Maharashtra has the maximum number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
UNESCO released this year’s list of new World Heritage Sites in the month of July. Historic City of Ahmedabad has been the only inclusion from India this year. Ahmedabad is the first Indian city to receive heritage status. With this, there are now 36 World Heritage sites in India, out of which 28 are cultural sites, 7 natural sites and 1 mixed site. UNESCO World Heritage Convention, established in 1972, provides World Heritage status. Agra Fort and Ajanta Caves were the first two Indian sites inscribed to the list in the year 1983.
State of Maharashtra has 4 World Heritage sites and another one on shared basis. The sites are – Ajanta Caves (Aurangabad), Ellora Caves (Aurangabad), Elephanta Caves (Mumbai), Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus/Victoria Terminus (Mumbai) and Western Ghats (Sahyadri sub-clusters).
State of Tamil Nadu comes next with three World Heritage sites and another one on shared basis. The heritage sites are – Great Living Chola Temples, Mahabalipuram monuments, Nilgiri Mountain Railways and Western Ghats (Agasthyamalai – Anamalai Hills).
Delhi City is the only city in India having three world heritage sites – Red Fort complex, Qutub Minar complex and Humayun’s Tomb.
