10 Natural Sites Around India That Are On UNESCO Lists

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Natural Sites

UNESCO's natural heritage sites in India exhibit diverse ecosystems, including the Himalayan National Parks, Sundarbans' mangroves, Western Ghats, Kaziranga's one-horned rhinos, and Valley of Flowers, showcasing India's environmental richness.

A view of the Western Ghats | Shutterstock

Kaziranga National Park, Assam

Kaziranga is a national park in India with the world's largest population of Indian one-horned rhinoceros. It's known for its conservation efforts and diverse landscape of grasslands, wetlands, and forests. The park also hosts tigers, elephants, and many bird species.

A close up of a Great Indian one horned rhinoceros at Kaziranga | Shutterstock

Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal

Renowned for being home to the world's largest mangrove forests, this park is famed for its thriving population of Bengal tigers that have adapted to an almost aquatic lifestyle, swimming between the scattered islands.

A large Bengal tiger in a swamp at the Sundarbans National Park | Shutterstock

Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks, Uttarakhand

This site combines Nanda Devi National Park's rugged mountain wilderness with the Valley of Flowers' delicate alpine blooms. The Valley of Flowers is famous for its diverse flora, including rare and endangered species. Vibrant flowers cover the valley during the monsoon season.

A view of the Valley of Flowers | Shutterstock

Western Ghats

The Western Ghats stretch over 1,600 km across the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. They contain high levels of biodiversity and are home to many globally threatened species. In addition, they also affect the monsoon weather pattern of the region.

Tea plantations at 1,600 m above sea level in the Western Ghats | Shutterstock

Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area, Himachal Pradesh

This park is renowned for its alpine peaks, meadows, and forests along the river. It has a diverse range of plant and animal life, including the endangered Western Tragopan.

A view of the Everest from around the Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area | Shutterstock

Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam

This site on the Bhutan border is a tiger and elephant reserve and a haven for rare and endangered species like the Assam Roofed Turtle, Hispid Hare, Golden Langur, and Pygmy Hog.

Great Bengal tiger at the Manas Wildlife Sanctuary | Shutterstock

Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan

Once known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, this park is a vital wintering area for numerous aquatic birds from Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, China, and Siberia. It is a significant bird breeding and feeding ground globally.

Great cormorant spotted at the Keoladeo National Park | Shutterstock

Khangchendzonga National Park, Sikkim

The park has diverse plains, valleys, lakes, glaciers, and snow-capped mountains with cultural and religious importance. It also has the world's third-highest peak, Mt. Khangchendzonga.

Mount Kanchenjunga from Goecha La pass, Khangchendzonga National Park | Wikimedia Commons

Great Rann of Kutch, Gujarat

Great Rann of Kutch is known for its seasonal salt marshes, which are among the world's largest. It boasts a unique landscape, wildlife, and indigenous Kutch culture.

A camel cart full of tourists coming back after sunset from the Great Rann of Kutch | Shutterstock

Simlipal National Park, Odisha

Simlipal is a Biosphere Reserve known for its thriving population of tigers and elephants. The park comes from the vibrant red silk cotton trees that bloom here. It boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna, with dense forests and striking meadows among its many vegetation types.

Waterfall in the Simlipal National Park | Shutterstock

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