UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Karnataka

As of Sep 2023, there are 42 sites in India designated by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. UNESCO categorizes sites that it enlists into sites of cultural importance or of natural importance. In all, there are 34 cultural sites, 7 natural sites and 1 site enlisted as important for both cultural and natural values. Places of historical, religious and cultural importance like Ajanta Caves and Ellora Caves – the first sites from India that were proposed to be incorporated in the WH List in 1983 were listed under cultural category. The nature list consists of biodiversity and national parks. The first entry into the natural list was in the year 1985 when 3 parks – Kaziranga National Park, Keoladeo National Park and Manas Wildlife Sanctuary were enlisted.

Karnataka, the state in southern India, is home to thousands of temples and icons of cultural importance. UNESCO has so far included the following several into World Heritage Sites List. These sites showcase the rich cultural and architectural history of the region. Let’s explore these remarkable sites, including their names, inclusion dates, and categories:

1. Group of Monuments at Hampi:
   • Place(s): Hampi, Vijayanagara District (Hosapete)
   • UNESCO inclusion: 1986
   • Category: Cultural
2. Group of Monuments at Pattadakal:
   • Place(s): Pattadakal, and by extension include Aihole and Badami
   • UNESCO inclusion: 1987
   • Category: Cultural
3. Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas
   • Place(s): Belur, Halebeedu, Somanathapura
   • UNESCO inclusion: 1987
   • Category: Cultural

These three sites collectively represent the architectural brilliance and historical significance of Karnataka’s glorious past.

The Group of Monuments at Hampi is a vast complex of ruins once part of the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire that ruled over peninsular India between early 14th century and 16th century. The site includes numerous temples, palaces, and other structures showcasing the exceptional and unique temple architectural style.

For a period of 7 years between 1999 and 2006, the Group Monuments of Hampi were listed as endangered. This was due to the unscientific construction of a hanging bridge over river Tungabhadra very close to the monuments that included dismantling of one monument. Later on, the bridge location was changed to a place that did not endanger the site’s monuments in any way and the site was removed from endangered list.

The Group of Monuments at Pattadakal (and by extension Aihole and Badami) comprises a collection of intricately carved temples featuring a fusion of architectural styles from northern and southern India. It served as a ceremonial center for the Chalukya dynasty. The incredible rock-cut cave temples of Badami dating back to 6th and 7th centuries are worth exploring too.

The Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas are the newest entry into the List from India. The announcement came through from UNESCO on Sep 19th, 2023. The Hoysalas were an empire that ruled southern India with prominence between 12th century and 14th century. During their period, they developed a unique school of temple architecture and built hundreds of temples that acted as places of worship and served the socio-economic purposes. The pinnacle of Hoysala Temple architecture can be witnessed even today at the three places that are enlisted – Belur, Halebeedu and Somanathapura.

These UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Karnataka attract visitors from all over the world. They offer a captivating glimpse into the state’s history, art, and architectural achievements. Exploring these sites will transport you back in time and leave you in awe of Karnataka’s cultural heritage.

Visit our pages dedicated to each of these UNESCO World Heritage Sites and plan a memorable trip!

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