Known Heritage Wonders of India that are worthy of being listed by UNESCO; however, you should also explore lesser-known treasures on your trip through this breathtaking country. Qila Mubarak, one of India’s oldest brick structures, dates back to Kushana period and stands as an architectural icon showcasing Indian craftsmanship and ingenuity. This monument stands as testament to Indian architectonic talent.
Champaner Gujarat
Champaner is located in Gujarat’s Panchmahal District and boasts unspoiled Islamic and Hindu temples that have stood the test of time. Built around Pavagadh Hill, Champaner boasts numerous mosques, tombs, temples and water-retaining installations dating back to 8th to 14th centuries – all which contribute to making Champaner one of India’s premier tourist spots.
Visits to this UNESCO Heritage Wonders of India will blow your mind. They provide evidence of how advanced urban planning was implemented even while being located amidst natural desert environments.
Champaner was established by Vanraj Chavda of the legendary Chavda dynasty, later passed to Solankis and Kirti Chauhans of Mewar (famous for their Modhera Sun Temple) before falling under control of Mahmud Begada, son of former Sultan of Delhi Adalaj Begada (Builder of Adalaj ki Vav), in 14th century. He eventually managed to gain full control from them with Adalaj Ki Vav being constructed.
Champaner was one of India’s lesser-known heritage sites until recently when Amir Khan made it famous through his blockbuster Lagaan movie. Now though, this amazing site has attained international renown due to the movie.
Toda Huts Ooty Tamil Nadu
Toda Huts of the Nilgiris represent an enchanting example of sustainable heritage. These elliptical-shaped houses were constructed by members of the Toda tribe as living testaments of their rich culture; come visit them and witness first-hand how unique lifestyle is maintained as well as incredible embroidery work!
The Western Ghats Mountain Range spans seven states and is one of eight global hotspots of biological diversity. A must-visit for nature enthusiasts, this magnificent site includes wildlife sanctuaries, national parks and reserve forests – truly an impressive sight! Book India Tour Packages
This remarkable archaeological treasure dates back to 16th-century India. With its spectacular white marble construction and one of the best examples of Mughal architecture in India, this remarkable garden-tomb was recognized by UNESCO World Heritage in 1984 as an archeological wonder.
Unakoti Tripura – Best Heritage Wonders of India
Unakoti is a hidden marvel nestled deep within the dense jungles of northern Tripura, famed for its extraordinary rock-cut sculptures of Hindu deities and providing evidence of Shaivite worship during its formation between 8th and 9th century CE.
Legend holds that one crore gods and goddesses visited Lord Shiva here during a night-stop en-route to Varanasi; when dawn broke, only Lord Shiva was awake – so angry at their inability to wake up, Shiva cursed them into becoming stone statues; thus giving Unakoti its name: one less than a crore (koti) gods!
Unakoti’s central figure, known as Unakotiswara Kal Bhairava, stands 30 feet tall. This statue of Shiva is flanked by two female figures – Durga and Ganga – while carvings at the site also include giant Nandi bulls, Lakshmi goddess statues and figures such as Ravana Hanuman Ganesha; its carvings display both bold experimentation as well as tribal influences. Unakoti was recently recognized by UNESCO and given funds so it may become one of its major tourism centers of Northeast.
Bhimbetka Rock Shelters Madhya Pradesh
As I explored Bhimbetka’s tunnels, rock shelters, and cave paintings, my attention kept being drawn back to easily-distinguishable figures – large simple representations of animals; images depicting hunting or general activities; more specific scenes depicting battles; religious symbols like gods – clearly visible figures that depict our ancestors working to understand their world by communicating emotions through artifacts like cave paintings – or show scenes depicting battles fought over time and religious figures such as gods. All show how much they cared for this art form while communicating their experiences through artifacts left behind when leaving earthen cave paintings would leave us today!
Bhimbetka Caves house some of the oldest prehistoric cave paintings ever produced and offer a rare insight into human development. Here, the transition from apes to humans took place 200,000 years ago; paintings depict what life would have been like at that time when animals roamed freely among nomads like humans.
Bhimbetka, discovered by archeologist Dr Vishnu Wakankar and listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage Site list in 1986, can be reached easily both by air and rail with Bhopal airport being only an hour’s drive away.
Maluti Temples Jharkhand
Maluti Temples is an offbeat heritage village in Jharkhand that’s packed with archaeological and religious temple structures. Situated near Shikaripara town of Dumka district, this hamlet also hosts one of India’s renowned Tarapith Temples devoted to Hindu Goddess Tara – and just an easy drive away.
The temple complex is a stunning blend of various architectural styles. There are 72 temples in total spread out over the complex that include shrines for Mowlakshi, Kali, Shiva, Vishnu and other deities as well as exquisite carvings depicting different Hindu mythologies that make for stunning viewing experiences.
The history behind how these temples came into being is very captivating. Back in the 15th century, Sultan Alauddin Hussain Shah was hunting when his pet falcon got lost in Maluti Village and Basanta Roy came forward to save it and in exchange was given an immense parcel of land in Maluti Village as a reward from him by Alauddin Hussain Shah.
Rani ki Vav Patan Gujarat
Rani Ki Vav (Queen’s Stepwell) is one of India’s premier stepwells and architectural masterpieces, known for its mammoth structure and exquisite details. Boasting seven levels, each stepped corridor boasting beautiful sculpture panels to signify water sanctity – it even bears an inverted temple-esque appearance!
Udayamati of Solanki Dynasty ordered construction of The Queen’s Stepwell as a lasting tribute to her late husband’s memory. Adorned with mythological and secular sculptures that showcase an unparalleled skill of craftsmanship.
Rani Ki Vav is an UNESCO World Heritage Site which still boasts its signature components: stairwell, four pillared pavilions and an underground reservoir. While its entrance torana has long been lost to time, Rani ki Vav stands as an outstanding example of stepwell tradition.
Majuli Island Assam – One of top Heritage Wonders of India
Majuli Island lies along the Brahmaputra river in north-east India and is one of the world’s largest inhabited river islands. Famously home to monasteries dedicated to Vishnu, Majuli attracts spiritual tourists while boasting its unique cultural tradition of 16th century Vaishnavite Bhakti, distinct from that of Shankardev in Assam.
Unfortunately, the ongoing changes of Brahmaputra and its subsequent erosion are causing the island to shrink rapidly. Residents rely heavily on agriculture and fishing as their source of livelihood; but with soil being washed away more easily each day this has become increasingly challenging for them to do.
Pushpa Bhoy has found an alternative form of income through pottery making: she shapes clay from river banks into earthenware using hands, palms and feet – creating this traditional cottage industry and supporting hundreds of families on Majuli Island. Reputable examples like Pushpa can even find markets in Western countries! Hopefully the inclusion of Majuli as a World Heritage Site will raise awareness while opening channels for financial assistance, effective cooperation and expert advice that protect the unique cultural heritage of Majuli.
Shekhawati Rajasthan – Best Heritage Wonders of India
Shekhawati region in Rajasthan is widely recognized as an open-air art gallery. The havelis (ornately decorated traditional residences enclosing courtyards) found here boast stunning wall paintings that date back to the 19th century; making Shekhawati one of India’s lesser-known heritage wonders.
Thakurs of Shekhawati were smart businessmen who reduced taxes in order to attract merchants from Jaipur and Bikaner, leading them to build magnificent havelis that displayed their wealth and power.
Shekhawati is home to some of the finest painted traditions that depict artistic retellings of Indian epics and fables through painted murals. These murals often include images depicting locomotives carrying citizens on train journeys; trade treaties signed between Europeans and Indian rulers; Radha and Krishna images as playful cartoon characters; the Rajasthani love story Dhola Maru; etc.
At Shekhawati, renting a vehicle is the ideal way to explore its many towns like Mandawa, Churu and Fatehpur. Must-visit destinations include Singhania Haveli, Khetri Mahal, Tal Chhapar Sanctuary, Nadine Le Prince Cultural Center in Fatehpur and Ramgarh Fort.