Top 16 World Heritage Sites India

India’s civilization is perhaps among the oldest in the world. Ancient manuscripts and excavations of well-planned cities have revealed rich heritage and a culture embedded in the sands of time. We take you on journey to the many UNESCO recognized World Heritage Sites…

Taj Mahal (1983)

An immense mausoleum of white marble built in Agra between 1631 and 1648, by an order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of world heritage.

The height of this lofty monument is 187ft. at the central dome. Material was brought from all over India and central Asia — Makrana Marble from Rajputana, Sandstone from Fatehpur Sikri, Jasper from Punjab, Jade and Crystal from China, Turquoise from Tibet, Lapez Lazuli and Sapphire from Bundelkhand, Onyx and Amethyst from Persia. The central chamber holds a breathtaking aura with its shadow twilight gracefully filtering through the double set of marble lattice screens in octagonal shapes.

Ustad Isa Afandi is mentioned, sometimes, as the designer of the Taj Mahal though it cannot be ascribed to any single mastermind. Of special interest here are: Jilo Khana at the main red sandstone entrance, which has 204 yards long and 150yards wide; the Museum housed in the rooms to the left hand side of the central chamber of the entrance gate; the Taj Gardens with their classical juxtaposition of greenery and fountains creating an awesome spectacle and finally the twin tombs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. 

Agra Fort (1983)