One of the key topics in the Static GK section of the AFCAT 2 2025 Exam is World Heritage Sites in India. These sites represent the rich cultural, historical, and natural heritage of our country. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognizes these sites for their outstanding universal value.
AFCAT 2 2025 Exam Static GK: List of World Heritage Sites in India
As of 2024, India has 42 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which include 34 Cultural, 7 Natural, and 1 Mixed site. Below is the state-wise and category-wise list of World Heritage Sites in India to help aspirants prepare effectively for the AFCAT exam.
✅ Categories of World Heritage Sites
- Cultural Heritage Sites – Human-made structures with historical or cultural importance.
- Natural Heritage Sites – Natural sites with ecological or scenic importance.
- Mixed Heritage Sites – Combination of cultural and natural significance.
📍 List of World Heritage Sites in India (State-wise & Category-wise)
| S. No. | Name of the Site | Location | Category | Year of Inscription |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ajanta Caves | Maharashtra | Cultural | 1983 |
| 2 | Ellora Caves | Maharashtra | Cultural | 1983 |
| 3 | Agra Fort | Uttar Pradesh | Cultural | 1983 |
| 4 | Taj Mahal | Uttar Pradesh | Cultural | 1983 |
| 5 | Sun Temple, Konark | Odisha | Cultural | 1984 |
| 6 | Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram | Tamil Nadu | Cultural | 1984 |
| 7 | Kaziranga National Park | Assam | Natural | 1985 |
| 8 | Manas Wildlife Sanctuary | Assam | Natural | 1985 |
| 9 | Keoladeo National Park | Rajasthan | Natural | 1985 |
| 10 | Churches and Convents of Goa | Goa | Cultural | 1986 |
| 11 | Khajuraho Group of Monuments | Madhya Pradesh | Cultural | 1986 |
| 12 | Group of Monuments at Hampi | Karnataka | Cultural | 1986 |
| 13 | Fatehpur Sikri | Uttar Pradesh | Cultural | 1986 |
| 14 | Group of Monuments at Pattadakal | Karnataka | Cultural | 1987 |
| 15 | Elephanta Caves | Maharashtra | Cultural | 1987 |
| 16 | Great Living Chola Temples | Tamil Nadu | Cultural | 1987 |
| 17 | Sundarbans National Park | West Bengal | Natural | 1987 |
| 18 | Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers | Uttarakhand | Mixed | 1988 |
| 19 | Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi | Madhya Pradesh | Cultural | 1989 |
| 20 | Humayun’s Tomb | Delhi | Cultural | 1993 |
| 21 | Qutub Minar & its Monuments | Delhi | Cultural | 1993 |
| 22 | Mountain Railways of India | TN, WB, HP | Cultural | 1999–2008 |
| 23 | Mahabodhi Temple Complex | Bihar | Cultural | 2002 |
| 24 | Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka | Madhya Pradesh | Cultural | 2003 |
| 25 | Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park | Gujarat | Cultural | 2004 |
| 26 | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus | Maharashtra | Cultural | 2004 |
| 27 | Red Fort Complex | Delhi | Cultural | 2007 |
| 28 | The Jantar Mantar | Rajasthan | Cultural | 2010 |
| 29 | Western Ghats | Kerala, TN, MH, KA | Natural | 2012 |
| 30 | Hill Forts of Rajasthan | Rajasthan | Cultural | 2013 |
| 31 | Rani ki Vav | Gujarat | Cultural | 2014 |
| 32 | Great Himalayan National Park | Himachal Pradesh | Natural | 2014 |
| 33 | Nalanda Mahavihara | Bihar | Cultural | 2016 |
| 34 | Capitol Complex | Chandigarh | Cultural | 2016 |
| 35 | Khangchendzonga National Park | Sikkim | Mixed | 2016 |
| 36 | Historic City of Ahmedabad | Gujarat | Cultural | 2017 |
| 37 | Victorian Gothic & Art Deco Ensemble | Maharashtra | Cultural | 2018 |
| 38 | Jaipur City | Rajasthan | Cultural | 2019 |
| 39 | Ramappa Temple (Kakatiya Rudreshwara) | Telangana | Cultural | 2021 |
| 40 | Dholavira: A Harappan City | Gujarat | Cultural | 2021 |
| 41 | Santiniketan | West Bengal | Cultural | 2023 |
| 42 | Sacred Ensembles of Hoysalas | Karnataka | Cultural | 2023 |
🌍 Important Facts for AFCAT 2 2025
- ✅ First Indian sites inscribed (1983): Ajanta, Ellora Caves, Agra Fort, Taj Mahal.
- ✅ Latest additions (2023): Santiniketan (West Bengal), Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas (Karnataka).
- ✅ Only Mixed Site in India: Khangchendzonga National Park, Sikkim.
- ✅ State with Highest WHS: Maharashtra (6 sites).
- ✅ Total Number of Sites: 42 (as of 2024).
✍️ Tips to Remember
- Group sites by state or theme (temples, caves, cities).
- Use mnemonics or maps for better memorization.
- Focus on recent additions and unique features of each site.
📌 Conclusion
The World Heritage Sites of India are not only a source of pride but also a scoring topic for aspirants of defence exams like AFCAT 2 2025. Be thorough with names, locations, categories, and years of inscription. This topic is static in nature, which means your one-time preparation will benefit you in multiple exams like AFCAT, CDS, and CAPF.
