National Tourism Day: Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India

India is a diverse and culturally rich country with many UNESCO World Heritage Sites that attract millions of visitors from around the globe. Every year on January 25, the country celebrates National Tourism Day to celebrate the joy of exploration. This blog lists the popular UNESCO World Heritage sites you can visit and learn more about India’s history and heritage. Read on!

Also Read: Vacation Financing: Want to Borrow to Travel? Here’s All You Need to Know 

Popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India

Following are the World Heritage Sites in India you should explore this National Tourism Day:

1. Ancient Harappan City of Dholavira 

Located in Gujarat, Dholavira, the southern epicenter of the ancient Harappan civilisation, is a perfect example of India's technological development. Dholavira is one of the largest sites of Harappan civilisation in the sub-continent, symbolising progression and social and material complexity during that period. The excavated settlement comprises a large fortified city and a cemetery.

• Best Time to Visit: Monsoon and winter are the perfect time to visit. 
• Things to Do: Visiting the Archaeological Museum of Dholavira, Dattatreya Temple, Kutch Fossil Park, the Chipper Point, watching the flamingos in Rann Lake and shopping from the local handicrafts.  
• How to Reach: If you are travelling by flight, you need to take a flight to Ahmedabad and then take a bus or taxi to Dholavira. When travelling by train, your nearest railway station will be Bhuj, and you will have to take a taxi from there. 

2. The Vignettes of Ajanta Caves 

Situated in the Ajanta hills above the left bank of the Wagholi River, the paintings of Ajanta Caves are considered the magnum opus of Buddhist religious art. Up on visiting the caves, you will be able to spot magnificent paintings and rock-cut sculptures, which are considered some of the most incredible examples of ancient India.  

• Best Time to Visit: June to March is considered the best time to visit the Ajanta Caves. 
• Things to Do: Visit Ajanta Caves waterfall, Ellora Caves, Rudreshwar Ganpati Caves and Janjala Fort. 
• How to Reach: Aurangabad is the closest city centre to Ajanta Caves. You can take a flight, train or bus to reach Aurangabad. Other than that, you can also hire a private taxi from Mumbai to reach Ajanta.  

3. Sundarban National Park  

In the delta of the Ganges, Meghna and Brahmaputra rivers, Sundarbans National Park is one of the largest Mangrove forests in the world. It is spread across the Bay of Bengal coast in India and Bangladesh. Four areas of the Sundarbans are enlisted as the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India. 

• Best Time to Visit: September to March is the best time to visit the Sundarbans as summers can be pretty hot and humid.  
• Things to Do: Spotting Royal Bengal Tigers and Ganges River Dolphins, bird watching in Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary, visiting the Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project, paying pilgrimage at the Gangasagar Mela in the Sagar Island and observing the rare and magnificent flora and fauna of the Sundarbans National Park.  
• How to Reach: If you want to go to Sundarbans by train, Canning is the nearest train station after that you will have to take a rental launch to Sundarbans. Other than that, there is road transport available to Raidighi, Namkhana, Najat and Sonakhali.   

4. Kaziranga National Park, Assam

Kaziranga National Park in Assam is one of the most iconic forests in India. The National Park is famous for the Native One-horned Rhinoceros. You can spot this endangered animal species in this forest as it is home to over 2000 rhinoceros. In 1985, this forest was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kaziranga is considered a habitat for animals such as swamp deer, bears, water buffalo, panthers, tigers, elephants and hundreds of migratory birds. 

• Best Time to Visit: November and April is considered the best time to visit Kaziranga National Park as the weather during this period is the most pleasant. 
• Things to Do: To explore the flora and fauna, you can go for a jeep or elephant safari. Other than that, you can go for bird watching as the park serves as the home for a variety of migratory birds during winter.
• How to Reach: Furkating is the closest railway station and Jorhat is the closest airport to Kaziranga. You can take a cab or bus to the airport from both the railway station and the airport.

Also Read: Plan for Perfect Festive Holidays with Instant Personal Loan 

Conclusion 

There are several other UNESCO World Heritage sites in India. You can experience the historical, cultural and natural wonders of India this National Tourism Day. You may also avail of a Small Personal Loan from Poonawalla Fincorp to cover your trip expenses. Enjoy minimal documentation, flexible EMIs, and quick approvals. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip and pack your bags! 

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