It was a great pleasure exploring seven of the top beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India during my last year’s solo trip to India here. I already mentioned in my previous blog posts that the Mughal Architects fascinated me the most. Mostly, all tourists got stunned by the amazing stone craftwork on monuments or architects of the old era. And these are the main criteria worked for UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) to list the places (given below) as the cultural heritage sites in India.
Now, what is World Heritage Site? If you don’t know yet, then the answer for you is, any place, whether Man-made (city, monument or architect) or Natural (forest, lake, mountain, desert, island) can include as World Heritage Site. However, those places must meet some criteria by UNESCO.
There is a total of 26 countries that got this privilege. They have many cultural and natural World Heritage Sites in their respected country. In India, until now, there are entire 32 heritage sites. Each site got a fund from UNESCO which helps to develop the respective site. It also helps to increase the development of the country’s tourism. And mostly, creates huge popularity among tourists to visit that place.
Let’s explore more inside. The following are the seven must-visit Cultural World Heritage Sites from the state of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. And I believe, as a World Heritage Traveler, you shouldn’t miss visiting. 🙂
Table of Contents
Taj Mahal
Words are too few to describe the fascinating beauty of the Taj Mahal, and this is my most favorite cultural heritage site among seven. Taj Mahal is located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, and has been listed as World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983. The specialty of this monument is its white marble beauty and the touchy story behind the creation. This iconic landmark is also the Seven New Wonder of the World. Therefore, Taj Mahal tour in Agra is a must during your first visit to India.
Taj Mahal
Humayun’s Tomb
Humayun’s Tomb in New Delhi is one of the most beautiful creations by the Mughals. You can’t just stop looking at it. The beauty of red sandstone is the specialty of this monument. UNESCO selected Humayun’s Tomb as World Heritage Site in 1993.
Humayun’s Tomb
Fatehpur Sikri
I’ve loved everything about Fatehpur Sikri in Uttar Pradesh. This red sandstone old city took me to that time when Mughal Akbar used to rule this place. There is much to explore inside the Fatehpur Sikri. The fascinating and compelling history behind this city is the specialty of this heritage site. At least, as an old history lover, you shouldn’t miss visiting. Fatehpur Sikri was listed as World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986.
Fatehpur Sikri (Panch Mahal)
Qutub Minar
A Minar (Tower) with 240 feet height during the old-time in 1193 is not more than enough to stun you? If not yet, then you got to visit and see this Islamic architect in New Delhi. The specialty of this monument is its stunning calligraphy (inscribed Arabic text) artwork on Minar. Qutub Minar was listed as World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1993.
Qutub Minar
Amber Fort
Amber Fort in Jaipur, Rajasthan is also famous as Raja Man Singh Palace. UNESCO listed this fort under Hill Forts of Rajasthan in 2013 as a World Heritage Site. The beautiful paintings and mirror artworks are the main attraction of this monument.
Amber Fort
Agra Fort
Agra Fort is the historic fort in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan used to stare at the Taj Mahal from the fort when his son Aurangzeb had imprisoned him for eight years. This is the specialty of the Agra Fort. However, there is much to explore inside the fort which is surrounded by 73 meters of defensive walls. And the total area covered about 2.5 kilometers. Since 1983, this fort is under UNESCO’s World Heritage Site.
The Remote View of Taj Mahal from Agra Fort
Red Fort
Red Fort is well-known in Old Delhi as Lal Qila. The beauty in red is the specialty of the fort. There are many beautiful architects inside to explore. Approximately 254.67 acres covered the total area of the fort and was surrounded by 1.5 miles with the defensive wall. Red Fort was listed in 2007 as World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Red Fort
Have you explored any Cultural Heritage Sites of India? Share your favorite UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India.
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