India’s heritage map has grown richer with seven new natural sites added to UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage. With this, the total number of heritage properties from India has reached 69, including 49 cultural, 3 mixed, and 17 natural heritage sites.
The newly added sites include the Deccan Traps of Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar (Maharashtra), the Tirumala Hills (Andhra Pradesh), and other unique geological and natural wonders.
UNESCO’s Permanent Delegation stated that the inclusion highlights India’s commitment to preserving cultural and natural heritage for future generations.
✅ Seven New Indian Sites Added
Deccan Traps (Panchgani & Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra)
Geological Heritage of St. Mary Island Cluster (Udupi, Karnataka)
Meghalaya Age Caves (East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya)
Naga Hill Ophiolite (Kiphire, Nagaland)
Erra Matti Dibbalu (Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh)
Natural Heritage of Tirumala Hills (Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh)
Natural Heritage of Varkala (Kerala)
According to UNESCO rules, every heritage site must first be included in the Tentative List before being considered for the official World Heritage List. India’s delegation has also acknowledged the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for its dedicated efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. How many UNESCO World Heritage sites are there in India in 2025?
As of September 2025, India has 69 heritage properties in the UNESCO Tentative and official list combined — including 49 cultural, 3 mixed, and 17 natural heritage sites.
Q2. What are the seven new Indian sites added to UNESCO’s Tentative List in 2025?
The newly added sites are:
Deccan Traps (Maharashtra)
Geological Heritage of St. Mary Island Cluster (Karnataka)
Meghalaya Age Caves (Meghalaya)
Naga Hill Ophiolite (Nagaland)
Erra Matti Dibbalu (Andhra Pradesh)
Tirumala Hills (Andhra Pradesh)
Varkala Natural Heritage (Kerala)
Q3. What is UNESCO’s Tentative List?
The Tentative List is the first step before a site is officially nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Every country must include its heritage sites in this list before UNESCO evaluates and approves them.
Q4. Why is India adding new heritage sites to UNESCO’s list?
Adding sites to the Tentative List shows India’s commitment to preserving cultural and natural heritage, promoting tourism, and gaining global recognition for its unique heritage.
Q5. Who manages heritage nominations in India?
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) plays a major role in preparing, documenting, and submitting proposals for India’s cultural and natural heritage sites to UNESCO.
