List Of Seven New Indian Sites Added To UNESCO's World Heritage List

New UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India:  UNESCO is a global organisation of the United Nations, which is specifically dedicated to bringing world peace through international cooperation in education, science, and culture. UNESCO has included numerous Indian places into its heritage list to protect their cultural, global and ecological significance. This year, seven places from India’s natural wonders are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Each of these new Additions is a reflection of India’s diverse geography. To know more, let’s take a closer look at the list of seven Indian sites added to UNESCO's World Heritage List.

List Of Seven New Indian Sites Added To UNESCO's World Heritage List:

1. Deccan Traps at Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar

2. Naga Hill Ophiolite

3. St Mary’s Island Cluster

4. Meghalayan Age Caves

5. Erra Matti Dibbalu

6. Natural Heritage of Tirumala Hills

7. Natural Heritage of Varkala

Source: UNESCO/ worldheritagesite.org

1. Deccan Traps at Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar

The Deccan Traps are one of the largest volcanic formations in the world, which are approximately 66 million years old. In Maharashtra, the lava plateau flows through Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar, with layers of basalt rocks. This Indian site is not just a geological wonder, but also has historical evidence of dinosaurs.

2. Naga Hill Ophiolite

Nagaland's Naga Hills are famous for pieces of the Earth's oceanic crust and mantle that have been pushed up. The rocks are of immense importance to scientists as they give them insights into the plate tectonics and the Himalayan geological evolution. For nature lovers, the location is quite impressive with the way it consists of rough terrains and rich biodiversity, making it a natural heritage gem.

Also Read: 10 Most Famous World Heritage Sites: Indian Mausoleum Also On The List

3. St Mary's Island Cluster

Near the Karnataka coast, near Malpe, lies St Mary's Islands, which is famous for unique and rarely found columnar basaltic rock formations. The hexagonal stone pillars present a geometric pattern built by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. The islands are all about unspoiled beaches and blue waters, showcasing a beautiful blend of beauty and geology.

4. Meghalayan Age Caves

Meghalaya is already famous for its caves, but the heritage listing has brought attention to places related to the Meghalayan Age. This site is about a separate geological period, which began around 4,200 years ago. The caves, like those found in the Khasi and Garo Hills, contain stalactites, stalagmites, and mineral deposits that showcase changes in Earth's climate. This site is significant for research about monsoon patterns, climate history, and human survival during ancient droughts.

5. Erra Matti Dibbalu

Located off Erra Matti Dibbalu, it is situated in Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. The place is also known as Red Sand Dunes, which is its unique coastal feature. The red sediments, said to have been created over millennia, document monsoonal and sea level fluctuations. As a geo-heritage site, it is also scientifically valuable for understanding sedimentary processes and the nd development of the coast.

Also Read: With 44 UNESCO Sites: India Ranks World No. 6 in Cultural & Natural Heritage; Check Full List Here

6. Natural Heritage of Tirumala Hills

The Tirumala Hills in Andhra Pradesh are not just famous for their temples but also for their rich natural heritage. These Eastern Ghats hills are home to some of the rarest living organisms on earth, like the red sanders tree, unique ecosystems, and sacred groves preserved for centuries.

7. Natural Heritage of Varkala

The Natural Heritage of Varkala is famous for its dramatic sea cliffs along the Arabian Sea. The lateritic cliffs of the Varkala Formation are of geological importance and comprise sequences of sedimentary rocks bearing marine fossils. This place is a cultural and geological heritage of India.

The addition of the above-mentioned seven Indian sites to UNESCO's World Heritage List is all about the nation's diverse biodiversity, which also has scientific significance. These sites equally amaze everyone, from scientists to tourists, some for their picturesque beauty and for some due to their scientific and historic significance. We need to preserve each of these Indian gems for future generations to be known to history.