6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Gujarat

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) aims to enhance peace with the help of national cooperation. It currently has over 193 members. Some locations across the globe have received the honour of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which signifies the exceptional universal value of that location.

Do you wish to find out about the World Heritage Sites in Gujarat? Stay tuned till the end of this article for a complete list.

The following sites are cultural UNESCO world heritage sites in Gujarat:

1. Champaner Pavagadh Archaeological Park (2004)

The former capital of Gujarat, Champaner, is a city in its ruins. It is the perfect place for people who love to explore historical cities with architectural ruins. Covering a huge area of 1,329 hectares, the park exhibits heritage buildings from different eras, including the prehistoric (chalcolithic) sites. Here, you can see the remains of the 16th century Gujarat and a hill fortress.

• Location: Vadodara, Gujarat
• Ideal Time to Explore: October to February is ideal, as the winter is pleasant here.
• Hours of Operation: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM for the monuments and 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM for Champaner Pavagadh Archaeological Park.
• Entry Fee: ₹ 30/Indian visitor and citizen from SAARC and BIMSTEC countries, ₹ 500/foreign visitors and ₹ 750 for a ticket with added facilities.

2. Dholavira (2014)

It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Gujarat, located in the Khadir Bet of the Kutch district. It is one of the largest Harappan sites and attracts archaeologists because of its historical significance. People visit the ancient site to check the unique water management, stone constructions, burial structures, etc. It has had successive settlements for over 1500 years.

• Location: Khadir Bet of Kutch district
• Ideal Time to Explore: Winter season between October-March
• Hours of Operation: The rush hour starts from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, but you can visit anytime.
• Entry Fee: Not available

3. Rani ni Vav (2014)

It is a gorgeous step-well located by the mythical river Saraswati. Rani Udayamati built it in memory of her husband, Bhimdev I. It was a major lifeline for the Gujarat residents in the dry state. This step-well has become one of Gujarat's UNESCO World Heritage Sites for the detailed and intrinsic work on its columns, walls and roofs. Moreover, you can find images of Gods and Goddesses inside the step-well.

• Location: Patan, Gujarat
• Ideal Time to Explore: It opens from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
• Hours of Operation: October to March is again ideal because of the pleasant weather.
• Entry Fee: ₹ 40/Indian visitor and up to ₹ 600/foreign visitor.

4. Old Ahmedabad (2017)

Old Ahmedabad is a city that comprises the old residential remains of the city. You will find eye-catching monuments, museums, historical palaces, and stunning lakes here. The participation of this city in non-violent movements and the co-existence of different religions have helped this place earn its heritage status. Some tourist sites are Sabarmati Ashram, Kankarai Lake,ISKCON Temple,Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, etc.

• Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat
• Ideal Time to Explore: Winter is pleasant here, which makes November to February the best time to visit.
• Hours of Operation: You can visit the city any time of the day.
• Entry Fee: Not available

As of now, there is only one name that comes under the tentative list of World Heritage Sites in Gujarat. It is as follows.

5. Wild Ass Sanctuary (2006)

This sanctuary covers a wide area of 4954 sq. km and is named after a rare species of animal called a wild ass. It is also home to 32 other species of animals, including Indian wolves, jackals, caracals, blackbucks, etc. Additionally, there are 350 species of birds that live here. Moreover, you can find sparse vegetation here, mainly containing the xerophytic species. It has been a tentative name since 2006.

• Location: Little Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
• Ideal Time to Explore: October to November is the ideal time to visit this sanctuary.
• Hours of Operation: It is open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM with a small lunch break at 1:00 PM.
• Entry Fee: The entry fee here is charged per vehicle containing six people. For Indians, it is about ₹ 600, while for foreigners, it is up to ₹ 2600.

6. Lothal Archaeological Remain of a Harappan Fort Town (2014)

The museum is situated on the banks of the Sabarmati river and displays around eight hundred items that were discovered during archaeological expeditions. You can also find remains of the bead-making industry and an extensive collection of shells at Lothal. Moreover, you can also see some beautifully crafted jewellery pieces and painted pottery kept inside glass cases displayed in the museum.

• Location: Lothal, Saragwala, Gujarat
• Ideal Time to Explore: November to February
• Hours of Operation: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Entry Fee:  ₹ 5/person

Mentioned below are a few criterias that UNESCO considers before listing a place:

• Exceptional display of creativity
• Represents an exchange of human values
• Symbol of significant architectural design
• Representing the vital stages of the evolution of earth
• Having a direct relation with ideas and traditions
• Has a natural, ecological, or biological importance