Exploring India’s UNESCO Natural World Heritage Sites on the World Environment Day

India is a country brimming with some of the most amazing natural sites that are recognised by UNESCO (The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). On the occasion of World Environment Day, we have collated a list of all the Natural World Heritage Sites in India recognised by UNESCO. These sites have received the prestigious status because of their natural and scientific significance. Let's explore more about these natural sites in India.

Sundarbans National Park in West Bengal is a biosphere reserve and a tiger reserve. Home to the renowned mangrove forests in India, the site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987. Infact, it is also the world’s largest mangrove forest reserve. Not only this, the park is also home to the endangered Royal Bengal Tiger, Gangetic dolphin, and wild boars, among others. Another prominent attraction of the place is saltwater crocodile.

Wester Ghats or the Sahyadri mountain ranges is counted among the world's biodiversity hotspots and is home to myriad wildlife sanctuaries and national parks (in Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra). UNESCO declared the region a Natural World Heritage Site back in the year 2012. The mountain range lies along the western coast of the Indian Peninsula and the hills here are spread across 160000 sq km area. The biodiversity is exceptional here, which makes the Western Ghats among the top 8 World’s Biological Hot Spot Locations.

The Nanda Devi National Park (Valley of Flowers) is one of the famous natural destinations in India visited by adventure seekers and nature lovers in large numbers. The park received UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site status in the year 1988. The region comprises two prime areas, Nanda Devi National Park, and Valley of Flowers National Park. During the peak bloom season, the whole place looks like heaven and probably that’s the reason why the park is one of the most visited in the country!

The Great Himalayan National Park in Kullu region of Himachal Pradesh is the most recent entry to the list of UNESCO Natural World Heritage Sites in India. Spread over an area of 754.4 sq km, it was declared a world heritage site in 2014. The park is renowned for its alpine meadows, snow-covered peaks and glaciers, along with its varied species of animals and birds. One can spot rare animals such as snow leopard, blue sheep, Himalayan brown bear, and Himalayan Tahr, among others in the park.

Assam is still rather untouched by tourists, and maybe that’s the reason, the state is home to not one but two Natural World Heritage sites. Manas National Park in Assam was recognised by UNESCO in 1985, and is known for its collection of various endemic plants and animal species. It is also renowned for Project Tiger and also for elephant reserve and biosphere reserve. One can easily spot the famous Assam roofed turtle, hispid and golden langur in the park, which are all endangered species.

Keoladeo National Park or Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (former name) was recognised by UNESCO as a Natural World Heritage Site in the year 1985. The national park in Bharatpur is home to more than 230 species of birds, and is quite popular among birdwatchers. Winter is the best time to visit the place as more than a thousand migratory and local birds flock the whole park. In addition to birds, visitors can also witness a wide variety of flowering plants, a varied species of snakes, lizards, and amphibians too.

Kanchenjunga National Park (Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve) in Sikkim covers the great Himalayan ranges in India’s Northeast region. The park was declared a Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2016. The park is spread across a huge area and covers over 850 sq km and is largely famous for being home to the Kanchenjunga Peak, the third highest peak in the world at 28169 ft above sea level! It is also renowned for being home to snow leopards.

Kanchenjunga National Park (Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve) in Sikkim covers the great Himalayan ranges in India’s Northeast region. The park was declared a Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2016. The park is spread across a huge area and covers over 850 sq km and is largely famous for being home to the Kanchenjunga Peak, the third highest peak in the world at 28169 ft above sea level! It is also renowned for being home to snow leopards.