Sometimes, it is easy to overlook just how unique India is. In terms of cultural diversity, history, spirituality and our rich socio-cultural ethos – there simply is no other like it.
That is precisely why our land has been blessed with sites and spectacles so distinguished in their nature, that they had to be lauded. Today, we pick our choice of 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India that you have to visit.
1. Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Famed for its great one-horned rhinoceros and its abundance of biodiversity spots, Kaziranga National Park is perhaps the best chance for wild game in the country. The Assam Government has made herculean efforts to preserve the range of flora and fauna here, helped, of course by the designation of this park as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Best Time to Visit: Between November and April.
How to Get Here: Take a flight to Guwahati, about 217 kms from the park. From here, taxis should get you to the Park.
Where to Stay: The Green Village Resort (Rs. 2500 per night), Green Reed Resort (Rs. 1299 per night), Dhansiri Eco Camp (Rs. 1500 per night)
2. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam
Nestled along the gentle slopes of the Himalayas in Assam, the Manas Wildlife Sanctuary plays host to a wide array of wildlife including the Indian elephant, the Indian rhinoceros, tiger, and the pygmy hog. Designated a UNESCO Heritage Site in 1985, the Sanctuary is notable for its biosphere reserve, including tropical forests and grasslands.
Best Time to Visit: Between October and April
How to Get Here: Reach the Guwahati Airport by flight. From the airport, take a taxi to cover the 176 kms to Manas Wildlife Sanctuary.
Where to Stay: Hotels here can be found at a typical price range of Rs. 1600 per night.
3. Mahabodhi Temple Complex, Bihar
The Mahabodhi Temple Complex is one of the most revered sites of Buddhism across the world. Known for the Bodhi Tree which is where the Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment, the complex comprises seven different Buddhist spiritual sites, including the Bodhi Tree and the 50-metre-tall Mahabodhi Temple.
Best Time to Visit: Between November and February
How to Get Here: Mahabodhi Temple Complex lies about 96 kms from Bihar’s capital, Patna. Take a taxi from the Patna airport to reach here.
Where to Stay: Bodhgaya Regency Hotel (Rs. 4000 per night), Hotel Bodh Vilas (Rs. 1550 per night), Hotel Lumbini International (Rs. 1245 per night)
4. Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi
Built in 1565-1572 by Begum Bega, the first wife of Humayan, this tomb is one of the few monuments to have undergone several restoration works. Featuring as a preferred hangout for college students and tourists alike, Humayun’s Tomb is perhaps the most photographed site in New Delhi. It also features several smaller monuments and tombs within its premises.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
How to Get Here: Humayun’s Tomb is located near Central Delhi, an easy taxi ride away from both the Indira Gandhi International Airport and the New Delhi Airport.
Where to Stay: Hotel the Royal Plaza (Rs. 4930 per night), The Classic Diplomat (Rs. 3150 per night), Red Fox Hotel (Rs. 3699 per night)
5. Qutub Minar, Delhi
Qutubuddin Aibak and Iltutmish’s legacy of the Delhi Sultanate to posterity, the Qutub Minar is synonymous with the New Delhi landscape and skyline, just like the Eiffel is to Paris. It is also known for the Iron Pillar which has, despite the ravages of time and weather, resisted rust.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
How to Get Here: Qutub Minar is located in South Delhi, an easy taxi ride away from both the Indira Gandhi International Airport and the New Delhi Airport.
Where to Stay: The Suryaa (Rs. 6375 per night), The Hans (Rs. 4499 per night), Hotel Regent Grand (Rs. 3250 per night)
6. Red Fort, Delhi
Famous for its Persian, Timuri and Indian architectural influences, the Red Fort (distinctive for its red sandstone) was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to commemorate the move of the royal court from Agra to Delhi, and his founding of the city of Shahjahanabad. Known as the centrepiece of historic Old Delhi, Red Fort is also located close to the sprawling Jama Masjid complex.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
How to Get Here: The Red Fort is located near Central Delhi, an easy taxi ride away from both the Indira Gandhi International Airport and the New Delhi Airport.
Where to Stay: Lemon Tree Premier (Rs. 5149 per night), The Suryaa (Rs. 6375 per night), The Hans (Rs. 4499 per night), Hotel Regent Grand (Rs. 3250 per night)
7. Churches and Convents, Goa
With the onset of Portuguese rule in Goa during the 15th and 16th centuries, the period also witnessed the construction of several churches and convents in an attempt to evangelize the local populace into Christianity. The churches of Goa display Baroque, Manueline and Mannerist art forms and are truly a sight to see.
Best Time to Visit: October to January, June to September
How to Get Here: Take a cab from the Goa Airport to take a sightseeing tour of the churches and convents.
Where to Stay: Hotel Colva Kinara (Rs. 2500 per night), Neelam’s The Grand (Rs. 3499 per night), Golden Tulip Goa (Rs. 3760 per night)
8. Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, Gujarat
Located in the Panchmahal district, the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park is centred upon the medieval city of Muhammadabad which was built by Sultan Mahmud Begada in the 16th century. While the Park contains 11 different types of heritage monuments, the truly fascinating element here is that a majority of Champaner-Pavagadh remains unexcavated. This is also the only completely unaltered pre-Mughal city in India.
Best Time to Visit: October to February
How to Get Here: The nearest airport is Vadodara at a distance of 42 kms. Vadodara Railway Station at 48 kms is another option.
Where to Stay: Accommodations are available here for a typical price range of Rs. 2100 per night.
9. Hampi
Featuring in any tourist’s travel plan whilst in Karnataka or, for that matter, South India – Hampi’s richly preserved ruins of one of the greatest Hindu medieval empires is worth it. From the finely carved Dravidian architecture to temples such as Achyutaraya, Vitthala, Narasimha and – perhaps the greatest of them all – Virupaksha, the Hampi Group of Monuments is truly a sight to behold.
Best Time to Visit: April to September, October to March
How to Get Here: Bellary and Belgaum airports are the closest to Hampi, at about 350 kms away. The nearest railhead is Hospet, about 13 kms away.
Where to Stay: Hotel Malligi (Rs. 2200 per night), Hotel Mayura Bhuvaneshwari (Rs. 1500 per night), Hotel Hampi International (Rs. 2600 per night)
10. Pattadakal
Another Karnataka contender, Pattadakal’s claim to UNESCO fame is its incredible Chalukyan style architecture blended with Dravidian and Nagara influences. Pattadakal was the coronation site for the powerful Chalukyan rulers and includes 8 temples of Shaivite and Jain origins. Some of the temples to visit here are Virupaksha, Sangameshwara and Chandrashekhara temples.
Best Time to Visit: July to September
How to Get Here: The nearest airport is Belgaum at a distance of 180 kms. Badami is the nearest railway station, located approximately 22 kms from Pattadakal.
Where to Stay: Accommodations can be found here at a usual price range of Rs. 2400 per night.
11. Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh
The monolithic pillars, Buddhist monasteries and Mauryan architecture at Sanchi makes it a worthy qualifier for the UNESCO World Heritage Site laurel. Commissioned by Ashoka the Great in 3rd century BC, the monuments at Sanchi are the oldest Buddhist structures in India. The most celebrated monument here is surely the Sanchi Stupa – a hemispherical brick structure built over the relics of the Great Buddha.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
How to Get Here: Raja Bhoj Airport in Bhopal is the nearest air link. Take a train till Vidhisha to cover the rest of the short distance to Sanchi via taxi.
Where to Stay: Sanchi Green (Rs. 2288 per night), Hotel Sambodhi (Rs. 2199 per night)
12. Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka, Madhya Pradesh
The Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka depict the earliest traces of human life in the Indian subcontinent. With Stone Age inscriptions and cave paintings dating back to the Mesolithic Period (over 100,000 years ago) the Bhimbetka Rock Shelters are a collection of five rocks nestled along the foothills of the Vindhya Mountains. An important archaeological and tourist site, the Rock Shelters should feature on travel plans in Madhya Pradesh, along with the Sanchi Stupa.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
How to Get Here: Raja Bhoj Airport in Bhopal is the nearest air link to the Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka.
Where to Stay: Good accommodations can be found at a price range of Rs. 3000 per night.
That is precisely why our land has been blessed with sites and spectacles so distinguished in their nature, that they had to be lauded. Today, we pick our choice of 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India that you have to visit.
1. Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Famed for its great one-horned rhinoceros and its abundance of biodiversity spots, Kaziranga National Park is perhaps the best chance for wild game in the country. The Assam Government has made herculean efforts to preserve the range of flora and fauna here, helped, of course by the designation of this park as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Best Time to Visit: Between November and April.
How to Get Here: Take a flight to Guwahati, about 217 kms from the park. From here, taxis should get you to the Park.
Where to Stay: The Green Village Resort (Rs. 2500 per night), Green Reed Resort (Rs. 1299 per night), Dhansiri Eco Camp (Rs. 1500 per night)
2. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam
Nestled along the gentle slopes of the Himalayas in Assam, the Manas Wildlife Sanctuary plays host to a wide array of wildlife including the Indian elephant, the Indian rhinoceros, tiger, and the pygmy hog. Designated a UNESCO Heritage Site in 1985, the Sanctuary is notable for its biosphere reserve, including tropical forests and grasslands.
Best Time to Visit: Between October and April
How to Get Here: Reach the Guwahati Airport by flight. From the airport, take a taxi to cover the 176 kms to Manas Wildlife Sanctuary.
Where to Stay: Hotels here can be found at a typical price range of Rs. 1600 per night.
3. Mahabodhi Temple Complex, Bihar
The Mahabodhi Temple Complex is one of the most revered sites of Buddhism across the world. Known for the Bodhi Tree which is where the Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment, the complex comprises seven different Buddhist spiritual sites, including the Bodhi Tree and the 50-metre-tall Mahabodhi Temple.
Best Time to Visit: Between November and February
How to Get Here: Mahabodhi Temple Complex lies about 96 kms from Bihar’s capital, Patna. Take a taxi from the Patna airport to reach here.
Where to Stay: Bodhgaya Regency Hotel (Rs. 4000 per night), Hotel Bodh Vilas (Rs. 1550 per night), Hotel Lumbini International (Rs. 1245 per night)
4. Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi
Built in 1565-1572 by Begum Bega, the first wife of Humayan, this tomb is one of the few monuments to have undergone several restoration works. Featuring as a preferred hangout for college students and tourists alike, Humayun’s Tomb is perhaps the most photographed site in New Delhi. It also features several smaller monuments and tombs within its premises.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
How to Get Here: Humayun’s Tomb is located near Central Delhi, an easy taxi ride away from both the Indira Gandhi International Airport and the New Delhi Airport.
Where to Stay: Hotel the Royal Plaza (Rs. 4930 per night), The Classic Diplomat (Rs. 3150 per night), Red Fox Hotel (Rs. 3699 per night)
5. Qutub Minar, Delhi
Qutubuddin Aibak and Iltutmish’s legacy of the Delhi Sultanate to posterity, the Qutub Minar is synonymous with the New Delhi landscape and skyline, just like the Eiffel is to Paris. It is also known for the Iron Pillar which has, despite the ravages of time and weather, resisted rust.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
How to Get Here: Qutub Minar is located in South Delhi, an easy taxi ride away from both the Indira Gandhi International Airport and the New Delhi Airport.
Where to Stay: The Suryaa (Rs. 6375 per night), The Hans (Rs. 4499 per night), Hotel Regent Grand (Rs. 3250 per night)
6. Red Fort, Delhi
Famous for its Persian, Timuri and Indian architectural influences, the Red Fort (distinctive for its red sandstone) was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to commemorate the move of the royal court from Agra to Delhi, and his founding of the city of Shahjahanabad. Known as the centrepiece of historic Old Delhi, Red Fort is also located close to the sprawling Jama Masjid complex.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
How to Get Here: The Red Fort is located near Central Delhi, an easy taxi ride away from both the Indira Gandhi International Airport and the New Delhi Airport.
Where to Stay: Lemon Tree Premier (Rs. 5149 per night), The Suryaa (Rs. 6375 per night), The Hans (Rs. 4499 per night), Hotel Regent Grand (Rs. 3250 per night)
7. Churches and Convents, Goa
With the onset of Portuguese rule in Goa during the 15th and 16th centuries, the period also witnessed the construction of several churches and convents in an attempt to evangelize the local populace into Christianity. The churches of Goa display Baroque, Manueline and Mannerist art forms and are truly a sight to see.
Best Time to Visit: October to January, June to September
How to Get Here: Take a cab from the Goa Airport to take a sightseeing tour of the churches and convents.
Where to Stay: Hotel Colva Kinara (Rs. 2500 per night), Neelam’s The Grand (Rs. 3499 per night), Golden Tulip Goa (Rs. 3760 per night)
8. Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, Gujarat
Located in the Panchmahal district, the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park is centred upon the medieval city of Muhammadabad which was built by Sultan Mahmud Begada in the 16th century. While the Park contains 11 different types of heritage monuments, the truly fascinating element here is that a majority of Champaner-Pavagadh remains unexcavated. This is also the only completely unaltered pre-Mughal city in India.
Best Time to Visit: October to February
How to Get Here: The nearest airport is Vadodara at a distance of 42 kms. Vadodara Railway Station at 48 kms is another option.
Where to Stay: Accommodations are available here for a typical price range of Rs. 2100 per night.
9. Hampi
Featuring in any tourist’s travel plan whilst in Karnataka or, for that matter, South India – Hampi’s richly preserved ruins of one of the greatest Hindu medieval empires is worth it. From the finely carved Dravidian architecture to temples such as Achyutaraya, Vitthala, Narasimha and – perhaps the greatest of them all – Virupaksha, the Hampi Group of Monuments is truly a sight to behold.
Best Time to Visit: April to September, October to March
How to Get Here: Bellary and Belgaum airports are the closest to Hampi, at about 350 kms away. The nearest railhead is Hospet, about 13 kms away.
Where to Stay: Hotel Malligi (Rs. 2200 per night), Hotel Mayura Bhuvaneshwari (Rs. 1500 per night), Hotel Hampi International (Rs. 2600 per night)
10. Pattadakal
Another Karnataka contender, Pattadakal’s claim to UNESCO fame is its incredible Chalukyan style architecture blended with Dravidian and Nagara influences. Pattadakal was the coronation site for the powerful Chalukyan rulers and includes 8 temples of Shaivite and Jain origins. Some of the temples to visit here are Virupaksha, Sangameshwara and Chandrashekhara temples.
Best Time to Visit: July to September
How to Get Here: The nearest airport is Belgaum at a distance of 180 kms. Badami is the nearest railway station, located approximately 22 kms from Pattadakal.
Where to Stay: Accommodations can be found here at a usual price range of Rs. 2400 per night.
11. Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh
The monolithic pillars, Buddhist monasteries and Mauryan architecture at Sanchi makes it a worthy qualifier for the UNESCO World Heritage Site laurel. Commissioned by Ashoka the Great in 3rd century BC, the monuments at Sanchi are the oldest Buddhist structures in India. The most celebrated monument here is surely the Sanchi Stupa – a hemispherical brick structure built over the relics of the Great Buddha.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
How to Get Here: Raja Bhoj Airport in Bhopal is the nearest air link. Take a train till Vidhisha to cover the rest of the short distance to Sanchi via taxi.
Where to Stay: Sanchi Green (Rs. 2288 per night), Hotel Sambodhi (Rs. 2199 per night)
12. Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka, Madhya Pradesh
The Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka depict the earliest traces of human life in the Indian subcontinent. With Stone Age inscriptions and cave paintings dating back to the Mesolithic Period (over 100,000 years ago) the Bhimbetka Rock Shelters are a collection of five rocks nestled along the foothills of the Vindhya Mountains. An important archaeological and tourist site, the Rock Shelters should feature on travel plans in Madhya Pradesh, along with the Sanchi Stupa.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
How to Get Here: Raja Bhoj Airport in Bhopal is the nearest air link to the Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka.
Where to Stay: Good accommodations can be found at a price range of Rs. 3000 per night.