Cultural sites that have archaeological, historical and aesthetic value. Natural sites that conserve endangered species, provide suitable habitats and preserve the wild side of life. And the unique historical sites that transcend you into a wondrous era like none other. Stay in hour seat and stay glued to your mouse as we bring out importance of these timeless places that have lived on to tell stories of an oblivious past.

Red Fort

Date of Inscription: 1983

The Red Fort stands tall as a testimony of the royal and glorious Mughal era. Spreading over 94 acres of land it is located on the right bank of the river Yamuna in the city of Agra in Uttar Pradesh. The tall fortified walls protect the remains of age-old Moghul architectural brilliance that transcends you into a whimsical land. The fort encompasses many wondrous palaces, capacious audience halls, and two spectacular mosques. As per research and other documentation the Red Fort housed about 5000 buildings that were ingeniously built in Bengali and Gujarati style architecture. Now only 30 Mughal buildings tell the story of the Fort and the Moghul era.
The main attraction luring millions include Jahangir's Palace, Shah Jahan's Khas Mahal, the Diwan-i-Khas and obviously the wondrous mosques. Discover the imperial city that the Moghuls lived and ruled in!

Ajanta Caves

Date of Inscription: 1983

Not far from Jalgaon city of Maharashtra is the stupendous Ajanta Caves famous for its illustration of Gautam Buddha's life through the striking paintings and sculptures on its walls. The caves were carved out from the heart of the rocks way back in the 2nd century BC-AD and is said to have been discovered in AD 1819. The 30 large caves have attracted people from various parts of the globe for its unique Buddha and Bodhisattvas painting and sculptural themes. Here is your chance to explore the masterpieces of revolutionary Buddhist religious art.

Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi

Date of Inscription: 1989

India has a wealth of sculptural wonders that have stood the test of time and the changing trends of human evolution. Sanchi is one such tourist destination that proudly sings the valorous story of Emporer Asoka's reign and search for salvation. Sanchi is flocked by tourists round the year as it houses the opulent stupas, monolithic Asokan pillar, rich temples, and monasteries. Buddhist influences are evident all over Sanchi and its architectural wonders. Other than Emperor Asoka the the Mauryas, the Sungas and the Guptas have contributed to Sanchi's stupas, monasteries etc., which were built in between the 3 rd century BC to the 12 th century AD. Sanchi and surrounding areas are still under excavation, conservation and environmental development. So the next time you plan on taking a trip round the Buddhist tourism circuit in India opt for Sanchi and its glorious Stupas.

Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park

Date of Inscription: 2004

A recent addition to the UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park is a must see if you ever visit India . The pious Park is a site of worship and pilgrimage for Hindu believers who flock it from varied parts of India and the world. The Park takes you back in time as you walk through the edifices and unexcavated landscape that houses the 16th century capital of the state of Gujarat, a fortress perched on a hill, various palaces, religious buildings, ingenious water retaining installations and various other abandoned constructions from the 8th to the 14th centuries. But the main attraction of the Park is the Kalikamata Temple , which is the most magnificent part of the entire city. Mehmud Begda had built this glorious city, which was a juxtaposition of varied cultural influences some of which have disappeared in time.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus

Date of Inscription: 2004

From the chaotic hustle-bustle and mundane urban landscape soars the majestic Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus). It's the busiest railway station in Mumbai catering to 6.1 million commuters on a daily basis. The station was named Victoria Terminus in honour of the reigning Queen Victoria and is better known to Mumbaites as VT. The Stations edifice displays a homogenous juxtaposition of Indian and Venetian Gothic style of architecture and is a perfect example of advanced structural and technical solutions, which till date inspire many. The VT station was built over 10 years starting in 1878 by British architect F W Stevens with the help of Indian craftsmen. The architect has cleverly designed and crafted every detail in the structure - the stone dome, turrets, or even the pointed arches. The next time you visit Mumbai do visit the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus to witness the 19 th century railway architectural marvel.all for your eyes.

Churches and Convents of Goa

Date of Inscription: 1986

Goa is not all about its beaches. The real Goa is in its less-popular interiors where you could discover its rich and true cultural heritage. The influence of 450 years of Portuguese rule is evident in Goan life. Goa Velha or Old Goa was once the Portuguese empires capital and has the finest most comprehensive group churches and cathedrals built during 16 th to 17 th century AD . Though aged by time, the churches and cathedrals still have an undying charm that attracts tourists and pilgrims from various parts of the globe.

The Basilica of Bom Jesus

The world-renowned church is known for housing the mausoleum of Saint Francis Xavier. The intricate designs and finely carved embellishments are matchless and are a perfect display of Renaissance architecture at its best. Every aspect of the church is well-thought - from the confession box to the exquisitely carved stone doorway. Sculptor Giovanni Batista Foggini designed the tomb of St. Francis Xavier, which is the main attraction. The church construction begun in 1594 and went on till 1689.

Se Cathedral
Everything at Se Cathedral is large. The Se Cathedral has the largest altar and the largest bell. It took 80 long years to build it. And, the Se Cathedral is the largest church in Asia . The Portugese wanted a grand, plush church that promulgated the wealth, power and prosperity of its empire. With 15 altars, 8 chapels, huge pillars,

Church of Lady of Rosary
Royally perched on the Holy Hill is the Church of Lady of Rosary. One of the oldest churches in Goa it was built in 1544 and took 6 years to complete. The Manueline style of architecture dominates the church interiors along with Gothic elements. It was here that St. Francis Xavier taught Catechism and spread the word of Christianity. The main attraction is the glorious feast in the month of November.

The Church and Convent of St. Francis of Assisi, Chapel of St. Catherine, and Church of St. Augustine are the other churches that are a must see when in Goa.

Come and discover the pious side of Goa !

Elephanta Caves
Date of Inscription: 1986

Far from the roaring city scapes of Mumbai is the small and cozy Elephanta island known for its ingenious rock cut temples that date back to the 5th century. It is located 10 km away from the Gateway of India at Mumbai and can be accessed by a motorboat or a ferry that ply at regular intervals. The Portugese named the island after the Elephant statue at the landing area and is a favourite haunt of pilgrims, photographers and historians from varied parts of India and the globe. The island houses temples of Lord Shiva spreading over 60000 square feet which was created through a meticulous process of rock removal. The rock sculptures and carvings lead you throughout the temple as the Shiva story unveils. The most charismatic aspect of the entire temple is the massive 20-feet high image of the three-headed Shiva (know as the Trimuti) that captures everyone's fancy. The Shiva Trimurti sculpture is so enticing and inspirational that the MTDC decided to sport it as their logo. The temple is the perfect ostentation of a rich Indian art form that is redundant in this new age. The age-old sense of aesthetics and temple architecture are evident in the gigantic hallways, pillars and embellishments. When in Mumbai take a cab to the magnificent Gateway of India and step into a ferry as you race through the waters of the Sea of Oman just to discover a temple that has many stories to say

Ellora Caves
Date of Inscription: 1983

Meticulously carved out of mountainsides the resplendent Ellora Caves is the ostentation of ancient architecture. The Charnadari Hill in the Deccan houses the 34 temples and monasteries that have lived on for centuries revealing stories of the glorious past of India . There are 12 Buddhist, 17 Hindu and 5 Jain caves thus making Ellora a vast canvas showcasing varied art forms. The unison of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain cultures in these caves illustrate the bonhomie amongst various castes and creeds in Ancient India. All the caves display robust earthiness. The adept craftsmanship comes alive in the Tin Tala (or Cave 12) and the Kailasa Temple (or Cave 16).

Fatehpur Sikri
Date of Inscription: 1986

The 16 th Century era never fails to impress many with a fine ostentation of the skills and finesse of craftsman that designed thousands of timeless structures that live to tell tales of the past. And the Fatehpur Sikri is one of them. This World Heritage Site is the perfect example of an Emperors tribute to a saint. Built in reverence of the Sufi saint Salim Chishti way back in 1571 the Fatehpur Sikri is a seamless blend of Islamic and Hindu architecture. The robust red sandstone structures reflect the multi- faceted character of the great Emperor and his keen interest in religion, literature and design. Once the seat of the Mughal Empire the structures comprise of magnificent palaces, lush courtyards, audience halls, the treasury, the harem, soldier's barracks and mosque housing the shrine of Sheikh Salim Chisthi.

A must see at Fatehpur Sikri are:

Buland Darwaza
Regarded as one of the finest architectural monuments during Akbar's reign is the juggernaut Buland Darwaza. Rising 40 meters high the gateway is known for its ingenious Mughal designs, simple ornamentation, soaring arches and verses from the Koran.

Jami Masjid
Emperor Akbar took active interest in the functioning of the Jami Masjid, even sweeping its floors and leading prayers. The domes, door, roof and various other interior elements are carved out with finesse.

Jodha Bai's Palace
The main Palace of Zenana (or harem) is named after the Emperor's Rajput queen. The stark exterior hides the palace from civil life and all the mundane madness.

Hawa Mahal
This pavilion in Jodha Bai's Palace is where women could sit as they pondered over everyday chores and did a lot of retrospection as they enjoyed the scenic view and cool breeze

Great Living Chola Temples

If Indian temple architecture is what you fancy, then the Great Living Chola Temples are a must see. The Brihadisvara temple of Thanjavur , the Temple of Gangaikondacholisvaram and the Airavatesvara temple at Darasuram are testimony to the glorious Chola Empire. The Chola Temples of Southern India represent an outstanding creative achievement in the architectural conception of the pure form of the Dravida type of temple. The temples testify to the Cholas brilliant achievements in architecture, sculpture, painting, and bronze casting.

The Brihadisvara Temple : It was the first of them all. Built by the greatest of Chola rulers, Rajaraja, the temple was named after him as Rajarajesvaram. Later on, it became known as the Brihadisvara temple meaning the temple of the Great Isvara (god). Th Temples was just any holy place where God was revered. It was a lifestyle statement which influenced the communal fabric back then.

The Temple of Gangaikondacholisvaram : Built by Rajendra I the temple was completed in 1035. Its 53-m vimana (sanctum tower) has recessed corners and a graceful upward curving movement, contrasting with the straight and severe tower at Thanjavur. It has six pairs of massive, monolithic dvarapalas statues guarding the entrances and bronzes of remarkable beauty inside.
The Airavatesvara Temple : Built by Rajaraja II, the temple features a 24-m vimana and a stone image of Shiva. The temples testify to the Cholas brilliant achievements in architecture, sculpture, painting, and bronze casting.

Here is where the stones come to life with the intricate carvings of rathas (temples in the form of chariots), mandapas (cave sanctuaries), giant open-air reliefs such as the famous 'Descent of the Ganges ', and the temple of Rivage , with thousands of sculptures to the glory of Shiva. Situated 60 km south of Chennai this group of sanctuaries, founded by the Pallava kings was carved out of rock along the Coromandel Coast in the 7th and 8th centuries. Recent excavations to the north and south of the Shore Temple have revealed rock-cut figures representing religious themes of period prior to the construction to the temple. Mahabalipuram is a never dying story of the glorious days of the Pallavas and its craftsmen who painstakingly carved out each sculpture on the virgin rocks.
The eye-pleasing sites in Mahabalipuram are:

Shore Temple : The temple is the perfect example of the structural architecture in sculpturing used by the Pallavas ages before. The entire Shore Temple is carved from a single piece of stone and has stood for more than 1400 years. The entrances are guarded by sculptures of mythical deities. The Pancha Pandava Rathas is the main attraction and a treat to any eye.

Pancha Pandava Rathas: The five "rathas" (chariots) dating from the 7th century depict the life of Pandavas of Mahabharata fame. The five rathas are known for its attention to detail.

Date of Inscription: 1987

Every dynasty or empire in India has contributed to its beauty with mammoth architectural and artistic wonders. And, the group of monuments at Pattadakal in Karnataka, represents the high point of an eclectic art which, in the 7th and 8th centuries under the Chalukya dynasty. Set in the Deccan plateau, the sunflower and cotton fields decorating the road, you will find the dramatic gorge between two sandstone hills. The harmonious blend of architectural forms of the northern Indian Nagara and southern Indian Dravida art forms are perfectly juxtaposed to create an impressive series of nine Hindu temples, as well as a Jain sanctuary. The ten temples here live up to the Chalukyan reputation for eclecticism.

The Temple of Virupaksha , built by Queen Lokamahadevi to commemorate her husband's victory over the kings from the South is a display of ancient Chalukya temple architecture at its best. The architecture of this age-old wonder has influeneced many others for e.g. the Kailasa temple at Ellora. The Mallikarjuna Temple is on the same lines as that of Virupaksha. Both temples are a showcase of Shaivite imagery at its best.

The Sangameshvara Temple , Kashivisvanatha temple, Mallikarjuna Temple , Galganatha temple, Kadasiddeshvara temple, Jambulinga Temple , the Jain Temple , and the Papanatha temple are the other attractions at Pattadakal

Humayun's Tomb
Date of Inscription: 1993

Historians say that Humayun's Tombs architectural brilliance has even influenced the Taj Mahal other many other structures. This construction marvel was built way back in 1570 and is of particular cultural significance as it was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. The massive double-storeyed gateway and high walls surrounds a square garden which is divided into four large squares separated by causeways and water channels. Each square is further divided again into smaller squares thus forming a typical Mughal garden called charbagh. The tomb was commissioned by his senior widow, Haji Begum, who is said to have spent one and a half millions in the building

Monuments of Khajuraho

Date of Inscription: 1986

Located in the interiors of the Chhatrapur District of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho has the largest group of medieval Hindu temples, famous for their erotic sculptures. The temples at Khajuraho are a brilliant example of medieval Indian architecture. Built during the Chandella dynasty, which reached its apogee between 950 and 1050, today only about 20 temples remain from the original 80. The temples fall into three distinct groups and belong to two different religions - Hinduism and Jainism. Khajuraho temples, constructed with spiral superstructures, adhere to northern Indian shikhara temple style and are a perfect juxtaposition of architecture and sculptures. Especially the Temple of Kandariya , which is decorated with a profusion of sculptures that are among the greatest masterpieces of Indian art. The sculptors have shown immense virtuosity in expressing the myriad aspects of Indian life - gods, goddesses, guardians, sensuous apsaras (nymphs), and infinite moods and postures. The amorous couples in various love making poses on the sandhara temples draw maximum attention. The Khajuraho Festival of Dance held in the temple premises is one of the biggest culminations of artists from various parts of the globe and a visual treat for art connoisseurs.

Date of Inscription: 2002

The Mahabodhi Temple provides exceptional records for the events associated with the life of Buddha and is one of prime sites related to the attainment of Enlightenment. The first temple was built by Emperor Asoka in the 3rd century B.C., and the present temple dates from the 5th or 6th centuries. In The grand 50m high Mahabodhi Temple is one of the few representations of the architectural genius of the Indian people in constructing fully developed brick temples in that era. One of the earliest brick structures in India has had significant influence in the development of architecture over the centuries. The sculpted stone balustrades are sculptural reliefs in stone. As part of the temple Emporer Asoka has built, the diamond throne (called the Vajrasana ), attempting to mark the exact spot of the Buddha's enlightenment, was established. You could even take a stroll down to the western side of the temple to pay your respects to the Bodhi Tree.