Designated by UNESCO, World Heritage Sites are natural or man-made areas, landmarks, sites or structures recognised as having cultural, historical or scientific significance and therefore deserving special international protection.
While India boasts of 42 of those in total, eight of them belong to South India.
Check out the gallery to know more about them:
Heritage Sites of South India
1. RAMAPPA TEMPLE: At least 800-900 years old, the Ramappa Temple in Telangana is a masterpiece of Kakatiyan-era architecture. (iStock)
Estimated to be at least 800 to 900 years old, the Ramappa Temple, located in the state of Telangana is a masterpiece of Kakatiyan-era architecture. (iStock)
2. WESTERN GHATS: A natural treasure, Western Ghats aka Sahyadri are breathtaking mountain ranges. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012. (iStock)
An expansive natural treasure Western Ghats aka Sahyadri are breathtaking mountain ranges which was awarded the status of World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2012. (iStock)
3. NILGIRI MOUNTAIN RAILWAY: The 1,000 mm meter gauge railway is the only meter gauge, rack railway in India. This classic British engineering marvel earned the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. (iStock)
Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a 1,000 mm meter gauge railway built in 1908 by the British is said to be the only meter gauge, rack railway in India. This classic British engineering marvel earned the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 2005. (iStock)
4. GROUP OF MONUMENTS IN MAHABALIPURAM: Showcasing the superior craftsmanship of the Pallava Dynasty, the Group of Monuments in Mahabalipuram became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. (iStock)
Showcasing the superior craftsmanship of the Pallava Dynasty, the Group of Monuments in Mahabalipuram found itself a place in the esteemed list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites back in the year 1984. (iStock)
5. GREAT LIVING CHOLA TEMPLES: Thanjavur Brihadeeswara Temple, Brihadisvara Temple in Gangaikonda Cholapuram, and Darasuram Airavatesvara Temple make up the Great Living Chola Temples. They are famous for their stunning architecture, intricate carvings, and bronze casting. (iStock)
Thanjavur Brihadeeswara Temple, Brihadisvara Temple in Gangaikonda Cholapuram, and Darasuram Airavatesvara Temple make up the Great Living Chola Temples. They are known for their stunning architecture, intricate carvings, and bronze casting. (iStock)
6. THE SCARED ENSEMBLES OF THE HOYSALAS: The Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas – namely the Channakeshava temple in Belur, the Hoysaleshvara temple in Halebidu and the Keshava temple in Somanathapura -- are the most representative examples of temple complexes from the Hoysala empire in southern India. (iStock)
The Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas – namely the Channakeshava temple in Belur, the Hoysaleshvara temple in Halebidu and the Keshava temple in Somanathapura -- are considered the most representative examples of temple complexes from the Hoysala empire in southern India. (iStock)
7. GROUP OF MONUMENTS IN PATTADAKKAL: The Group of Monuments in Pattadakal comprises nine Hindu Temples and a Jain Sanctuary. Dating back to the seventh and eighth centuries, they stand as a testament to the architectural expertise of the Chalukya dynasty. (iStock)
The Group of Monuments in Pattadakal comprises nine Hindu Temples and a Jain Sanctuary dating back to the seventh and eighth centuries. They stand as a testament to the architectural expertise of the Chalukya dynasty and were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 1987. (iStock)
8. GROUP OF MONUMENTS IN HAMPI: The celestial site of Hampi in Karnataka boasts grandeur in its ruins. Set on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, this erstwhile capital city of the Vijayanagara Empire, today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that depicts the fine Dravidian style of art and architecture. (iStock)
The celestial site of Hampi in Karnataka boasts grandeur in its ruins. Set on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, this erstwhile capital city of the Vijayanagara Empire, today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that depicts the fine Dravidian style of art and architecture. (iStock)
