AFCAT 2 2025 Exam Static GK: List of World Heritage Sites in India

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...

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

  1. Cultural Heritage Sites – Human-made structures with historical or cultural importance.
  2. Natural Heritage Sites – Natural sites with ecological or scenic importance.
  3. 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 SiteLocationCategoryYear of Inscription
1Ajanta CavesMaharashtraCultural1983
2Ellora CavesMaharashtraCultural1983
3Agra FortUttar PradeshCultural1983
4Taj MahalUttar PradeshCultural1983
5Sun Temple, KonarkOdishaCultural1984
6Group of Monuments at MahabalipuramTamil NaduCultural1984
7Kaziranga National ParkAssamNatural1985
8Manas Wildlife SanctuaryAssamNatural1985
9Keoladeo National ParkRajasthanNatural1985
10Churches and Convents of GoaGoaCultural1986
11Khajuraho Group of MonumentsMadhya PradeshCultural1986
12Group of Monuments at HampiKarnatakaCultural1986
13Fatehpur SikriUttar PradeshCultural1986
14Group of Monuments at PattadakalKarnatakaCultural1987
15Elephanta CavesMaharashtraCultural1987
16Great Living Chola TemplesTamil NaduCultural1987
17Sundarbans National ParkWest BengalNatural1987
18Nanda Devi and Valley of FlowersUttarakhandMixed1988
19Buddhist Monuments at SanchiMadhya PradeshCultural1989
20Humayun’s TombDelhiCultural1993
21Qutub Minar & its MonumentsDelhiCultural1993
22Mountain Railways of IndiaTN, WB, HPCultural1999–2008
23Mahabodhi Temple ComplexBiharCultural2002
24Rock Shelters of BhimbetkaMadhya PradeshCultural2003
25Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological ParkGujaratCultural2004
26Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj TerminusMaharashtraCultural2004
27Red Fort ComplexDelhiCultural2007
28The Jantar MantarRajasthanCultural2010
29Western GhatsKerala, TN, MH, KANatural2012
30Hill Forts of RajasthanRajasthanCultural2013
31Rani ki VavGujaratCultural2014
32Great Himalayan National ParkHimachal PradeshNatural2014
33Nalanda MahaviharaBiharCultural2016
34Capitol ComplexChandigarhCultural2016
35Khangchendzonga National ParkSikkimMixed2016
36Historic City of AhmedabadGujaratCultural2017
37Victorian Gothic & Art Deco EnsembleMaharashtraCultural2018
38Jaipur CityRajasthanCultural2019
39Ramappa Temple (Kakatiya Rudreshwara)TelanganaCultural2021
40Dholavira: A Harappan CityGujaratCultural2021
41SantiniketanWest BengalCultural2023
42Sacred Ensembles of HoysalasKarnatakaCultural2023
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🌍 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.

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Divyanshu Pandey

Senior Lecturer General Studies, SSBCrackExams, Cleared CDS 4 times, NDA 2 times, Ex- N.C.C. cadet, SSB Expert. Passionate Teacher, Trained defence aspirants for their SSB Interview, BSc in PCM expertise in Geography, Indian Polity, Current Affairs and Defence affairs. Writing Article and Travelling solo.

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