The cultural heritage sites in India that UNESCO has recognised as World Heritage Sites are exceptional examples of architectural and sculptural art that continue to attest to the country's amazing history.
Ellora Caves
The Ellora caves are one of the largest rock cut temple complexes in the world. Created between the 6th and 12th centuries AD, these caves are located in Aurangabad district in Maharashtra. Built during the reign of Rashtrakuta dynasty, these caves are home to Hindu, Jain and Buddhist deities.
Ajanta Caves
One of the oldest UNESCO World Heritage sites in India are the Ajanta caves, situated on a horseshoe-shaped hill near Aurangabad, in Maharashtra near the Waghora River belt. Thirty sculpted and painted caves stand in Ajanta, which are a group of artworks of outstanding artistic and religious significance.
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Jantar Mantar, Jaipur
Maharajah Sawai Jai Singh II built this astronomical observatory as part of his five observatories in Western and Central India. The earliest known descriptions of astronomical instruments have been mentioned in the Vendangas, the six ancillary disciplines of Hinduism developed and later associated with the Vedas. These best-preserved historic observatories consist of about 20 instruments designed to observe astronomical positions.
Khajuraho group of monuments
In the northern Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, in Khajuraho stand over 20 temples that have been built in Nagara-style temple architecture. One of India's most popular heritage sites, the temples were constructed during the Chandela period but only 23 have survived. Spread over an area of about six kilometres, these temples are living proof of man’s creativity and imagination.
Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal complex is the greatest architectural achievement of Indo-Islamic architecture. The Mughal emperor Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal from 1631 to 1648 for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died after giving birth to her 14th child. Constructed on the banks of the Yamuna River in Agra, the Taj is a mausoleum housing the graves of Shah Jahan and his wife Mumtaz, known throughout the world for its perfectly symmetrical lines and clean architecture.
So when are you planning to visit these amazing UNESCO world heritage sites?