Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi or Ajanta Caves? Top 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India

The Mahabodhi Temple Complex marks the site of Buddha's enlightenment and contains a 50 m brick temple from the 5th–6th centuries. It was inscribed in 2002 and meets five UNESCO criteria: (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) and (vi). Some elements date to the period of Ashoka. The complex is the holiest pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide.

Ellora Caves comprise 34 rock-cut Buddhist, Hindu and Jain temples and monasteries carved between the 7th and 11th centuries. The Ellora Caves in Maharashtra are a 2 km long complex of 34 caves cut into a basalt cliff. The caves illustrate the religious tolerance of the Rashtrakuta period, with Buddhist, Hindu and Jain monuments side by side. Inscribed in 1983, Ellora meets three UNESCO criteria: (i), (iii) and (vi). The site remains a major example of ancient Indian rock-cut architecture.

The 13th-century Sun Temple at Konârak is a monumental chariot of the sun god Surya, with 24 carved stone wheels and intricate sculptures. Located in Odisha, the Sun Temple at Konârak was built in the 13th century by King Narasingha Deva I. It is designed as a chariot with 24 wheels, seven horses and elaborate carvings. The temple is a masterpiece of Kalinga architecture. It was inscribed in 1984 and meets three UNESCO criteria: (i), (iii) and (vi). The site remains a major example of Hindu temple art and architecture.

Old Goa contains seven churches and convents from the 16th–17th centuries, including the Basilica of Bom Jesus. The Churches and Convents of Goa are located in Old Goa, the former capital of Portuguese India. Inscribed in 1986, the site meets three UNESCO criteria: (ii), (iv) and (vi). It illustrates the spread of Catholic architectural styles in Asia.

Fatehpur Sikri was the short-lived capital of the Mughal Empire under Akbar in the 16th century. Fatehpur Sikri in Uttar Pradesh served as the Mughal capital for about a decade in the late 16th century. The site includes the Jama Masjid, the Buland Darwaza, the Panch Mahal and the Tomb of Salim Chishti. Inscribed in 1986, it meets three UNESCO criteria: (ii), (iii) and (iv).

Manas Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam is a biodiversity hotspot along the Manas River, home to endangered species including the Indian rhinoceros and pygmy hog. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary covers grasslands and forests on the floodplains of the Manas River in Assam. It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site inscribed in 1985 and was listed as endangered from 1992 to 2011 due to poaching and militia activity. The sanctuary meets three UNESCO criteria: (vii), (ix) and (x). It provides habitat for species such as the Asian elephant, tiger, and Gee's golden langur.

Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park in Gujarat contains prehistoric sites, a hill fortress and the remains of a 16th-century capital. Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park includes chalcolithic sites, a Hindu hill fortress, and the remains of Champaner, a 16th-century capital of the Gujarat Sultanate. The site features Hindu and Jain temples, mosques, fortifications and water installations.