10 Must Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India

Are you a fan of the Mughal architecture style? The Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, will be a delight for you to visit. It’s one of the most beautiful man-made buildings you’ll come across. Located on the banks of the Yamuna river in Agra, you'll find this heritage site to be the jewel of Mughal art in India. Except for the side facing river Yamuna, you'll find that the structure looks the same from all sides. The inscriptions on the four entrances and the marble carved walls exhibit dedication, beauty, and love. You must visit the Taj Mahal to walk along with the reflecting pool with fountains and turn pages from the past with its charm.

You'll find solace in the ruins of the ancient Vijayanagar Kingdom at Hampi group monuments in Karnataka. The attractions that you'll find are Achyutaraya Temple, Vittala Temple, Anegondi, Krishna temple complex, Lotus Mahal complex and Zananas. If you're an architectural nerd, you'll find the Dravidian architectural style here very fascinating. The Virupaksha Temple here is also a must-visit. As you'll sit upon Matunga Hill in Hampi, you'll be able to forget about your busy life and worries to just relax.

You must have heard about this group of caves in Aurangabad as these caves are the first and one of the most famous UNESCO sites in India. Ajanta Caves will take you to the 2nd century BCE with the most rock-cut Buddhist caves, sculptures, and paintings. This destination is a treat for history enthusiasts as it reflects the revolutionary impact of Ajanta architecture and art on Indian architecture throughout history. If you're an artsy person, you'll find several paintings inspired by the Jataka Tales displaying the people in the ancient era, very interesting. Here you'll witness the beginning of Indian classical art through the sculptures and carvings related to the Buddhist lifestyle.

Do you consider train rides to be fun? If yes, then the Darjeeling Himalayan Rail, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, and the Kalka-Shimla Railway, forming a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-try for you. These fun toy trains will take you through beautiful tea plantations, long tunnels or the Tiger Hills and you'll have a magical experience. Passing through the hills and most beautiful terrain, you'll get to witness the engineering marvels of the 19th and early 20th century.

Do animals, flora and fauna, and wildlife photography excite you?If yes, you must consider visiting the Kaziranga National Park in Assam. No one can ever talk about India's rich diversity without mentioning Kaziranga National Park. You'll easily come across rare one-horned rhinoceros as this National Park is home to one-third of their entire world population. You can also see tigers, the world-famous rock python, the reticulated python, king cobra, eastern swamp deer, wild water buffalo and if you're lucky, a herd of elephants. The surrounding ancient temples, waterfalls, and lush tea estate will mesmerise you on your visit here.

If Indian temple art fascinates you, the Khajuraho group of temples will have you mesmerised within minutes. The sculptures in these temples beautifully depict human emotions. You'll find a group of about 20 temples dedicated to both Hindu and Jain figures. If you’re on a spiritual journey, you must visit the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple here as it's one of the four holy Shiva worship sites in India. What’s more? You can also witness the rich Indian cultural heritage through the Nagara style symbolism and erotic sculptures in these temples.

At Rani ki Vav, you'll witness a perfect blend of architectural excellence and spirituality. The stepped corridor, stone carvings, and sculptures in this inverted temple are devoted to Lord Shiva and will give you a splendid and unique experience. The seven levels of wells here with their own mythological and religious importance will intrigue your mind. As you descend from the ground level, you'll walk by pillared pavilions and about 800 sculptures. When you reach the water level, you'll find a carving of Sheshashayu Vishnu.

Ahmedabad is a living legacy and a must-visit UNESCO World Heritage City in India. This biggest city in Gujarat is a tourist hub and it'll offer you a diverse range of experiences with spectacular architecture, culture, and a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. With a vibrant range of tourist destinations, street food, and colourful bazaars, you'll be spoiled with options for things you can do.

People intrigued by history and ancient art must add Chola Temples in Tamil Nadu to their bucket list. If you're an Indian cultural art fan, the temples with splendorous beauty of Chola art, sculptures, and architecture will not disappoint you. Whether you're religious or an atheist, you can visit in the winters and enjoy the majestic craftsmanship of these temples. While here, you can experience the rituals and festivities being held here for thousands of years now.

Sun Temple dedicated to Surya Devta in Odisha is another unique architectural marvel that you must visit. It's always exciting to witness advancement in ancient structures, isn't it? Once you visit this place, you'll find that the temple stands on 24 intricately carved wheels that can tell time as sundials. Here you can explore the most evolved period of Kalinga architecture in the sculpture’s details. It's one of the biggest Brahmin sanctuaries in India that you can visit.

Add these places to your list and explore the vast heritage of India. Have fun!