UNESCO World Heritage sites in south India

Every history buff must visit these UNESCO World Heritage sites in south India at least once.

India is renowned for its intriguing history and rich heritage. Right from its diverse geographical terrain to its ancient temples and historic monuments, India is home to several great landmarks which are the envy of the world. A number of these amazing spots have been identified as UNESCO World Heritage sites making them all the more previous and revered. While these sites are scattered all over the country, south India in particular in particular is home to some excellent specimens of Indian history and architecture that are worth visiting to gain an insight into the country’s heritage. Here are 7 UNESCO World Heritage sites in south India that you must visit at least once in your lifetime.

Hampi

Hampi in Karnataka

Famous for its historic ruins, Hampi in Karnataka takes you back to the Vijayanagara era. Once the capital of the Vijayanagara empire and an important religious center, Hampi is now a great epitome of the architecture of that historic era. Its temples and market ruins will leave you in awe imagining life at a time when there were no cement roads and technology.

The Great Living Chola temples

Chola temples

Built during the Chola rule in the 11th and 12th century, the Great Living Chola temples include the Brihadisvara Temple of Thanjavur, the Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikondacholisvaram and the Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram. Built by Rajendra I, these temples are popular for their architecture and sculpture. 

Temples of Mahabalipuram

Temples of Mahabalipuram

The temples of Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu were declared a World Heritage Site in 1984 on account of their architectural brilliance. Constructed between the 7th and 8th centuries, the rock-carved monuments of Mahabalipuram form the largest open-air bas-relief in the world. Particularly famous is the Shore temple of Mahabalipuram which attracts visitors all year round.

Nilgiri Mountain Railway

Photograph Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons

Built by the British in 1908, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway in Tamil Nadu was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2005. It takes you through spectacular places in the region like Ooty and Coonoor. It became known as part of the Mountain Railways of India along with the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.

Western Ghats

Spanning across an area of 60,000 square kilometers, the Western Ghats are known to be India’s most beautiful region. With plantations of tea, coffee & various spices the Western Ghats are home to a number of tourist spots and monsoon retreats. In south India, the Western Ghats consist of places like Bandipur, Mudumalai, Kemmangundi, Agumbe, Ooty, Kodaikanal, Coonoor, and Munnar.

Pattadakal

Home to 7th and 8th century Hindu and Jain temples, Pattadakal in Karnataka is one of its lesser-explored tourist attractions. It is located just 22 km from another historic spot – Badami. The group of monuments at Pattadakal are remnants of the Chalukya rule and a delight for history buffs.