10 Offbeat UNESCO Heritage Sites To Explore In India This October

OT Staff & Waquar Habib

Dholavira, Gujarat (Harappan City)

Walk amid the ruins of this ancient Indus Valley city on Kutch plains. October’s dry months reveal intricate waterworks, fortifications, and urban layout hardly crowded by tourists.

Stone pathway to transport water at the ancient ruins of Dholavira, a Harappan site in Gujarat | Shutterstock

Rani-ki-Vav, Gujarat

Descend into this richly carved stepwell in Patan. The late-monsoon light accentuates its sculptures and subterranean corridors, offering quiet moments away from mainstream Gujarat tourism.

A view of the iconic Rani Ki Vav | Shutterstock

Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, Gujarat

Explore forts, mosques and stepwells over hill and plain. October brings mild weather and fewer visitors, letting you immerse into its blend of Hindu and Islamic heritage.

The Jamia Masjid of Gujarat's Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park | Shutterstock

Pattadakal, Karnataka

Walk among Chalukya temples by the Malaprabha river. In October the skies clear, shadows highlight sculptural detail, and crowds remain modest in this architectural gem.

A view of a UNESCO temple of Pattadakal | Shutterstock

Mahabalipuram (Group of Monuments), Tamil Nadu

Roam rock-cut caves, monolithic temples, and shore temples near the Bay of Bengal. Soft October light enhances reliefs while the coast is pleasantly cool and less humid.

Mahabalipuram Shore Temple, Tamil Nadu | Somit Makar

Hampi, Karnataka

Wander through surreal boulder landscapes and ruined Vijayanagara temples. October’s greener surrounds soften the harshness and quiet paths let you linger at hidden shrines.

The iconic chariot of Hampi | Shutterstock

Elephanta Caves, Maharashtra

Sail to Gharapuri Island and enter cavernous rock temples dedicated to Shiva. October’s calm seas and clear skies make the ferry ride and cave lighting magical.

Elephanta Caves at the Elephanta Island | Shutterstock

Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

Visit exquisitely carved temples often overshadowed by other sites. In October the weather is ideal, and evenings host refined sound-and-light shows in semi-silence.

Khajuraho Temples | Unsplash

Sun Temple, Konark, Odisha

Admire the chariot-shaped temple set on the Bay of Bengal. Offbeat in October, the carved wheels and deities glow in golden light amid fewer tourists.

A view of the majestic Konark Sun Temple | Shutterstock

Great Himalayan National Park, Himachal Pradesh

Trek paths through alpine meadows, dark forests and snow-fed streams. Recognised by UNESCO for natural heritage, October’s crisp air and fading autumn colours enrich solitude.

A grand view of the Himalayas from the Great Himalayan National Park | Shutterstock

Himachal’s Cold Desert Reserve Becomes India’s 13th UNESCO Biosphere Site

Himachal's Cold Desert Reserve now on UNESCO Biosphere Site list | @IndiaInfoFeed/x
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