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UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre added six Indian sites to its tentative list on March 7, 2025, bringing India’s total to 62. This list is a prerequisite for future World Heritage nominations.

Newly Added Sites

1. Kanger Valley National Park (Chhattisgarh)

2. Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs (Telangana)

3. Ashokan Edict Sites along Mauryan Routes (Multiple states, serial nomination)

4. Chausath Yogini Temples (Multiple states, serial nomination)

5. Gupta Temples in North India (Multiple states, serial nomination)

6. Palace-fortresses of the Bundelas (Madhya Pradesh & Uttar Pradesh)

Key Highlights

Chausath Yogini Temples: Spread across multiple locations, these temples have 64 intricately carved Yogini images arranged in a circular formation, usually built on hilltops. They depict Yoginisn as both protective and fierce deities, symbolizing forest spirits and mother goddesses.

Current UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India:

1. 43 total (as of 2025)

2. 35 Cultural

3. 7 Natural

4. 1 Mixed

In 2024, India hosted the World Heritage Committee meeting for the first time, where the Moidams (Ahom Dynasty burial mounds, Assam) received the World Heritage tag.

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