New Delhi: India is a nation of ancient culture and heritage. The country has innumerable historical places which proudly showcase the rich history of our country. Notably, UNESCO designates World Heritage Sites of outstanding universal value to cultural or natural heritage which the countries, specifically the signatories to the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, nominate.
There are 43 World Heritage Sites in India and out of them, 35 are cultural, seven are natural, and one, Khangchendzonga National Park, is of mixed type. Overall, India has the sixth-most UNESCO Heritage Site in the world. In this article, we will take a look at the states which have the most number of heritage sites.
Indian states with the most number of heritage sites
Maharashtra
Maharashtra has the most UNESCO Heritage Sites, five. It has the Ajanta Caves, the Ellora Caves, the Elephanta Caves, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai. While the caves show the architectural brilliance India had back in the day, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus is a historical railway terminus which was constructed by the British Raj. On the other hand, the Victorian and Art Deco Ensemble of Mumbai is a group of notable architectural buildings set along a peninsula in the Arabian Sea.
Rajasthan
Rajasthan sits next on the list with four UNESCO Heritage Sites. The most famous of them is the Hill Forts of Rajasthan which comprises six majestic forts: Kumbhalgarh Fort, Chittor Fort, Ranthambore Fort, Amber Fort, Gagron Fort and Jaisalmer Fort. The other sites are the Keoladeo National Park, Jantar Mantar and the Jaipur city itself.
Gujarat
Gujarat is in the next position with four UNESCO Heritage Sites. It has the Rani ki Vav (The Queen’s Stepwell), an intricately designed stepwell in Patan. Apart from that, the state has the Historic City of Ahmedabad, which is the first Indian city to become a UNESCO World Heritage City. There is also the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park and Dholavira, a site of the Indus Valley Civilization.
Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh has three famous UNESCO Heritage Sites, the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort and the Fatehpur Sikri.
Madhya Pradesh
The state has three UNESCO Heritage Sites, the Khajuraho Group of Monuments, Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi and Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka.
Delhi
Delhi has three UNESCO Heritage Sites: The Red Fort Complex, Qutub Minar and its Monuments and Humayun’s Tomb.
Assam
Assam has three heritage sites: Kaziranga National Park, Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, and Moidams–the Mound-Burial system of the Ahom Dynasty.
