Image source: Aspark Holidays
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has named many Indian cultural heritage sites World Heritage Sites. These sites are exceptional displays of architecture and sculpture that continue to serve as a piece of evidence of India’s remarkable history.
Here are 5 must-visit UNESCO World Heritage sites in India
1. Group of Monuments at Hampi, Karnataka
Located in the southern Indian state of Karnataka, Hampi is a historic town that served as the last capital of the vast Hindu kingdom known as Vijayanagar. There are many ruined Vijayanagara Empire temple structures spread around it. Its immensely wealthy kings built Dravidian temples and palaces that visitors admired during the 14th and 16th centuries.
2. Khajuraho Temples, Madhya Pradesh
In the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, there are Hindu and Jain temples known as the Khajuraho Group of Temples, which were constructed between 950 and 1050 under the Chandella dynasty. They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temples are well-known for their erotic sculptures and architectural symbolism in the nagara style.
3. Ajanta Caves
One of India’s oldest UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Ajanta Caves is situated on a horseshoe-shaped hill in the Waghora River area in the state of Maharashtra. Ajanta contains thirty painted and sculpted caverns that together provide a collection of works of exceptional artistic and spiritual significance.
4. Taj Mahal, Agra
In Agra, India, the most well-known UNESCO World Heritage Site is the Taj Mahal. The Mughal emperor Shah Jahan ordered it built in 1632 as a tribute to Mumtaz Mahal, his favourite wife. Many tourists visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site each year; in fact, for those who are visiting India for the first time, the Taj Mahal is the top destination on every person’s list.
5. Ellora Caves
The Ellora caves consist of 34 monasteries and temples rock-cut into a wall of a high cliff composed of basaltic rock that is almost 2 kilometers long. They are situated near Aurangabad, Maharashtra. The artwork at the Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was created from the 6th to the 12th century AD.
