INDIAN PROPERTIES INSCRIBED ON THE WORLD HERITAGE LIST (37)
CULTURAL (29)
1. Agra
Fort (1983)
NATURAL (7)
1. Kaziranga
National Park (1985)
MIXED (1)
1. Khangchendzonga
National Park (2016)
1. Agra Fort (1983)
Situated quite close to the Taj
Mahal, the Agra Fort is one of the most important monumental structures built
by the Mughal empire. Though built in Mughal Era, during the time of Akbar,
the Agra
Fort is a fusion of Persian art
of the Timurid and the Indian forms of architecture. This is so
because the fort was originally a brick monument known as Badalgarh, held by
Raja Badal Singh, a Hindu Shikarwar Rajput King. After the invasion, Sikander
Lodi was the first Sultan of Delhi to shift to Agra and live in the fort. The
Agra Fort includes a number of monuments like Khas Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Muhamman
Burie(an octagonal Tower), Diwan-e-Khas, Diwan-e-Am, Moti Masjid and Nagina
Masjid
2. Taj Mahal (1983)
One of Seven Wonders of the World, White
Marble Mughal Architecture, the Taj Mahal was build by emperor Shah Jahan in
the memory of his wife Mumtaj Mahal. It is located at the bank of river Jamuna
in Agra. It was completed in 1653 with then estimated cost of 32 million Indian
rupees which would today stand upto 58 billion Indian rupees. It is considered
as the best example of Mughal architecture worldwide and is called the “Jewel
of Muslim Art in India”. This is probably the monument that is most recognised
the world over for its association with the heritage of India.
3. Ajanta Caves (1983)
Buddhist Rock-cut
Cave Monuments, Richly Decorated Paintings and Frescoes similar
to Sigiriya Paintings.One of the
first World Heritage sites in India, the Ajanta caves date back to around 2nd century BCE to 650
CE and consist of the finest masterpieces of 31 rock
cut Buddhist cave monuments, paintings and sculpture. The caves
very built in two different phases. First of Satavahana Period under the
patronage of Satvahana Dynasty (230BCE-220CE). Second, the caves of Vakataka
Period under the reign of Emperor Harishena of Vakataka Dynasty. The style of
Ajanta art and architecture has had a revolutionary impact on the way in Indian
art and architecture has progressed all throughout history. Having mainly carvings
and sculptures related to the life of Buddha, one can say that this marks the
beginning of Indian Classical Art.
4. Ellora Caves (1983)
Buddhist, Jain and Hindu Temples
and Monasteries, Caves Excavated out of
Hills, Rock-cut Architecture.The Ellora Caves are an important World Heritage
site in India and an archaeological site, ranging 29 kilometers Northwest of
the city of Aurangabad. The Ellora Caves are well known for their
Indian-rock cut architecture. There are about 34 rock cut temples and caves
which can be dated to about 600 to 1000 AD, are important in terms of
understanding the lives of the people living in these times. The presence of
Hindu, Buddhist and Jain temples and sculptures portray the tolerance which was
extended towards different faiths and beliefs in Ancient Indian History.
Excavated site consists of Charanandri Hills, Buddhist Hindu and Jain rock-cut
temples, Viharas and Maths of 5thand 10th century.
5. Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram (1984)
The Pancha Rathas Temples, Ganesha Ratha,
Cave Temples of Mahabalipuram, Structural Temples including the Shore Temple
and the Olakkannesvara Temple and the Descent of the Ganges. Largest Open Air Rock Relief, Chariot
Temples, Mandapas, Pallava Dynasty Architecture.
The Temples are situated in the town of Mahabalipuram which is approximately 58
kilometres from Chennai in the Coromandal Coast of Bay of Bengal. These temples were
built under the reign of the Pallava rulers and the striking feature of these
temples is the fact that they are all carved out of rock and an important in
terms of ratha architecture in India. The group of monument includes 40
sanctuaries including largest open-air-bas-relief, eg, Ganga’s
Descent. These World Heritage Sites in India, constitutes
the art of Pallava Period with sites likes Pancha Rathas,
Dharamaraja Ratha, Arjuna Ratha, Draupadi Ratha, etc. Also the Cave temples of Mahabalipuram which constitute more than half a
dozen caves.
6. Sun Temple, Konârak (1984)
Black
Pagoda, Chariot of the Sun, Kalinga
Architecture, Included in Seven Wonders of India.Not very far
from the popular beach town of Puri, the Sun Temple at Konark is a
13th-century temple situated in Konark, Odissha. It was built by king
Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty in around AD 1250. The Sun temple is in the shape of a gigantic chariot with carved stone
wheel, pillars and walls and is led by 6 enormously carved horses. It’s also
considered to be one of the largest brahmin sanctuaries in India. The temple is
originally said to be built at the mouth of river Chandrabhaga but the
waterline receded since then. This World Heritage Site in
India reflects the grandeur of the traditional style of Kalinga
Architecture which was prevalent then.
7. Group of Monuments at Hampi
(1986)
Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage
site located in the Northern part of Karnataka. It lies within the ruins of the
ancient, prosperous kingdom of Vijayanagar. The ruins at Hampi are
a collection of heritage
sites depicting
the fine Dravidian style of art and Architecture.
The most important heritage monument in this site is the Virupaksha Temple,
which continues to be a very important religious centre for the Hindus. There
are several other monuments which are a part of this heritage site, Together,
they’re collectively known as the ‘Group of Monuments at Hampi’. Some of the
other known ones include the Krishna temple complex, Narasimha, Ganesa,
Hemakuta group of temples, Achyutaraya temple complex, Vitthala temple complex,
Pattabhirama temple complex, Lotus Mahal complex, several puras or bazaars
surrounding the temple complex, and also living quarters and residential
areas.
8. Churches and Convents of
Goa (1986)
Includes:
Saint
Catherine’s Chapel,
Church and
Convent of Saint Francis of Assisi,
Basílica do Bom Jesus,Igreja de
São Francisco de Assis,
Church of
Saint Cajetan and its seminary,Church of
Our Lady of the Rosary
Church of
Saint Augustine.
The 15th and 16th centuries mark
the coming of the Portugese to India and they established themselves at Goa,
along the Konkan coast in the South-western part of India. And the advent of
the Portugese marks the introduction of Christianity in the Indian subcontinent.
Hence, several churches and convents were built in Goa, as a way
of evangelization. Due to their different, yet beautiful architectural
forms, these churches have been included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage
Sites in India.
Rome
of the Orient, First Manueline, Mannerist and
Baroque Art Forms in Asia, First Latin Rite Mass in
Asia. Churches in Goa are examples of the development of architecture, sculpture
and paintings by spreading forms of Manueline, Mannerist and Baroque art
throughout the countries of Asia where Catholic Missions were established. They
were built by Portuguese colonial
rulers in the region now known as Old Goa. The most famous among these
monumnets is the Basilica do Bom Jesus which contains the relics of
St. Francis Xavier. This place serves as an example of the diverse religious
and cultural heritage of India
9.
Fatehpur Sikri (1986)
The
name of the city itself denotes the victory (Fateh) of Akhbar over Chittor and
Ranthambore, Fatehpur Sikri constitutes of four main Monuments.
ü The Jama Masjid,
ü The Buland Darwaza which is the
greatest door of Asia made of a specific wood imported from Australia which
would sink in water.
ü Panch Mahal or Jada Baai ka Mahal,
which is also considered as the origin place of the Navaratnas (Birbal, Tansen
etc).
ü Diwan-e-khas and Diwan-e-aam.
Interior
to the Buland Darwaza lies the Tomb of Salim Chishti. All these Mughal
buildings are a part of the World Heritage Sites in India.
10. Khajuraho Group of Monuments (1986)
Located in Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is an important UNESCO World Heritage
site in India. Khajuraho is unique heritage site which is famous for a group of
Hindu and Jain Temples situated 175 km south-east of Jhansi. They are well
known for their Nagara style symbolism
and erotic figures and sculptures. These sensuous stone carvings of human
and animal form in erotic poses are very aesthetically portrayed and stand
testimony to the rich cultural heritage of India. Most of these monuments were built between
950 to 1050 CE under the reign of the Chandella dynasty. It consists of total
85 Temples spread across an area of 20 square kilometres. The Kandariya temple is the most prominent of all of these temples
in the Khajuraho complex.
11.
Great Living
Chola Temples (1987,2004)
Includes:
ü Brihadisvara Temple, Thanjavur,- Rajaraja 1
ü Brihadisvara Temple, Gangaikondacholisvaram - Rajendera 1
ü Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram- Rajaraja II
Chola Architecture, Sculpture, Painting and Bronze Casting.
These temples were built in
Southern Part of India during the rule of Chola empire. The Brihadisvara
Temple, the Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram and the Airavatesvara Temple are
the most important of all of these temples. The Brihadisvara temple was built
under the reign of Rajaraja 1, and
is a milestone when it comes to Chola architecture. The temple at Gangaikondacholapuram
was patronized by Rajendera 1 and
was dedicated to Lord Shiva. And the the Airavatesvara temple was built during
the time of Rajaraja II, and is
aesthetically different from the other two. These temples stand testimony to
the architectural splendour and beauty of Chola art, architecture and
sculpture. These temples are living temples and the rituals and festivities
which were observed by people thousands of years ago, are still held. Hence,
these 3 temples reflect the ancient culture and heritage of the Tamilians and
form an inseparable part of their ancient history.
12.
Elephanta Caves (1987)
Hindu and Buddhist Caves, Caves on
Island in Arabian Sea, Basal Rock Caves, Shiva Temples.
The Elephanta caves are located on
an island in the Arabian City, not very far from the city of Mumbai. The chain
of sculpted caves located on Elephanta Island is also known as Gharapuri.
There are numerous archaeological remains which offer us a glimpse into the
rich. cultural past of Indian civilization. These caves are famous for their
rock-cut sculptures and carvings depicting Shiva as the Creator and the
Destroyer of the Universe. The most important of all the caves here is Cave 1, where one can see the Sadashiva at
the entrance of the cave, which depicts 3 sides of Shiva: as the Creator,
Preserves and Destroyer. The caves are carved in solid basalt rock and lie
10 kilometers east to the city of Mumbai.
13.
Group of Monuments at Pattadakal (1987)
Pattadakal is a UNESCO World Heritage
Site and an important tourist site located in Karnataka. It is famous for
its Chalukya style of architecture that
originated in Aihole and blended with the Nagara and Dravidian styles of
architecture. It is at Pattadakal that all the Chalukya kings were coronated
and was the capital of the Chalukyas as well. Notable for the numerous temples
constructed by the Chalukya rulers, it includes 8
temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Jain
and Shaivite sanctuaries.
The important monuments are-Virupaksha Temple, Sangameshwara Temple, Chandrashekhara Temple, MallikarjuTemple, Kashivishwanaath Temple, Galganath Temple, Jain Temple and many more.
14.Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi (1989)
Monolithic Pillars, Palaces,
Temples and Monasteries, Mauryan Architecture, Ye
Dharma Hetu Inscriptions.
The
Buddhist Monuments located at Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh are a manifestation of
Heritage of India and they are the oldest stone structures in India. Originally commissioned by emperor Ashoka in 3rd century
BCE, the Sanchi Stupa is
located 46 kilometer north-east of Bhopal. Its core was a hemispherical
brick structure built over the relics of Buddha and was crowned by the Chatra
which symbolizes rank. The stupa was vandalized during 2nd century
BCE and renovated during the Satavahana Period when the gateways and the
balustrade were built and colored. Apart from the Sanchi stupa, several other
structures exist here, such as monolithic pillars, temples, palaces and
monasteries. It remained a major pilgrimage site for the Buddhists till about
12th century AD, after which the religion declined in popularity.
15.Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi (1993)
Precursor
to Taj Mahal, Mughal Architectur e, A Tomb,
Many Water Channels, A Pavilion and A Bath. This World Heritage Site in India
was built by Begum Bega, the first wife of Humayun between 1565-1572.
IT is the only monument which has gone several restoration work and is
complete. It’s a tomb complex consisting of several smaller monuments including
the tombs of Isa Khan Niyazi, an
Afghan noble in Sher Shah Suri’s court of the Suri dynasty.
16.Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi (1993)
Includes:
ü Qutb
Minar,
One of the most popular World Heritage Sites in India,
the Qutub Minar was built in 1193 by the first Muslim ruler of Delhi,
Qutub-ud-din Aibak of the Mamluk Dynasty, after defeat of Delhi’s last Hindu
Kingdom. The Qutub Minar is one of the several other buildings located within
the Qutub complex, and it occupies
the centre stage mainly due to it’s height. It is 73 meter tall and has a diameter of 15 m at the base and 2.5 m at
the top. It was built by Aibak to honor the famous Sufi saint Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki. Near to Qutub
Minar is the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, which was built on the ruins of the Lal Kot
of the previous Hindu kingdom and is also known to be one of the firts mosques
in the country. It is also famous for its brick minarets surrounding it.. These
monuments are collectively known as the Qutub Minar Complex and represent one
of the earliest known symbols for Islamic Architecture in India.
17.Mountain Railways of India (1999,2005,2008)
ü the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway,- 1999ü the Nilgiri Mountain Railway -2005ü the Kalka-Shimla Railway-2008
These are a part of the World Heritage Sites in India. North
Bengal is one of the most beautiful scenic temptations on Earth. Fun Toy Train,
beautiful Tea Plantations and long tunnels or the Tiger Hills, all will cater
to your delight. Built during the 19th and early 20th century, these
engineering marvels were a bold and ingenuous solution to the problem of
connectivity in the rugged mountains and a gem in the heritage of India.
Besides they pass thru the most beautiful terrain and you would love to take a
romantic and fun ride here.
18.Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya (2002)
Bodh
Gaya is located almost
96kilometrese away from Patna, Bihar and is one of the UNESCO
World Heritage sites in India. It’s an important religious centre for the
Buddhists as this was the place where Mahatma
Buddha attained enlightenment. The holy Bodhi Tree is the site where Siddhartha gained Enlightenment and
became Gautam Buddha. The famous Mahabodhi
Temple was established in the reign of Ashoka the Great in about
approximately 250 BCE. It’s one of the earliest Buddhist temples. Currently,
the Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya comprises the 50 m
tall Mahabodhi Temple, the Vajrasana, sacred Bodhi Tree and other six
sacred sites of Buddha’s enlightenment, surrounded by numerous ancient Votive
stupas. Owing to all these factors, Bodh Gaya is considered to be the most holy
pilgrimage spot for the Buddhists
19.Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (2003)
Rock Paintings within Natural Rock
Shelters, Stone Age Inscriptions,
Sitting Place of Bhima (Mahabharata).
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage
Site in 2003, the Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka is the place where the earliest traces of
human life on Indian subcontinent was discovered. They’re
located at the foothills of the Vindhaya
Mountains in the Deccan Plateau and are an archaeological site
for the Mesolithic period
(more than 100,000 years ago) and thus indicates the
beginning of the South Asian Stone Age.
The rock shelters comprise a group of 5
rocks which were discovered only in 1957, and are renowned for the
Mesolithic era carvings and paintings. These paintings are instrumental in
telling us about the life and activities of the hunter-gatherers who preceded
us and shows the coming together of art form and landscape, during that age.
20.Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park (2004),Gujarat
The Champaner-Pavagadh
Archaeological Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in the Panchmahal
district of the Indian state of Gujarat. Centred around the city of Champaner
or Muhammadabad built by Sultan Mahmud
Begada of Gujarat, it’s a very significant place historically and
culturally. This place is the only complete unchanged Islamic pre-Mughal
city. Also deemed to be of mythological significance, a larger part of Champaner-Pavagarh is
still unexcavated. It includes 11 different types of heritage monuments that
are-
ü
Mosques,
These all belonging to 16th century. One can observe a transition from the previous Hindu forms of architecture to the Muslim
culture and forms of architecture. The park also houses some of the
ancient Chalcolithic Indian Sites, from
the Stone Age era.
21.Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) (2004)
Central Railways Headquarter,
Terror Attacks on Mumbai in 2008, Gothic Style Architecture.
Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus,
formerly known as the Victoria Terminus is the headquarters of Central Railway in Mumbai. It was built by Frederick William Stevens with the inspiration from Victorian
Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and traditional Mughal buildings between
the years 1878-1888, and gave Bombay the face of being the International
Mercantile Port of India. In some ways, the plan of the terminal though it has
Italian and Victorian era elements, reminds us of the Indian palace
architecture, and is a good example of the blending of an indigenous and
western style of art. Due to several reasons such as pollution, traffic,
construction work etc, there have been reports of damages to this site. More
work needs to be done to ensure the preservation of this heritage site.
22. Red
Fort Complex (2007)- New Delhi
Famous for
ü Shahjahanbad,
Situated in the centre of the
historic city of New Delhi, the Red Fort was built by emperor Shah Jahan when he shifted his capital from Agra to
Delhi, or what was known as Shahjahanabad
at that time. The fort became the political hub of the Mughals. Under Shah
Jahan, Mughal art and architecture reached it’s zenith, and the Red Fort is the
perfect example of that. One can see the blending of Indo-Islamic, Timurid,
Hindu and Persian forms of architecture in several facets of the Red Fort. It’s
made up of red sand stone and houses several other smaller buildings such as
the private pavallions, the Diwan-i-aam, the Diwan-i-khas. The Red Fort is one
of the most popular UNESO World Heritage Sites in India and is managed directly
by the Archaeological Survey of India.
23. The
Jantar Mantar, Jaipur (2010)
Architectural Astronomical
Instruments, Maharaja Jai Singh II, Largest
of its kind Observatory.
The Jantar Mantar is an
astronomical observatory built in 18th century Rajasthan. It
is an astronomical observatory which was built by the Rajput King
Sawai Jai Singh of Rajasthan in 1738 CE. It
is a collection of 19 astronomical instruments including the world’s largest stone
Sundial. All these instruments are man-made. The observatory consists of
instruments which were used to calculate celestial coordinate systems, the
horizon-zenith local system, the equatorial system and the ecliptic system. One
of India’s best-preserved observatories, this monument is a great example of
the scientific as well as
the cultural heritage of India.
24. Hill Forts of Rajasthan (2013)
One of the recent additions to the
list of World Heritage Sites in India (2013), this place is famous for its
unique Rajput Military Defense Architecture.
It includes six majestic forts
in
ü Chittorgarh,
They’re located on the rocky Aravalli Mountain Range in Rajasthan.
The sheer length and expanse of the forts is enough to portray the power and
strength of the Rajputana rulers and chieftains. The fortifications of these
forts are extremely strong. Within the walls of the fort, it was almost as if a
mini-city existed. There were several markets, bazaars, palaces, temples, urban
and trading centres etc. And we know this as some of them have survived. Also,
these forts had unique water storage and harvesting structures, which are
actually being used even today. It is also known for being the Shooting
location of the movie, The Dark Knight Rises and a few
movies of Satyajit Ray like ‘Shonar Kella’.
25. Rani-ki-Vav (the
Queen’s Stepwell) at Patan, Gujarat (2014)
Built in the 3rd millennium BC in
the memory of the kings, its an explicit example of fine Ancient Indian
architecture. Constructed during the time of the Solanki dynasty, legend says that it was constructed in the honour and memory of Bhimdev 1, the son of the
founder of the dynasty, by his widowed queen Udayamati. It was recently
declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2014, owing to its architectural
marvel and splendour. Rani-ki-vav is well known for its Stepped
Corridors, Sculptures and Stone Carvings in
the Well. Most of the sculptures in the well are devoted to Lord Vishnu in the
form of his 10 avatars, which signify his return to the world. Apart from being
a place for storage of water, this vav also has a spiritual meaning attested to
it. It is designed as an inverted temple and is divided into seven levels
of wells each having it own importance as per the religious and mythological
works mentioned in the canonical literature
26. The Architectural
Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement (2016)
The architectural work of Le
Corbusier across many countries, including the Capital Complex of
Chandigarh, was recognized as a World Heritage Site as part of an outstanding
contribution to Modern Movement. This was part of Le Corbusier’s work, which he
did in 17 countries in the first half of 20th century.
The Capitol Complex in Chandigarh
also hosts the legislative assembly for both the states of Haryana and Punjab,
High Court and the Secretariat. Located in Sector 1, Chandigarh, this capitol
complex was built when Chandigarh was being developed as the capital of
Punjab in 1950 after the partition of India.
27. Archaeological
Site of Nalanda Mahavihara at Nalanda, Bihar (2016)
Nalanda
Archaeological Site in
Bihar was a centre of learning and a Buddhist monastery from 3rd century BCE to
the 13th century CE. You can witness the remains of stupas, shrines, and
viharas if you stroll around in the campus which is a manifestation of a
glorious epoch. Nalanda vouched for the evolution of Buddhism
as a religion and remained an abode of knowledge for 800 years. Known for its
formalised Vedic learning, scholars from as far as Tibet, China, Korea, and
Central Asia once attended this first residential university of the
World. This is the second world heritage site recognised by UNESCO in
Bihar itself, making it even more prominent on Indian Tourism Map
28. Historic
City of Ahmadabad (2017)
The first
city of India to enter the list, Ahmedabad was declared as the World Heritage
City on July 8, 2017. The city of Ahmedabad has close to 25 ASI (Archaeological
Survey of India) protected structures. According to a statement from UNESCO
“The urban fabric is made up of densely-packed traditional houses (pols) in
gated traditional streets (puras) with characteristic features such as bird
feeders, public wells and religious institutions. The city continued to
flourish as the capital of the State of Gujarat for six centuries, up to the
present”.
Ahmedabad is
a walled city on the banks of Sabarmati where communities following Hinduism,
Islam and Jainism have co-existed for centuries.
29. Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai (2018)
Having become
a global trading centre, the city of Mumbai implemented an ambitious urban
planning project in the second half of the 19th century. It led to the
construction of ensembles of public buildings bordering the Oval Maidan open
space, first in the Victorian Neo-Gothic style and then, in the early 20th
century, in the Art Deco idiom. The Victorian ensemble includes Indian elements
suited to the climate, including balconies and verandas. The Art Deco edifices,
with their cinemas and residential buildings, blend Indian design with Art Deco
imagery, creating a unique style that has been described as Indo-Deco. These
two ensembles bear testimony to the phases of modernization that Mumbai has
undergone in the course of the 19th and 20th centuries
Two waves of
urban development of Mumbai in the 19th and 20th centuries transformed the city
from a fortified trading outpost to the first city of India. The first
expansion included the construction in the 1880s of a group of Victorian Gothic
public buildings and the creation of the Oval Maidan.
The second
expansion was the Backbay Reclamation Scheme in the early 20th century, which
offered a new opportunity for Bombay to expand to the west with Art Deco
residential, commercial and entertainment buildings and the creation of the
Marine Drive sea front.
Today the
Oval Maidan offers a spectacular ensemble of Victorian Gothic buildings on its
eastern side, and another impressive ensemble of Art Deco buildings on its
western side as a testimony to the modernization phases that Mumbai went
through leading to a modern independent India in 1947
NATURAL (7)
1.
Kaziranga National Park (1985)- Assam
“Home to the One Horned Rhino"
Home to two-thirds of the world's one horned rhinoceros
population, this national park has been declared as a World Heritage Site.
Made unique with a vibrant, well preserved and sustained ecology
this park has a very versatile bio diversity which makes Kaziranga National
Park a very important and popular tourist destination. Other than the one
horned Rhino which almost defines the area, the park also offers pleasant
surprises to tourists as they spot Swamp deer, elephants, wild buffalos,
Chinese pangolins, Bengal foxes, gibbons, civets, sloth bears, leopards and
flying squirrels are a few animals that can be spotted here. The park is also
home to the Indian tiger and it is a tiger reserve.
Along with this you'll find your heads turning up to see eagles, hornbills and pelicans. Apart from the wildlife, the park itself is immensely beautiful with water bodies and forests. One can opt for safari rides in the park in either jeeps or SUVs and this is the best way to get around the park. Elephant rides can be arranged and they have to be booked in advance as they are popular.Kaziranga is the place to go for a trip full of excitement into the best and most of what Assam's nature has to offer.
Along with this you'll find your heads turning up to see eagles, hornbills and pelicans. Apart from the wildlife, the park itself is immensely beautiful with water bodies and forests. One can opt for safari rides in the park in either jeeps or SUVs and this is the best way to get around the park. Elephant rides can be arranged and they have to be booked in advance as they are popular.Kaziranga is the place to go for a trip full of excitement into the best and most of what Assam's nature has to offer.
2.Keoladeo National Park (1985) Bharatpur-Rajasthan
Man-Made Wetland Bird Sanctuary, Siberian Cranes, Hotspot for Ornithologists.
Also known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Keladeo National
Park is located in the Indian state of Rajasthan. A home to about 366 different
species of birds, it’s also known for being the wintering and nesting ground
for several non-indigenous, migratory birds. Initially a duck shooting ground,
it was later on developed as a completely man-made and man-managed
wetland/place, and is spread over 29 square kilometres. Hunting is now
banned in this area and is a punishable offence. Besides birds, there are 379
floral species, 50 species of fish, 13 species of snake, 7 species of lizard, 7
species of amphibians, 7 turtle species and variety of other invertebrates.
This place is a reminder of the rich biological heritage of India.
3.Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (1985)- Assam
Project Tiger Reserve, Elephant
Reserve and Biosphere Reserve, Assam Roofed Turtle, Hispid Hare, Golden Langur
and Pygmy Hog.
Manas Wildife Sanctuary is a
protected wildlife reserve and one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in India.
It’s located in the North Eastern Indian state of Assam. The name originated
from River Manas which is derived from the name of Godess Manasa. The lush
green forested hills and dense vegetation of the surrounding areas provide a
comfortable environment to the several endangered species of animals who reside
here. The Wild Life sanctuaryis a Project Tiger Reserve,
Elephant Reserve, Biosphere Reserve and a home for number of endangered species
like Assam Roofed Turtle, Hispid Hare, Golden Langur and Pygmy Hog. In fact
this park houses most endangered species than any other in India.
4.
Sundarbans National Park (1987)
Biosphere
Reserve, Largest Estuarine Mangrove Forest, Bengal
Tiger and Salt-Water
Crocodile, Shared with
Bangladesh.
Famous for
the Royal Bengal Tigers, the Sunderban National Park is a known Tiger reserve and a
Biosphere reserve located in the Indian State of West Bengal. It is situated on
the Sunderban Deltas formed by the river Ganges in the Bay of Bengal. It is one
of the largest reserves in India covered mostly by dense Mangrove forests. It’s
the world’s largest mangrove forest reserve. Home to the critically endangered
Royal Bengal Tiger, there are also other animal species such as the gangetic
dolphin, spotted dear, wild boar and other mammal and amphibian species. The
rare salt water crocodile is another attraction of this reserve. The tiger
population of India is the maximum in this location. Because of frequent
contacts with local inhabitants, several tigers have been labelled as
‘man-eaters’.
5. Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks (1988,2005)-Uttarkhand
Asiatic Black Bear, Snow Leopard, Brown Bear, Blue
Sheep and Himalayan Monal, World
Network of Biosphere Reserves.
The Nanda Devi is the highest mountain peak
of Uttarakhand and the highest mountain peak of India also because the
Kanchenjunga is known to share its border with Nepal. There are two peaks of
the mountain, the eastern peak named the Sunanda Devi. It has its importance
back from the era of Puranas and Upanishads, remarked several times in the
mythological works of the Hindus. It ranges upto a height of 6400 meters above
the sea level.
The Valley of Flowers is a National Park near
Nanda Devi peak which stretches upto 8 kilometers in length and 2 kilometers in
width. It is famous for the astonishing variety of flowers which covers the
entire valley like a bed sheet. This World Heritage Sites in India is home
to more than 600 species of Flora and over 520 species of fauna.
6.Western Ghats (2012)
ü
Sahyadri Sub-Cluster,
Among World’s Ten “Hottest Biodiversity Hotspots”, Includes many National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries and Reserve
Forests.
The Western Ghats or the Sahyadri
mountain ranges lies along the western coast of Indian Peninsula. The range
runs north to south along the western edge of Deccan Plateau. It constitutes
sever national parks, reserve forests and wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala,
Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. The hills cover 160000 square kilometre
area with a length of 1600 kilometre, a width of 100 kilometre and height of
1200 meters. It has an extremely high bio-diversity and ranks among the top
8 in World’s Biological Hot Spot Locations. The forests along the Western
Ghats are home to about 325 species of flora and fauna, which included
endangered, rare and critically endangered species of plants and animals.
8.Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area (2014)-Kullu-Himachal
Pradesh
Spread over
an area of 754.4 square kilometers, the Great Himalayan National Park is one of
India’s National Parks located in the Kullu region of
Northern Himachal Pradesh. The park includes the upper mountain snow melt and glacial
water melt origins of several rivers, mainly the tributaries of the river
Indus. It is home to about 375 fauna species and several floral
species, including some very rare species of plants and animals such as
blue sheep, snow leopard, Himalayan brown bear, Himalayan Tahr, musk deer
spruces, horse chesnuts and huge alpine meadows. It is one of the newer
additions to the list of World Heritage Sites in India and is a part of
the Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspots. Coniferous Forests,
Snowy Peaks (elevation range of 4,100m), Pristine Glaciers adds sublime
colours to its beauty. It’s a wildlife conservation site, hence hunting of any
of these animals is strictly prohibited
MIXED (1)
1.
Khangchendzonga National Park (2016)
Located
in the Himalayan Ranges part of North and West Sikkim districts of the beautiful
state of Sikkim in India’s North-East region, Khangchendzonga National Park was
declared a world heritage site in 2016 taking the total count of world heritage
sites in India to 35. Also known as Kanchenjunga national park (and
Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve) is a huge area spreading over 850 sq. km and
has an elevation of 1,829 m to 8,500 m above sea level. Kangchendzonga National
Park includes the Kanchenjunga Peak, which is the 3rd highest peak in the
world. The national park is famous for its fauna and flora, with snow leopard
being occasionally sighted. There are few trekking routes in this national park
as well for the trekking enthusiasts
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