India is a land of varied cultures, diversity and utmost beauty. No wonder, many great archaeological and natural sites in India have been named as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These are places that belong to the world, they are deemed as sites which have a great importance as well. With the latest entry of Nalanda Mahavihara, Kanchenjunga National Park and Capitol Complex of Chandigarh, India now has 35 of these.
Nalanda University, Bihar
This site was a centre of learning and Buddhist practices from 3rd Century BC. Nalanda is of great importance from a Buddhist point of view and has evolved as a place which is responsible for the evolution of Buddhism. Here you can find various shrines, stupas and many such archeological wonders as well.This University used to impart Vedic learning to many scholars from as far as Tibet, China, Korea and Central Asia.
Khangchendzonga National Park, Sikkim
This high altitude National Park is located in Himalayas and comes under West Sikkim. This area is totally pristine and a very sacred biosphere as well. Also known as Kanchenjunga national park (and Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve) is a huge area spreading over 850 sq. km. This park has an elevation of 1,829 m to 8,500 m above sea level.
Group of monuments at Hampi, Karnataka
Hampi is a well known UNESCO World Heritage site that is located in Karnataka. It lies within the ruins of Vijaynagar. This site holds a very important religious stature for Hindus till date. The architecture here shows a very fine Dravidian style of art and architecture. Some of the other known ones include the the Krishna temple complex, Narasimha, Ganesa, Hemakuta group of temples, Achyutaraya temple complex and many others as well.
Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra
These world renowned rock-cut monuments are one of the finest world heritage sites in India. The Ajanta caves date back to 2nd Century BC and they consist of 31 rock cut Buddhist cave monuments and sculptures. 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.
Have you been to any of these? Do tell us in comments below!
