The international “World Heritage Programme” is responsible for maintaining the inventory of World Heritage Sites. The World Heritage Committee of UNESCO oversaw its administration. A global agreement known as the Convention respecting the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage embodies this. UNESCO ratified this agreement in 1972.

India accepted the convention on November 14th, 1977, making its sites eligible for listing. The Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Ellora Caves, and Ajanta Caves were the first places to be listed. There are currently 40 World Heritage Sites in India. One of these is mixed, 32 are cultural, 7 are natural. The sixth-highest amount of sites is located in India.

The list of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites in India is given below:

Cultural (32)

1. Agra Fort (1983)
2. Ajanta Caves (1983)
3. Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara at Nalanda, Bihar (2016)
4. Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi (1989)
5. Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park (2004)
6. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) (2004)
7. Churches and Convents of Goa (1986)
8. Dholavira: a Harappan City (2021)
9. Elephanta Caves (1987)
10. Ellora Caves (1983)
11. Fatehpur Sikri (1986)
12. Great Living Chola Temples (1987, 2004)
13. Group of Monuments at Hampi (1986)
14. Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram (1984)
15. Group of Monuments at Pattadakal (1987)
16. Hill Forts of Rajasthan (2013)
17. Historic City of Ahmadabad (2017)
18. Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi (1993)
19. Jaipur City, Rajasthan (2019)
20. Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana (2021)
21. Khajuraho Group of Monuments (1986)
22. Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya (2002)
23. Mountain Railways of India (1999, 2005, 2008)
24. Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi (1993)
25. Rani-ki-Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell) at Patan, Gujarat (2014)
26. Red Fort Complex (2007)
27. Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (2003)
28. Sun Temple, Konârak (1984)
29. Taj Mahal (1983)
30. The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement (2016)
31. The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur (2010)
32. Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai (2018)

Natural (7)

1. Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area (2014)
2. Kaziranga National Park (1985)
3. Keoladeo National Park (1985)
4. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (1985)
5. Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks (1988, 2005)
6. Sundarbans National Park (1987)
7. Western Ghats (2012)

Mixed (1)

1. Khangchendzonga National Park (2016)