Home > Arts & Culture > Indian Monuments > World Heritage Monuments in West India
World Heritage Monuments in West India
World heritage monuments in west India reflect the rich heritage and architectural grandeur prevalent in the country since generations, which are categorised as protected buildings by UNESCO, scattered in the various western Indian states.

Share this Article:

World Heritage Monuments in West IndiaWorld heritage monuments in west India distinguish themselves from others for their outstanding architecture and intrinsic sculptures. The unspeakable charm of the caves at Elephanta or the breathtaking architecture at Ajanta and Ellora Caves are unforgettable. The cultural significance and the antiquity of these sites have earned them a prestigious position in the UNESCO World Heritage sites. However it would be wrong to suggest that only temples and palaces are part of this list. The charisma of Indian flora and fauna is inescapable too. Hence certain national parks are also a part the world heritage sites in west India.

World Heritage Monuments in Gujarat
Gujarat is famous for its beautiful Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park which has been declared as World Heritage Site by UNESCO in the year 2004. It is situated in Panchmahal District in this Indian state, near the Champaner city, which is said to have been created by Sultan Mahmud Begada of Gujarat. Forts with bastions are existent near Champaner-Pavagadh which spread over Champaner and various historical monuments and chalcolithic sites are present in this part of the country. Ruins of the 16th century capital of Gujarat and an ancient fortress of an ancient Hindu capital are also there in this region. Temples, tombs, entrance gates and arches, mosques and palaces are existent here, besides the tanks and stepwells belonging to the 8th and 14th centuries. World Heritage Monuments in West India A significant Hindu shrine called Kalika Mata Temple, which is amongst the heritage monuments, is also present here.

World Heritage Monuments in Maharashtra
Ellora Caves, Ajanta Caves and Elephanta Caves are amongst the many World Heritage sites of the state of Maharashtra. Ellora Caves were erected by kings of Rashtrakuta Dynasty and is about 29 kms away from the north-western portion of Aurangabad and are spectacular instances of rock-carved architecture of the nation. The 34 caves of Ellora were cut out from Charanandri Hills and comprise viharas, `maths`, Jain, Hindu and Buddhist rock temples which were built in the age between 5th and 10th century. It is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India or ASI. A World Heritage site since 1983, the Ajanta Caves in Aurangabad District contain 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave temples of the 2nd century. Excellent sculptural art and paintings are discovered from here, apart from Buddha idols and portrayals of `Jataka` stories. ASI is in charge of preserving Ajanta Caves. Located on Elephanta Island, Elephanta Caves are reputed for two groups of caves which include Buddhist and Hindu caves. Rock-cut sculptures of Lord Shiva are present in Hindu caves while Buddha figurines and Buddhist signs dominate the interiors of Buddhist caves. It was declared as World Heritage Site during 1987 and maintained by ASI. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus or CST is another UNESCO Heritage Site which as the headquarters of the Central Railways and was built by Frederick William Stevens in 1887.

World Heritage Monuments in West India World Heritage Monuments in Rajasthan
Jantar Mantar is a series of astronomical instruments erected by Raja Sawai Jai Singh who was a Rajput ruler in Jaipur, Rajasthan. It is a replica of the observatory which was also built by him in Delhi, the Mughal capital. Renovation task of this monument was undertaken by Major Arthur Garrett. Earlier referred to as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Keoladeo Ghana National Park or Keoladeo National Park is a famous sanctuary; this provides refuge to over 230 species of birds. During 1971, it was proclaimed a protected sanctuary and also a World Heritage site.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in Indian Monuments


Monuments of Punjab
Monuments of Punjab are the founding stones of the state. Punjab has numerous historical monuments and religious monuments scattered throughout its different cities.throughout its different cities.
Monuments of Lakshwadeep
Monuments of Lakshwadeep are famous for their ancient religious feel and historical value.
Monuments of Jharkhand
Monuments of Jharkhand are well maintained by the state government as these are popular tourist destinations. These monuments are remnants of the history of the region, narrating significant incidents from the past.
Monuments of Haryana
Monuments of Haryana represent the glorious culture and history dating back to thousands of years. These monuments are popular for their historical, religious, or political significance.
Monuments of West Bengal
Monuments of West Bengal, mainly from the British era, are considered as priceless heritage of the state and attracts many tourists to the state.
Monuments of Andaman And Nicobar Island
Monuments of Andaman and Nicobar Island loaded with their rich past unveils the history of India. Most of the monuments here are reminiscence of dark and brutal rule of the British Empire in India.
Monuments of Andhra Pradesh
Monuments of Andhra Pradesh represents several wonderful and glorious sagas of various ruling dynasties of the past. Most of these monuments are protected by the government for their architectural excellence and historical significance.
Monuments of Chhattisgarh
Monuments of Chhattisgarh have a significant role to play in the state`s tourism. The land has a rich cultural and political history that is reminiscent in the historical forts, palaces and temples of Chhattisgarh and are great tourist attractions.
Monuments of Telangana
Monuments of Telangana covers the ancient, medieval and modern historical structures illustrating the architectural grandeur and attracting thousands of tourists throughout the year.
Monuments of South India
Monuments of South India show strong Dravidian traditions and are located in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
Tombs in India
Tombs in India are famous all over the world for their architectural beauty and most of these tombs have been built in the medieval period. Travellers from all across the globe throng these historical sites.
Daulat Khana
Daulat Khana complex belongs to the early phase of Nawabi construction in Lucknow. It was commissioned to be built by Nawab Asaf ud Daulah. The Daulat Khana Complex consists of the Shish Mahal, the Shish Mahal Ka Talab and the Baradari Shish Mahal.
Mahesh Vilas Palace
Mahesh Vilas Palace is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh amidst 35 acres of Lush Green Lawns, Fountains and Orchards.
Architecture Of Andhra Pradesh
Architecture of Andhra Pradesh is an illustration of diverse types of Hindu, Buddhist and Islamic architectural styles.
Architecture Of West Bengal
Architecture of West Bengal comprises Hindu temples, Muslim, Buddhist and Colonial monuments and the unique terracotta style.
Architecture of Lucknow
Architecture of Lucknow is mostly Islamic in nature. It is representative of 18th and 19th century Indian architecture. The architecture is broadly divided into religious architecture, such as that of Imambaras and secular architecture, such as that of Baradaris and Kothis.
Cheena Kottaram
Also known as the China Palace, the Cheena Kottaram used to be a rest house for the then King of Travancore.
History of British Architecture in India
History of British architecture in India had begun with a solemn promise, keeping no stones unturned. This line of architecture invaded in India from the early colonial times in the states like Delhi, Kolkata, Mushidabad and Pune.
Monuments of Assam
Monuments of Assam are timeless remnants of historical masterpieces which reflect the architecture of ancient Assam. these monuments are remnants of the glorious history of the region under different rulers.
Bharhut Stupa
Bharhut Stupa is situated between Jabalpur and Allahabad in the erstwhile Nagod state of Madhya Pradesh. In 1873, the place was discovered by Sir Alexander Cunningham.