When we talk about UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India, we are instantly reminded of the Taj Mahal. Some of us may also be aware of a few others such as Khajuraho Group of Monuments, Humayun’s Tomb, Fatehpur Sikri, etc. But the cultural and historical milieu of India has been entwined with its extraordinary geographical inheritance to create a destination of astounding wonders. India has a total of 36 sites included into UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and we ought to pay more attention to the lesser known ones. So we look past the known and embark on the unknown. Here is a look into the lesser known UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India.
Located on the banks of the Saraswati River in Patan, Gujarat, this was built in the 11th century AD as a memorial to a king. This detailed stepwell is a common form of subterranean water resource and storage system in the Indian subcontinent. Constructed during the rule of the Chaulukya dynasty, it was excavated by the Archaeological Survey of India. The stepwell has seven levels, with around 500 sculptures and many other minor ones. The fourth one is the deepest and will lead you to a tank at a depth of 23 m. The architectural marvel is an example of fine mastery and is one of the India’s rare World Heritage Sites in India.
Khangchendzonga National Park, Sikkim
The beauty of the Himalayas comes alive here in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Khangchendzonga National Park located in the Indian state of Sikkim is a real treat for nature lovers. Known for its exceptional biodiversity, this park is located in North Sikkim and has a few glaciers inside it. It also has the Tholung monastery inside its premises and is located at a high altitude. The park gets its name from the third highest peak in the world, Mount Kangchendzonga, and an array of natural wonders such as caves, rivers, lakes and forests around here. A beautiful and untouched place, one must explore this national park and experience its natural wonders.
Located in the city of Agra in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, this is yet another UNESCO World Heritage site of India that often gets overshadowed by the legendary Taj Mahal located in the same city. Sort of a walled city, the Agra Fort is a 16th-century Mughal monument and comprises Jahangir Palace, Khas Mahal and other such beautiful old buildings. The fort occupies 94 acres of land, sits in majestic splendour and has two notable gates—the Lahore Gate and the Delhi Gate. Standing through tumultuous historical periods, the fort is definitely one of the grandest in India. A must visit UNESCO World Heritage Site for visitors who come to this heritage city of India.
Located on the foothills of the Vindhya Range, Bhimbetka Rock Shelters date back to the Mesolithic Age, and has traces of earliest human life on the Indian subcontinent. Here within the sandstone shelters, you will find paintings that appear from that era, and moreover, the cultural traditions that are followed by the inhabitants surrounding this area bear close resemblance to these paintings. There are more than 750 identified rock shelters; 243 of which are in the Bhimbetka group, while 178 are in the Lakha Juar group. An extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Site in India that should not be missed out.
This surreal capitol complex located in Chandigarh’s Sector 1 is yet another lesser known UNESCO World Heritage sites in India. Designed by architect Le Corbusier, the Swiss-French architect who has designed buildings all over the world. Spread across almost 100 acres, the complex includes Open Hand monument, Punjab and Haryana High Court, Tower of Shadows, Geometric Hill, the legislative assembly and also the secretariat. If you are in Chandigarh, then you must visit the capitol complex.
