India is a diverse and vast country, known for its rich cultural heritage. India is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites. According to the latest data, the list of World Heritage Sites includes 1223 sites worldwide, with 44 sites located in India. This comprises 36 cultural sites, 7 of which are natural sites, and one of mixed type. If you are planning to experience India’s cultural heritage, here are the top 15 heritage sites in India that you must visit.
15 Famous Heritage Sites in India You Must Visit
India is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors from across the world with its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and historical sites. Being home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the country boasts numerous heritage sites that are well worth visiting. These heritage sites and monuments in India today stand as a testament to India’s architectural prowess and the country’s rich history. The architecture of the monuments showcases the aesthetic designs and styles of the different eras that everyone must experience at least once in their lifetime.
The total UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India includes cultural, natural, and mixed sites. We highlight all of them in our list of the top heritage sites in India.
1) The Taj Mahal, Uttar Pradesh
The Taj Mahal is probably the most popular one on most cultural and heritage tours in India. Counted among the Seven Wonders of the World, the white-marble monument is renowned as the epitome of love. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan built this love monument between 1631 and 1653 in the loving memory of his most beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The mausoleum today also houses the grave of the Shahanshah, along with the grave of the queen, Mumtaz.
Located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, the Taj Mahal is situated on the banks of the River Yamuna and is surrounded by beautiful gardens. The monument is exceptionally beautiful and showcases the finest Mughal architecture, blending elements of Persian, Islamic, and Indian architecture. That’s why it is considered one of the greatest marvels of human civilization. The Taj Mahal was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
- Timings: 30 Minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes before sunset.
- Opening Days: Open every day except Fridays.
- Entry Fees:
- Rs. 50 for Indians and citizens of SAARC and BIMSTEC countries
- Rs. 1100 for foreigners
- Additional Rs 200 for the Mausoleum
2) Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh
Founded by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri is a small town in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. This town was built as a tribute to the great Sufi Saint, Sheikh Salim Chishti. Fatehpur Sikri initially served as the capital of Akbar’s empire for 15 years. Although it is now present in ruins, it remains a significant historical and architectural site in India. In the year 1986, Fatehpur Sikri was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Timings: From Sunrise to Sunset
- Opening Days: 7 days a week
- Entry Fees:
- Rs. 50 for Indians and the citizens of SAARC and BIMSTEC countries
- Rs. 610 for foreigners
3) Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra
Another popular heritage site in India is the Ajanta Caves in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. It is the 30-cut rock Buddhist cave, dating back to the second century BCE and 480 CE. This cave was built in two different phases. The first was completed in the second century, and the second was built between 480 and 650 CE. It is famous for its 30-rock cut Buddhist caves, paintings, and sculptures. The Ajanta Caves are among the most famous tourist attractions in Maharashtra. It houses ancient monasteries and Chapels. You will see the walls of these monasteries and chapels exhibit a series of paintings of the many births and past lives of Lord Buddha.
- Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Opening Days: Tuesday to Sunday (Closed on Mondays)
- Entry Fees:
- Rs. 40 for Indians and the citizens of SAARC and BIMSTEC countries
- Free entry for children below 15 years of age
- Rs. 60 for foreigners
4) Jaipur City, Rajasthan
The popular Pink City of Rajasthan, Jaipur, is one of India’s top heritage destinations. This walled city has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list due to its historical monuments, vibrant bazaars, and festivals, which have evolved over the past 400 years. This is what makes Jaipur more special than other cultural heritage sites in India. Your Rajasthan tour is incomplete without visiting the capital of the state, Jaipur. It attracts visitors from across the globe with its royal heritage, rich culture, and magnificent architecture. Jaipur city was recently added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India in 2019.
Best Time to Visit: Winter season from October to February
5) Khajuraho Group of Monuments, Madhya Pradesh
The Khajuraho Group of Monuments, situated in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, is one of India’s most renowned historical sites. The temple’s intricate architecture, erotic figurines, and sculptures make it one of the most unique temples in India. There was a total of 85 temples spread over a 20 sq. km area till the 12th century. Over time, only 25 temples have survived, spread across an area of 6 square kilometers. The sculpture of the temples depicts the emotions of human life in exquisite detail. This includes dance, music, and sensuality. The Khajuraho Group of Monuments was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India in 1986.
- Timings: Sunrise to Sunset
- Opening days: 7 days a week
- Entry Fees:
- Rs. 40 for Indians and the citizens of SAARC and BIMSTEC countries
- Free entry for children below 15 years of age
- Rs. 600 for foreigners
6) Sun Temple, Odisha
One of the famous tourist attractions in Odisha, the Konark Sun Temple, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India. This temple is one of the finest examples of Kalinga architecture, also known as the “Black Pagoda”. It is situated on the east coast of the Bay of Bengal in Odisha, just 35 km from Puri. Built by Narasimha I in the 13th century, the Sun Temple is renowned for its marvelous architecture. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu God Surya or the Sun. The Konark Sun Temple is a stone-carved temple that resembles a chariot with 24 wheels, pulled by seven horses, symbolizing the Sun God. However, only one horse is now well-preserved.
- Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Opening days: 7 days a week
- Entry Fees:
- Rs. 40 for Indians and the citizens of SAARC and BIMSTEC countries
- Free entry for children below 15 years of age
- Rs. 600 for foreigners
7) Red Fort Complex, Delhi
One of India’s most famous cultural heritage sites is the Red Fort, also known as Lal Quila, in Delhi. Every Delhi tour or Golden Triangle tour package includes this landmark, famous for its fusion of Persian, Indian, and Timurid architectural styles. The Red Fort in Delhi was the primary residence of the Mughal Emperors after Agra Fort, when Shah Jahan shifted from Agra to Delhi. Built with red sandstone, the complex comprises several small buildings, including the Diwan-I-Aam, Diwan-I-Khas, Lahori Gate, and Delhi Gate, among others. Today, the Red Fort is one of Delhi’s most prominent tourist attractions. Every year, on Independence Day, the prime minister of India hoists the national flag at the Red Fort. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007 and is now managed by the Archaeological Survey of India.
- Timings: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
- Opening days: Tuesday to Sunday (Closed on Mondays)
- Entry Fees:
- Rs. 35 for Indians and the citizens of SAARC and BIMSTEC countries
- Rs. 500 for foreigners
8) Group of Monuments at Hampi, Karnataka
Hampi is situated on the banks of the River Tungabhadra. It was once the capital of the Vijayanagar Empire in the 14th century. The group of monuments at Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India, taking you back to the era of the Vijayanagar Kingdom. The group of monuments at Hampi includes more than 1600 structures that attract history buffs and tourists alike from all around the world. As a cultural heritage site in India, Hampi is one of the country’s top tourist destinations. The surviving structures include numerous temples, forts, gateways, halls, shrines, water structures, museums, and more that straight make their way to people’s South India tour packages.
- Timings: No specific time
- Best time to visit: October to February
9) Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara in Nalanda, Bihar
One of the most significant cultural heritage sites in India is the archaeological site of Nalanda Mahavihara, situated approximately 75 km from Patna, Bihar. It is famed as the first university in the world. This ancient university in the Indian subcontinent is renowned for its archaeological remains of monastic and scholastic institutions dating from the 3rd to the 13th century. The site features stupas, Shrines, and Viharas, which serve as educational buildings. For 800 years, Nalanda Viharā remained the center of learning, making significant contributions to the emergence of Buddhism as a religion.
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Opening Days: Every day except Fridays
- Entry Fee:
- Rs. 15 for Indians and the citizens of SAARC and BIMSTEC countries
- Rs. 200 for foreigners
10) Mahabodhi Temple Complex of Bodh Gaya, Bihar
Bodh Gaya is one of the most prominent cultural heritage destinations in India that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. This site is one of the most sacred destinations for Buddhists, located in Bodh Gaya, Bihar. This is the place where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment. The temple spans an area of 5 hectares. It comprises the main Mahabodhi Temple and the sacred Bodhi Tree, under which Gautama Buddha meditated, along with six other holy sites associated with Gautama Buddha’s enlightenment. You will even see a beautiful lotus pond just outside the enclosure to the south. It was the first temple built by the great emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century. This temple was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002.
- Timings: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Opening Days: 7 days a week
- Entry Fee: Free entry
11) Kaziranga National Park, Assam
One of the most sought-after travel destinations in India is Kaziranga National Park in Assam, spanning an area of 430 square kilometers. Planning an Assam tour or a trip to Kaziranga in Assam is a must for anyone who wants to witness the wildlife in its natural habitat and, most importantly, spot the rare one-horned rhinoceros. This park is a natural heritage site of India and was declared a UNESCO Heritage Site in 1985. It is a treat for nature and wildlife lovers. Dense forest, lush greenery, streams, and lakes add to the beauty of this National Park in Assam. Apart from mammals, the park is home to a wide variety of migratory birds. Thus, it’s a perfect destination for bird watchers.
- Timings: 24/7
- Opening Days: 7 days a week
- Entry Fee: Rs. 100 for Indians and Rs. 650 for foreigners
12) Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan
Another top natural heritage site in India is Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur, Rajasthan. The park is also known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary because it is home to over 350 species of birds. It even houses 30 species of mammals, 50 species of fish, and more than 350 types of plants. This is one of the top tourist destinations in Rajasthan, included in almost every Rajasthan tour itinerary. Whether you are a nature lover or a wildlife enthusiast, this park will allow you to explore the most exotic flora and fauna. The most interesting thing is that you can take a jeep safari or rickshaw safari to spot birds and animals in the park. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.
- Timings: 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM (timings may vary depending on the season)
- Opening Days: 7 days a week
- Entry Fee: Rs. 50 for Indians and 400 for foreigners
13) Great Himalayan National Park, Himachal Pradesh
Another name on our list of the top 15 heritage sites in India is the Great Himalayan National Park. It is a natural heritage site located in the Kullu region of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. This National Park is home to numerous flora and fauna that attract tourists from across the country. It was included in the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2014. The beauty of this national park lies in its alpine meadows and riverine forests, which make it one of the most scenic national parks in the state of Himachal Pradesh.
- Timings: 24/7
- Entry Fees:
- Rs 50 for Indians
- Rs. 200 for foreigners
- Rs. 30 for Indian students
- Rs. 100 for foreign students
14) Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal
Located in West Bengal, the Sundarbans National Park is one of India’s most popular Tiger reserves and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The park is home to the largest number of Royal Bengal Tigers in India and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. It is a part of the world’s largest delta and home to mangrove forests. Its name is after the Sundari trees. They are dominant in the mangrove forests that surround the Sundarbans, making it one of the most beautiful national parks and biosphere reserves in the world.
- Timings:
- Monday to Friday – 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Saturday – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Sunday – Closed
- Opening Days: All days except Sundays
- Entry Fees:
- Rs 60 for Indians
- Rs. 200 for foreigners
15) Khangchendzonga National Park, Sikkim
Among the varied cultural, natural, and mixed UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India, Khangchendzonga National Park is a mixed heritage site. The park spans an area of 850 square kilometers, located in Sikkim. It is popularly known as Kanchenjunga National Park and Biosphere Reserve. With flora and fauna, you get to witness the natural beauty of the region. This includes a diversity of plains, valleys, and glaciers. Along with this, you get to see the spectacular view of snow-capped mountains and the world’s third-highest peak, Mount Kanchenjunga.
- Timings: 24 Hours
- Opening Days: Every day except Sundays
- Entry Fees:
- Rs 200 for Indians
- Rs. 400 for foreigners
Conclusion: 15 Heritage Sites in India
These are the top 15 amongst the total 44 UNESCO World Heritage sites in India. India ranks sixth in the world, boasting the most significant number of heritage sites. Our list includes the most famous destinations that come under the top cultural and natural heritage sites in India. All the destinations have something special and unique to explore. If our list of the top 15 heritage sites in India has inspired you to embark on a trip, then do not wait any longer and book your tour package right away to visit these natural and cultural heritage sites in India. At Shakti India Tours, we specialize in cultural tours of India and offer a diverse range of packages. Additionally, we can tailor the package to meet your specific needs and budget.