tank.

For more info visit :

http://incrediblebundi.blogspot.com/

http://taragarhfort.blogspot.com

Mount Abu

Mount Abu, the only hill resort of Rajasthan spreads out along a 1,200 mtr high plateau in the southern part of the state, adjacent to the Gujarat border. A popular hill station of India, Mount Abu provides a pleasant retreat to the people living in the plains of Rajasthan and Gujarat. Apart from India visitors, Mount Abu is visited by large number of foreign tourists every year.

Mount Abu stretches along a hilly plateau about 22 km long and six km wide and it is lovely place to wander around at leisure. The main town extends along the road from Abu Road to the Nakki Lake and the nearest railway station is located 27 kms away at Abu Road. Mount Abu also has a number of noted temples including the Dilwara group of Jain temples. Dilwara Jain Temples is a very important pilgrimage centre for Jains and the marble carvings of the temples are considered among the best in Rajasthan.

Nakki Lake is another major attraction of Mount Abu which is surrounded by hills, parks and unique rock formations namely Toad Rock, Nandi Rock and Nun Rock. Virtually situated in the centre of the town, the Nakki Lake derives its name from the legend that it was scooped out by a god using only his nails (nakh). Nakki Lake is the centre of all activity in Mount Abu and here you will find juice stalls, ice cream parlours, balloon vendors, shops and small food stalls. Beside the lake, the Raghunath temple stands which was built in the 14th century.

Just 3 kms north of town is the Adhar Devi Temple. Dedicated to goddess Durga the temple is built in a natural cleft in the rock. Brahma Kumaris Spiritual University and Museum is another highlight of Mount Abu. Apart from these, Mount Abu has a number of viewpoints where visitors stroll out every evening to catch the setting sun, the food stall and the entertaining activities. Some noted viewpoints are Sunset Point and Honeymoon Point.

For more info visit :

http://daysatmountabu.blogspot.com/

http://dilwarajaintemples.blogspot.com

Bharatpur

Situated at a distance of 55 from Agra, Bharatpur is a historic town of Rajasthan. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Bharatpur was a major centre of Jat stronghold. During those days the Jats maintained a high degree of autonomy and they successfully opposed the Mughals.

Once surrounded by an 11 km long wall, the town is now known for its Bird Sanctuary. Also known as Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary lies just 5 kms south of the city centre and it easily reachable by cycle-rickshaw. Many travellers rate this park as one of the best parks which they have visited earlier.

If you are a bird-watching enthusiast, then you would surely like to spend a few day at Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. The park is open from 6 am to 6 pm daily, walking or cycling along the road provides unique opportunities to closely observe the rich avian life. Just at the entrance to the park, you will see a range of stuffed birds, map of the park, nests of the various bird species, examples of the aquatic species found in the park and a photographic display. Entry to park is free. Don’t forget to carry binoculars for better bird-viewing, try to get some with a strap so you can conveniently hand them around your neck.

Apart from the bird sanctuary, Bharatpur is home to a number of other tourist attractions namely – Lohagarh Fort, Government Museum, Nehru Park and Ganga Temple. Maharaja Suraj Mal built the Lohagarh Fort also known as Iron Fort in the 18th century and which withstood an attack by the British in 1805 and a long siege in 1825. The fort took its name from its supposedly impregnable defences. The fort is open from 9 am to 5 pm daily and admission is free. The Government Museum housed in Durbar Hall of the fort, has a good collection of sculptures, inscriptions and works of art from the region.

For more info visit :

http://bhartpurbirdsanctuary.blogspot.com/

Ajmer - Pushkar

Ajmer a major religious centre for Muslim pilgrims is 131 kms south-west of Rajasthan’s capital Jaipur. A sacred city, Ajmer houses some fantastic examples of early Mughal architecture in the form of magnificent monuments. Actually Ajmer doesn’t have the same rustic charm as other Rajasthani towns and is more of a pilgrimage centre than a tourist destination. The main streets of Ajmer remain crammed with heavy traffic, pedestrians and busy bazaars. Despite, such negative points, Ajmer has its distinct charm and once you visit the town you feel yourself enriched with the spirituality.

Ajmer is famous for the tomb of Sufi saint Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti, who founded the Chishtiya order. Situated at the foot of a barren hill in the old part of town, the tomb is one of the most important places in India for Muslims. Not only Muslims, but people of other religions also visit this tomb for fulfillment of their wishes. Construction of the shrine was finished by Humayun and the main gate was completed added by the Nizam of Hyderabad. Before entering inside the main entrance of the tomb you have to remove your shoes. You have to cover your head inside the shrine complex so remember to carry a top or scarf, that are available at the bazaar outside. Inside the shrine complex there are two mosques, two big pots namely – Badi Degh and Small Degh and a well as well.

Besides, the Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti there are other famous places in Ajmer which deserve a visit. Ana Sagar Lake, Adhai Di Ka Jhonpra, Taragarh Fort, Akbar’s Palace, Nasiyan (Red) Temple etc. are other popular attractions of Ajmer.

Just 11 kms from Ajmer, Pushkar is another pilgrimage destination related to Hindus. Pushkar is home to the only temple of India dedicated to Lord Brahma, the creator of the Universe. Pushkar Lake is the major attraction of the town, on the banks of the lake a number of temples stand. Pilgrims take holy dip in the lake in the early morning, while in the evening the ritual of AARTI is performed on the ghats of lake. Every year during November the Pushkar Fair is held here, which is known for cattles and a number of fun-filled activities. Lakhs of people visit Pushkar from far and wide to participate in the cattle fair.

For more info visit :

http://ajmer-asacredcity.blogspot.com/

http://holypushkar.blogspot.com/

Udaipur

An important city of Rajasthan, Udaipur is popularly known as the ‘lake city.’ Probably the most romantic city in Rajasthan, Udaipur is like a cool oasis in the dry heart of Rajasthan. Udaipur replete with magnificent palaces, superb hilltop forests and gripping tales of chivalry and heroism. Also known as the ‘City of Sunrise’ Udaipur was founded in 1567 by Maharana Udai Singh, following the third sack of Chittor.

Udaipur is proud of its rich heritage as a major centre for arts and crafts, and its school of miniature painting is noteworthy. The old city, bounded by the remains of a city wall, sprawl away on the east side of Lake Pichola. Udaipur has several picturesque palaces, two of which deserve a visit. First, the Lake Palace, now converted into a luxury hotel, is really delightful. If you can’t afford to stay there, don’t worry, because you can enjoy an outside view of the palace by taking a cruise on the Lake Pichola.

Next, the City Palace set on the lake side has been converted into a museum and is well worth a visit. Apart from these, Udaipur also has a well-maintained gardens, fountains, museums, temples and a number of interesting excursion around the city.

For more info visit :

http://somepleasantmomentsofudaipur.blogspot.com

http://citypalaceofudaipur.blogspot.com

http://boatinglakepichola.blogspot.com

http://ranakpurjaintemples.blogspot.com

Jodhpur

Rajasthan, second largest city after Jaipur, Jodhpur stands at the edge of the Great Indian Thar Desert. Jodhpur was founded in 1459 A.D by Rao Jodha, a chief of the Rajput clan known as the Rathores. Once the Rathore kingdom was also known as Marwar, the ‘Land of Death.’ The old city of Jodhpur is encircled by a massive 10 km long wall that was built about a century after the city was founded.

Jodhpur’s prime attraction is the massive Mehrangarh Fort, which rises right in the middle of the town and totally dominates the town. Sprawled across the 125 mtr high hill, Mehrangarh Fort is considered the most impressive and formidable fort in the state of Rajasthan. From the fort you can clearly see the spots where the old city ends and the new city begins. Jodhpur’s old city is an amazing jumble of winding lanes of great interest to wander around. Just off the fort road, is Jaswant Thada, the white marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Built in the 1899 A.D, the cenotaph has a collection of portraits of the various famous Jodhpur rulers.

For shopping lovers, Jodhpur offers usual Rajasthani handicrafts and also rare antiques. You will find a number of shops in the convoluted streets of the old town but Abani Handicrafts, next door to the Tourist Bungalow has a large and varied collection.

For more information visit :

http://legendaryjodhpur.blogspot.com

http://mehrangarhfortofjodhpur.blogspot.com

Bikaner

Situated in the north of the state of Rajasthan, the desert town of Bikaner is a famous destination for tourists. Bikaner was founded in the year 1488 A.D by Rao Bikaji, a descendant of the founder of Jodhpur, Jodhaji. Just like other cities of Rajasthan, Bikaner is surrounded by a high, battlemented wall and it was once an important staging post on the great caravan trading routes. Bikaner is encircled by a seven km long city wall with five entrance gates, built in the 18th century.

Although Bikaner is known for its superb imposing fort but it is also noted for the government run camel breeding farm where fine camels bred. Built between 1588 and 1593 A.D by Raja Rai Singh, Junagarh Fort has 986 mt long wall with 37 bastions and two entrances. Suraj Pole or the Sun Gate is the main entrance to the fort and inside the fort there are a number of picturesque palaces namely Chandra Mahal (Moon Palace), Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace) etc.

Just 10 kms away from Bikaner, the Camel Breeding Farm is probably unique in Asia. Here hundreds of camels are available and you can also enjoy a ride on camel’s back. Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum is another attraction of Bikaner and it is said to be one of the best museums in Rajasthan. Here you can see pre-Harrapan, Gupta and Kushan pieces and a wide collection of terracottas, pottery, paintings, particularly miniatures of the Bikaner school.

For more info visit :

http://bikanermoments.blogspot.com

http://junagarhfort.blogspot.com