India’s oldest UNESCO World Heritage Sites

june 6, 2025

Source: UNESCO World Heritage Convention 
Images: Shutterstock, Pexels

From a temple carved out of stone to the southern centre of the Harappan civilisation, here are some of the oldest UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India. 

Built: 950-1020 AD
The Khajuraho temples were built during the Chandella dynasty and are renowned for their intricate sculptures and architectural design. 

7. Khajuraho Group Monuments, Madhya Pradesh

Built: 600-1000 AD
The Ellora caves are a complex of 34 rock-cut temples and monasteries devoted to Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism.

6. Ellora Caves, Maharashtra

Built: 427 AD
Nalanda was a vibrant centre of learning for over 800 years, having been established by the Gupta king Kumaragupta I. It was destroyed in 1193.

5. Nalanda Mahavihara, Bihar

Built: 200-1 BC
It’s a group of 30 rock-cut cave monuments, embellished with beautiful Buddhist mural paintings.
 

4. Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra

Built: 260 BC
The Mahabodhi temple is built around the sacred Bodhi tree, which is believed to be the descendant of the original tree under which Gautama Bhudha meditated.

3. Mahabodhi Temple, Bihar

Built: 300-200 BC
Emperor Ashoka built the Stupa after witnessing the battle of Kalinga. Initially built as a simple dome-like structure, it was expanded over time.

2. Sanchi Stupa, Madhya Pradesh

Built: 3000-1000 BC
Dholavira, the southern centre of the Harappan civilisation, was occupied for over 1,500 years. It comprises a walled city, a castle, a cemetery, towns, reservoirs and others.

1. Dholavira, Gujarat

7 oldest UNESCO World Heritage Sites

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