World Heritage Day 2023, World Heritage Sites in India: World Heritage Day or International Day for Monuments and Sites is observed every year on April 18. The day is observed to raise awareness about the importance of cultural heritage and also to spread knowledge about how they can be protected. While we all know that there are several such across the world, many of us are not aware that such sites are divided into three types. Let's check out the details below.

World Heritage Day 2023: Types of Heritage Sites

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According to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), there are three types of heritage sites - cultural, natural, and mixed.

Cultural World Heritage Sites: These include temples, forts, caves, etc. 

Natural World Heritage Sites: They include rainforests, parks and ghats. 

Mixed World Heritage Sites: They include both cultural and natural elements at the same location.

World Heritage Day 2023: List of Cultural World Heritage Sites in India

 

There are a total of 32 such sites in India

  • Agra Fort (1983)
  • Ajanta Caves (1983)
  • Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara at Nalanda, Bihar (2016)
  • Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi (1989)
  • Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park (2004)
  • Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) (2004)
  • Churches and Convents of Goa (1986)
  • Dholavira: a Harappan City (2021)
  • Elephanta Caves (1987)
  • Ellora Caves (1983)
  • Fatehpur Sikri (1986)
  • Great Living Chola Temples (1987, 2004)
  • Group of Monuments at Hampi (1986)
  • Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram (1984)
  • Group of Monuments at Pattadakal (1987)
  • Hill Forts of Rajasthan (2013)
  • Historic City of Ahmadabad (2017)
  • Humayun's Tomb, Delhi (1993)
  • Jaipur City, Rajasthan (2019)
  • Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana (2021)
  • Khajuraho Group of Monuments (1986)
  • Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya (2002)
  • Mountain Railways of India (1999, 2005, 2008)
  • Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi (1993)
  • Rani-ki-Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell) at Patan, Gujarat (2014)
  • Red Fort Complex (2007)
  • Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (2003)
  • Sun Temple, Konârak (1984)
  • Taj Mahal (1983)
  • The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement (2016)
  • The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur (2010)
  • Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai (2018)

World Heritage Day 2023: List of Natural World Heritage Sites in India

 

In India, a total of seven natural sites have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

  • Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area (2014)
  • Kaziranga National Park (1985)
  • Keoladeo National Park (1985)
  • Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (1985)
  • Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks (1988, 2005)
  • Sundarbans National Park (1987)
  • Western Ghats (2012)

World Heritage Day 2023: List of Mixed World Heritage Sites in India

 

There is only one such site in India - Khangchendzonga National Park (2016). Located at the heart of the Himalayan range in northern India (State of Sikkim), the Khangchendzonga National Park includes a unique diversity of plains, valleys, lakes, glaciers and spectacular, snow-capped mountains covered with ancient forests, including the world’s third highest peak, Mount Khangchendzonga.