World Heritage Day 2024: 5 lesser-known heritage destinations across India worth visiting

By , New Delhi
Published on Apr 17, 2024 05:40 pm IST

From ancient temples to forgotten forts, on World Heritage Day 2024, uncover India's hidden cultural treasures with these five lesser-known destinations.

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World Heritage Day, celebrated on April 18th, is a day dedicated to raising awareness about the value of historical and cultural landmarks around the world. India is a land steeped in rich history and culturaltreasures including 42 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This World Heritage Day, Booking.com has curated a list of five lesser-known heritage destinations across India, offering travellers a chance to delve deeper into India’s vibrant past, exploring architectural marvels, ancient art forms and time-honoured traditions. Each site offers a unique story waiting to be explored. (Unsplash) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on Apr 17, 2024 05:40 pm IST

World Heritage Day, celebrated on April 18th, is a day dedicated to raising awareness about the value of historical and cultural landmarks around the world. India is a land steeped in rich history and culturaltreasures including 42 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This World Heritage Day, Booking.com has curated a list of five lesser-known heritage destinations across India, offering travellers a chance to delve deeper into India’s vibrant past, exploring architectural marvels, ancient art forms and time-honoured traditions. Each site offers a unique story waiting to be explored. (Unsplash)

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Champaner-Pavagadh Archeological Park, Gujarat: Nestled amidst Gujarat’s Panchmahal Hills lies the Champaner-Pavagadh Archeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that unfolds a captivating story of architectural and cultural fusion. Explore a unique blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture, including the majestic Jami Masjid, the largest mosque in Gujarat, the Jain temples and the Kalika Mata Temple. Travellers can also enjoy panoramic views fromatop Pavagadh Hill and savour delicious Gujarati thalis and local delicacies in nearby Vadodara.(Unsplash) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on Apr 17, 2024 05:40 pm IST

Champaner-Pavagadh Archeological Park, Gujarat: Nestled amidst Gujarat’s Panchmahal Hills lies the Champaner-Pavagadh Archeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that unfolds a captivating story of architectural and cultural fusion. Explore a unique blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture, including the majestic Jami Masjid, the largest mosque in Gujarat, the Jain temples and the Kalika Mata Temple. Travellers can also enjoy panoramic views fromatop Pavagadh Hill and savour delicious Gujarati thalis and local delicacies in nearby Vadodara.(Unsplash)

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Mattancherry Palace, Kerala: Immerse yourself in the cultural fusion of Kerala at Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace. This UNESCO World Heritage site boasts a blend of Keralan and European architectural styles and houses a collection of murals and mythological artefacts related to the Kochi Rajas. Explore the vibrant markets of Mattanchery, indulge in authentic Keralan cuisine like appam stew and fish curry and shop for spices, textiles, handicrafts and antiques.(Pinterest) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on Apr 17, 2024 05:40 pm IST

Mattancherry Palace, Kerala: Immerse yourself in the cultural fusion of Kerala at Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace. This UNESCO World Heritage site boasts a blend of Keralan and European architectural styles and houses a collection of murals and mythological artefacts related to the Kochi Rajas. Explore the vibrant markets of Mattanchery, indulge in authentic Keralan cuisine like appam stew and fish curry and shop for spices, textiles, handicrafts and antiques.(Pinterest)

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Sheikh Chilli’s Tomb, Haryana: Witness the confluence of Sufi and Hindu cultural elements at Sheikh Chilli’s Tomb in Thanesar. This unique site displays artefacts from ancient kingdoms (1st-7th century) with Persian architectural influences. The tomb attracts devotees from various faiths, who visit to pay their respects and seek blessings, contributing to its spiritual and cultural significance. The ongoing preservation efforts ensure that Sheikh Chilli’s Tomb remains intact, allowing future generations to appreciate its historical, cultural, and architectural value. Explore the local markets for handicrafts and traditional artefacts.(Pinterest) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on Apr 17, 2024 05:40 pm IST

Sheikh Chilli’s Tomb, Haryana: Witness the confluence of Sufi and Hindu cultural elements at Sheikh Chilli’s Tomb in Thanesar. This unique site displays artefacts from ancient kingdoms (1st-7th century) with Persian architectural influences. The tomb attracts devotees from various faiths, who visit to pay their respects and seek blessings, contributing to its spiritual and cultural significance. The ongoing preservation efforts ensure that Sheikh Chilli’s Tomb remains intact, allowing future generations to appreciate its historical, cultural, and architectural value. Explore the local markets for handicrafts and traditional artefacts.(Pinterest)

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Pattadakal, Karnataka: Pattadakal, nestled on the banks of Malaprabha River in Karnataka, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its exquisite temples and captivating glimpse into the Chalukya dynasty’s architecture prowess dating back to the 7th and 8th centuries CE. Pattadakal served as a royal coronation centre and thrived as a flourishing centre of art and culture. The sculpture gallery is maintained by Archeological Survey of India within the Pattadakal temple complex.(Unsplash) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on Apr 17, 2024 05:40 pm IST

Pattadakal, Karnataka: Pattadakal, nestled on the banks of Malaprabha River in Karnataka, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its exquisite temples and captivating glimpse into the Chalukya dynasty’s architecture prowess dating back to the 7th and 8th centuries CE. Pattadakal served as a royal coronation centre and thrived as a flourishing centre of art and culture. The sculpture gallery is maintained by Archeological Survey of India within the Pattadakal temple complex.(Unsplash)

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Kakatiya Rudreshwara Temple, Telangana: The Kakatiya Rudreshwara Temple, also known as the Ramappa Temple, is located in Palampet Village, Telangana. This Hindu temple constructed in the year 1213 CE is dedicated to Lord Shiva and was built during the Kakatiyan period. The temple showcases a unique architectural style known as the Kakatiyastyle, a harmonious blend of Dravidian and Chalukyan influences. The temple is made out of reddish sandstone and black basalt.(HT photo) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on Apr 17, 2024 05:40 pm IST

Kakatiya Rudreshwara Temple, Telangana: The Kakatiya Rudreshwara Temple, also known as the Ramappa Temple, is located in Palampet Village, Telangana. This Hindu temple constructed in the year 1213 CE is dedicated to Lord Shiva and was built during the Kakatiyan period. The temple showcases a unique architectural style known as the Kakatiyastyle, a harmonious blend of Dravidian and Chalukyan influences. The temple is made out of reddish sandstone and black basalt.(HT photo)

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    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Akanksha Agnihotri

    Akanksha Agnihotri is a lifestyle journalist with over 3 years of experience. She is a psychology graduate and holds a postgraduate diploma in Radio and Television Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi, where she graduated as a gold medalist. Originally from Bhopal, the beautiful capital of Madhya Pradesh, she draws inspiration from the city’s rich cultural heritage and layered storytelling traditions that subtly shape her narrative voice. She writes extensively about fashion, beauty, health, relationships, culture, and food, exploring everything from trending styles and runway moments to wellness routines and mindful living. Passionate about meaningful and candid conversations, she enjoys interviewing celebrities, doctors, designers, and film personalities, diving into discussions on fitness, beauty, mental health, and everything fun in between. With a keen eye for trends and a thoughtful understanding of human behaviour, she brings depth, sensitivity, and authenticity to her stories, ensuring they resonate with a wide and diverse audience. When she’s not working, you’ll usually find her lost in a book, planning her next mountain trek, or mapping out spontaneous travel escapes. She loves discovering new authors, revisiting old favourites, and spending quiet afternoons in museums soaking in art, history, and culture. An avid bird-watching enthusiast, she finds joy in early morning walks, spotting rare birds, and reconnecting with nature. Whether sipping coffee while journaling her thoughts or exploring hidden corners of a new city, she constantly seeks inspiration in everyday moments that often turn into compelling story ideas.

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