OT Staff
India's World Heritage Sites encompass a fabric of ancient temples, architectural marvels, and natural wonders. Each site narrates a unique story, from Hampi's Vijayanagara ruins to the ethereal Ajanta and Ellora caves, showcasing India's rich heritage and cultural legacy.
Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It has stunning architecture, intricate marble work, and symmetrical gardens, and it changes colour with sunlight - pinkish in the morning, white in the evening, and golden at night.
Ajanta and Ellora Caves are ancient rock-cut caves representing Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. Ajanta is known for its frescoes, while Ellora's Kailasa Temple is the largest monolithic structure in the world. Ellora Caves span over 2 km and are excavated from the Charanandri Hills.
Khajuraho is famous for its stunning Nagara-style temples adorned with intricate carvings depicting various facets of life, spirituality, and Kama Sutra themes. Originally, there were around 85 temples, but only about 20 remain today.
Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire and has stunning ruins amidst a surreal landscape, including the Virupaksha Temple, Vijaya Vittala Temple, and the Royal Enclosure. The ruins cover 26 sq km.
Bodhgaya is where Siddhartha Gautama became the Buddha. The site has the Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhi Tree, stupas, and monasteries. The Mahabodhi Temple, one of India's oldest brick structures, dates to the 3rd century BCE.
Mumbai's Victorian and Art Deco Ensemble is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of 92 buildings in the Fort precinct. It includes four architectural styles and surrounds the Oval Maidan, home to the High Court of Bombay and the University of Mumbai.
The Chandigarh Capitol Complex, designed by Le Corbusier, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It includes the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the Palace of Assembly, the Secretariat, and three monuments. This complex is an excellent example of modern architecture's unique cultural setting.
The Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas are three 12th-13th century Hoysala-style temples that exhibit the architectural excellence of the Hoysala dynasty in magnificent architecture, hyper-realistic sculptures, and stone carvings. These temples have been recognised as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
Santiniketan is a residential school and art centre located in rural West Bengal. It was established in 1901 by Rabindranath Tagore, a famous poet and philosopher. The institution is based on ancient Indian traditions and promotes a vision of human unity that transcends religious and cultural boundaries.
Sundarbans is the world's largest tidal mangrove forest, known for its diverse wildlife, including Bengal tigers, saltwater crocodiles, and birds. Its unique ecosystem is shaped by daily tides.