Seven natural heritage sites from different states in India have been added to UNESCO’s Tentative Heritage List. With these additions, the total number of Indian entries on the tentative list has reached 69.
According to the Ministry of Culture, India now has 49 cultural, 17 natural, and three mixed heritage properties waiting for evaluation. The tentative list acts as the first step before a site can be nominated for UNESCO’s official World Heritage List.
Newly Added Natural Sites
The seven new sites included in the list are spread across several states. They are:
- Deccan Traps at Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar (Maharashtra)
- St Mary’s Island (Karnataka)
- Meghalayan Age caves (Meghalaya)
- Naga Hill Ophiolite (Nagaland)
- Erra Matti Dibbalu (Andhra Pradesh)
- Tirumala Hills (Andhra Pradesh)
- Varkala Cliffs (Kerala)
Each of these sites reflects important natural and geological features of India.
The Role of ASI
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is the nodal agency that manages India’s participation in the World Heritage Convention. It prepared and submitted the nominations for the new sites to UNESCO.
India’s Broader Engagement with UNESCO
In July 2024, India hosted the 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee in New Delhi. The meeting saw participation from over 2,000 delegates representing more than 140 countries. This event highlighted India’s active role in global heritage discussions.
Why the Tentative List Matters
Being placed on UNESCO’s Tentative Heritage List is necessary for any site that seeks full recognition as a World Heritage Site. It signals that the site has cultural or natural importance that deserves international attention.
FAQs
A: It is a list of sites that countries submit as potential candidates for the World Heritage List. A site must be on the tentative list before it can be officially nominated.
A: With the new additions, India has 69 sites on the tentative list.
A: India has 49 cultural, 17 natural, and three mixed heritage sites under consideration.
A: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is the nodal agency responsible for preparing and submitting India’s nominations.
A: The tentative list is the first step. Only after being included in this list can a site be formally nominated and possibly inscribed on the World Heritage List.
Explore These Sites with Ghum India Ghum Packages
If you want to see these incredible natural heritage sites up close, Ghum India Ghum offers curated travel packages:
- Maharashtra Heritage Tour – Visit Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar to explore the Deccan Traps.
- Kerala Coastal Tour – Discover the unique Varkala Cliffs along with Kerala’s backwaters and beaches.
- Meghalaya Adventure Tour – Explore the Meghalayan Age caves, waterfalls, and living root bridges.
- Andhra Pradesh Nature Tour – Experience the Erra Matti Dibbalu and Tirumala Hills.
- Karnataka Island Tour – See the geological wonder of St Mary’s Island and nearby coastal spots.
- Nagaland Eco Tour – Learn about the Naga Hill Ophiolite while experiencing Naga culture.
Browse more packages at Ghum India Ghum to plan your trip around India’s upcoming UNESCO heritage sites.
