India is home to many incredible destinations, ranging from the world-famous Taj Mahal to the ancient caves of Ellora. These sites hold immense significance, symbolising India's rich history, artistic achievements, and architectural marvels. They provide a captivating window into India's glorious past, each with its fascinating tale. Embarking on a journey through these sites is like travelling back in time. Here, we present India's top UNESCO world heritage sites that you must explore for a sense of cultural diversity of the nation!
The Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya is a remarkable example of early brick architecture and has greatly influenced architectural development throughout the centuries. Constructed during the late Gupta period, the temple is an impressive brick structure. The sculpted stone balustrades within the temple complex are exceptional early relief sculptures. The significance of the temple lies in its association with the life of Lord Buddha. It is believed that in 531 BC, Buddha attained enlightenment while seated under the original Bodhi Tree, which still stands nearby. The temple complex comprises the main temple, six sacred places within an enclosed area, and an additional holy spot, the Lotus Pond, just outside the enclosure. These sacred places include the Bodhi Tree, the Animeshlochan Chaitya prayer hall, the Ratnachakrama (Jewelled Ambulatory), the Ratnaghar Chaitya, the Ajapala Nigrodh Tree, the Lotus Pond, and the Rajyatana Tree. Each location holds significance in Buddha's life and its associated events.
By Air: Gaya Airport is the nearest, with flights from cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Varanasi. Bodhgaya is around 10 kilometers from the airport, accessible by taxi or auto-rickshaw.
By Rail: Gaya Junction is the nearest railway station, well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai. From Gaya, Bodhgaya is approximately 16 kilometers away, accessible by taxi or local transport.
By Road: Bodhgaya is well-connected by road to cities like Patna, Varanasi, and Kolkata. State buses and private taxis ply regularly to Bodhgaya from nearby towns and cities.
Located in Agra, the Taj Mahal symbolises the profound love and dedication shared between Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Constructed during the 17th century, this magnificent palace has become a highly sought-after destination for tourists in India. With its alluring white marble walls and domes, the Taj Mahal has always managed to captivate the eyes of visitors. You can explore its beautiful gardens, tombs, and courtyards while taking a historical tour of the nearby Agra Fort.
By Air: Travelers can fly to Delhi Airport, around 230 kilometers away, and then drive or take a train to Agra.
By Rail: Agra is well-connected by rail, with Agra Cantt being the main railway station. It has super-fast trains from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata.
By Road: Agra is accessible by road via national highways from cities like Delhi, Jaipur, and Lucknow. State buses, private buses, and taxis operate regularly to Agra from nearby towns and cities.
Hampi is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its ancient temples and ruins. It showcases the captivating Dravidian style of art and architecture, with the notable Virupaksha Temple standing as a prominent heritage monument. It is also home to a collection of monuments collectively known as the Group of Monuments at Hampi, which further adds to its historical significance.
By Air: The nearest airport is in Vidyanagar (38 km) and/or Hubli (143 km) from Hampi.
By Rail: The nearest train station is Hospet (13 km).
By Road: One can reach by car using NH4 from Bengaluru (340 km) or NH7 from Hyderabad (370 km).
The Khajuraho group of temples bears witness to the pinnacle of temple art and architecture in northern India during the reign of the Chandela dynasty in the 10th and 11th centuries C.E. Spread across a landscape covering 6 square kilometres, these temples comprise 23 structures (including one partially excavated) that are part of the western, eastern, and southern clusters of the Khajuraho Group of Monuments. They are exceptional examples that showcase Nagara-style temple architecture's originality and extraordinary craftsmanship. Only about 20 temples remain today, forming three distinct groups and representing Hinduism and Jainism.
By Air: Khajuraho Airport connects the town with major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Varanasi. From the airport, taxis and auto-rickshaws are available to reach the temples, located about 5 kilometers away.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is Khajuraho Railway Station, 5 kms away, connected to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata.
By Road: Khajuraho is accessible by road via National Highways and state highways. Regular bus services operate from nearby cities like Jhansi, Satna, and Mahoba. Private taxis and rental cars are also available for a more comfortable journey to the caves.
Located in the Charanandri hills of Maharashtra, the remarkable collection of 34 caves at Ellora is a testament to coexistence and religious tolerance. These caves were meticulously carved out by followers of three prominent religions Buddhism, Brahmanism, and Jainism. The rock-cut activity occurred in three distinct phases spanning from the 6th century to the 12th century. The earliest caves (caves 1-12), created between the 5th and 8th centuries, reflect the prevailing Mahayana Buddhist philosophy of the region during that time. The Brahmanical caves (13-29), including the renowned Kailasa temple (cave 16), were excavated between the 7th and 10th centuries. The final phase, spanning the 9th to 12th centuries, saw the creation of a group of caves (caves 30-34) that showcase Jain philosophy. The architectural activities in Ellora exemplify the region's rich heritage and cultural diversity.
By Air: Nearest airport to is Aurangabad Airport (Chikkalthana Airport), located 30 kilometers away. From major Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad, there are regular flights to Aurangabad. Upon arrival, travellers can hire taxis or use public transportation to reach the caves.
By Rail: Aurangabad Railway Station serves as the primary railhead 30 kms away, connected to major cities like Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bangalore.
By Road: State-run buses, private buses, and taxis ply regularly between Aurangabad and the caves. National Highway 52 connects Aurangabad to Mumbai and other major cities, making road travel convenient for visitors. The newly built Samruddhi Mahamarg makes travel time shorter.