National parks
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Visit the Indian UNESCO World Heritage National Parks and Sanctuaries
India is home to some of the most remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites that are recognised for their cultural, natural, or mixed significance. These sites play a crucial role in preserving India's heritage and identity while offering a glimpse into the country's rich cultural and ecological tapestry. It is worth noting that India has the sixth-largest number of UNESCO Heritage Sites recognised globally, which significantly impact tourism, education, and the local economy. These sites are diverse and range from ancient temples, historical cities, and intricate step wells to lush wildlife sanctuaries and revered mountain ranges. As of 2023, there are a total of forty two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India, of which thirty-four are cultural, seven are natural, and one is of mixed heritage.
This blog unveils the beauty of the national parks and sanctuaries of India listed under the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These sanctuaries and national parks are the reservoirs of incredible flora and fauna which marks the highest biodiversity of India. The natural heritage sites of India perform an exemplary responsibility of safeguarding the population of several endangered species.
UNESCO Cultural Heritage Sites
1. Agra Fort 2. Ajanta Caves 3. Ellora Caves 4. Taj Mahal 5. Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram 6. Konark Sun Temple 7. Churches and Convents of Goa 8. Fatehpur Sikri 9. Hampi monuments 10. Khajuraho Monuments 11. Elephanta caves 12. Chola Temples 13. Pattadakal Monuments 14. Sanchi Stupa 15. Humayun’s Tomb 16. Qutub Minar 17. Mountain Railways of Darjeeling, Nilgiri, Shimla and Kalka 18. Mahabodhi temple 19. Bhimbetka Rock Shelters 20. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus 21. ChampanerPavagadh Archaeological Park 22. Red Fort 23. Jantar Mantar 24. Hill Forts of Rajasthan 25. Queen’s Step well 26. Nalanda 27. Architectural Work of Le Corbusier 28. The History City of Ahmedabad 29. The Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles 30. Jaipur City 31. Ramappa Temple 32. Dholavira 33. Shantiniketan 34. Hoysala temples of Belur, Halebid and Somananthpura
UNESCO Natural Heritage Sites
Choose amongst the below-mentioned seven national parks recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for a memorable Wildlife Safari India
1. Kaziranga National Park, Assam - Kaziranga, a UNESCO site since 1985, is a haven for biodiversity. Home to the iconic one-horned rhinoceros, elephants, and diverse avifauna, it captivates visitors from November to April, closing annually from May to October.
2. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam - The Manas River is a prime tributary of the River Brahmaputra, and needless to mention, the Manas Wildlife Sanctuary was named after the river. UNESCO-listed since 1985, Manas Wildlife Sanctuary embraces unique species like Assam’s Roofed Turtle and Golden Langur. Nestled in the Eastern Himalayan foothills, it's a treasure trove of natural beauty.
3. Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan 1985 - Formerly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Keoladeo has been a UNESCO Heritage Site since 1985. Home to 370 bird species and diverse wildlife, Keoladeo originated as a royal hunting reserve in the 1850s and at present offers enchanting treks from October to March.
4. Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal Sundarbans is the treasure trove of 54 islands, mangrove forests, and Bengal Tigers. Home to diverse aquatic life, it's a unique destination showcasing the beauty of Sundari Trees one of the enchantments of the place and has been categorised under the UNESCO sites since 1987
5. Nanda Devi National Park, Uttarakhand Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, Nanda Devi National Park features the second-highest Indian peak. With unique flora like Brahma-Kamal and fauna like Bharal, a blue mountain goat, it was also declared a World Network of Biosphere Reserve in 2004 by UNESCO. Nanda Devi National Park is a captivating destination from June to September.
6. Great Himalayan National Park, Himachal Pradesh 2014 - located in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, the Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014. September to July is the most suitable period to visit the national park to admire the wide range of flora and fauna. One of the unique features of the park is that a portion of the park is covered with glaciers and ice almost throughout the year.
7. Khangchendzonga National Park, Sikkim - Khangchendzonga National Park is the largest wildlife reserve in Sikkim and derives its name from Khangchendzonga, which is located on the western boundary of the park. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016, the reserve is home to the Zemu Glacier and a magnificent ecosystem. March to late May and September to mid-December is considered the appropriate time to visit the variety of wildlife and vegetation of the national park.
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