From Santiniketan to Taj Mahal, the UNESCO World Heritage sites are a marvel
Santiniketan, the famous West Bengal town where poet Rabindranath Tagore founded Visva-Bharati over a century ago, is the newest addition on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The Hoysala temples of Karnataka were also added to the list a day after Santiniketan, bringing the total number of UNESCO Sites in India to 42.
The Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysala in Karnataka, are renowned for their intricate craftsmanship and unique architectural style, showcasing the zenith of Hoysala artistry and cultural heritage.
India currently has the sixth highest number of (UNESCO) sites in the world, which includes 34 in the cultural category, seven in the natural category and one mixed property.
Dholavira, a Harappan-era city in Gujarat, known for its well-preserved urban planning and water management systems was added to the list in 2021.
Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple in Telangana, which was also added in 2021, is recognised for its exceptional craftsmanship and exquisite architecture. It exemplifies the Kakatiya dynasty's exceptional creativity.
Other Indian sites on the list include, Ajanta Caves, Sun Temple, Ellora Caves, Taj Mahal, Agra Fort Jaipur etc.
The Sundarbans National Park in West Bengal is also on UNESCO's World Heritage List. The eastern state now has a total of three sites.
The Khajuraho Temple in Madhya Pradesh is another UNESCO Heritage site. The carvings and engravings are not just dedicated to one school of thought but to Jainism as well as Hinduism.