 The cultural heritage of India is known the world over in the form of its historical monuments, forts, palaces and castles. Keeping in mind this rich historical legacy; UNESCO enlisted Indian amongst the countries having the places, which were given the status of World Heritage Sites depending on their historical importance and contribution to the country's royal and memorable past. In a span of two years from 1983 to 2003; twenty-four (24) sites in India have been declared as the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
These heritage sites give the tourists a glimpse of the glorious past of India and also familiarizes the present and the coming generations with their national heritage. The heritage tour of India in the form of World Heritage Sites tour is the best way to capture the amazing monuments and structures standing high to preserve the Indian legacy. The major world heritage sites are as follows:
Ajanta Caves
The Buddhist caves at Ajanta contain some of India's most magnificent paintings. The 29 caves were excavated in around 200 BC, but they were abandoned in 650 AD in favour of Ellora. Five of the caves were temples and 24 were monasteries. The Ajanta Caves were `rediscovered' by a British tiger-hunting team in 1819.
Ellora Caves
The Buddhist, Hindu and Jain caves at Ellora, carved between 600 and 1000 AD, include 34 monasteries and temples dug within the wall near Aurangabad.
Agra Fort
The foundation of Agra Fort was laid by emperor Akbar in 1565 AD. This huge fort is made of red-sandstone which houses the Pearl mosque and many other structures such as the Jahangir Palace or the Khas Mahal, built by Shah Jahan.
Taj Mahal
One of the eight wonders in the world, the Taj Mahal made of white marble, was built by emperor Shah Jahan t between 1631 and 1648 in memory of his beloved Mumtaz Mahal.
Sun Temple Konark
Built in the 13th century, this temple is dedicated to the Sun God. It was originally designed in the form of his chariot.
Mahabalipuram
The great Pallava rulers built these monuments in Mahabalipuram in the period 630-800 AD.
Kaziranga National Park
Located in Assam, this is one of the last areas in northern India undisturbed by man. The largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses in the world inhabits Kaziranga Park.
Keoladeo National Park
This park was once a duck hunting reserve of the Maharajas. Today it is a haven for the migratory aquatic birds from Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, China, and Siberia. Some 364 species of birds, including the rare Siberian crane can be seen in the Park.
Khajuraho
These Hindu temples in Madhya Pradesh depicting the erotic carvings were constructed between the 9th and 12th centuries by the Chandela rulers.
The other World Heritage Sites in India are: Fatehpur Sikri, Elephanta Caves, Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, Churches of Goa, Hampi, Monuments at Pattadakal, Brihadeshvar Temple Thanjavur, Sundarbans National Park, Nanda Devi National Park, Buddhist Monastery at Sanchi, Humayun's Tomb Delhi, Qutab Minar, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Mahabodhi Temple at Bodhgaya and Rock Shelters at Bhimbetika.
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