5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Maharashtra

The third largest state, Maharashtra, brims an incredible mash-up of magnificent shrines, well-preserved caves, historical hotspots, and more. Tourists across the world come here every year to witness the rich culture from the past, enjoy the capsizing waves, slip in the maddening crowd and much more.

In addition, the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Maharashtra are another reason the state bustles with tourists throughout the year. Keep reading to learn about the heritage sites of Maharashtra declared by UNESCO.

Maharashtra is home to several heritage spots exhibiting the intertwined layers of culture and history. Go through the 5 UNESCO sites in Maharashtra to witness the unique imprints of architectural wonders.

1. Ellora Caves (1983)

Resting on the Sahyadri Hills, Ellora Caves truly represents the epitome of Indian rock-cut creative genius. There are 34 caves, including 12 Buddhist caves (1-12), 17 Hindu caves (13 – 29), and 5 Jains caves (30-34). These caves, with an uninterrupted sequence of monuments, dating back to 600-1000 AD. Moreover, these caves are an exceptional artistic creation and technological exploit illustrating the characteristic of ancient India- the spirit of tolerance.

• Location: Aurangabad District
• Ideal Time to Explore: November to March
• Hours of Operation: 6 AM to 6 PM; remains closed on Tuesday
• Entry Fee: For Indians and for tourists from SAARC and BIMSTEC countries, ₹ 40/person, free for children below 15 years, and for foreigners, ₹ 600 /person.

2. Ajanta Caves (1983)

The 30 rock-cut caves in Ajanta are a remnant of ancient Indian architectural heritage. The murals and sculptural masterpieces came up in 2 phases. The first phase is traced back to the 2nd century BCE, and the second around 400-650 CE. Furthermore, the 17 Hindu, 12 Buddhist and 5 Jain caves give an insight into the social condition of the bygone era.

• Location: Aurangabad District
• Ideal Time to Explore: June to March
• Hours of Operation: 9 AM to 5 PM; remains closed on Tuesday for the general public
• Entry Fee: For Indians and for tourists from SAARC and BIMSTEC countries ₹40/person, for children below 15 years it is free, and for foreigners ₹600 /person.

3. Elephanta Caves (1987)

The next in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Maharashtra is a testimony of marvellous rock-cut architecture depicting the mediaeval era of India. Elephanta Caves comprises 2 alcoves, including 5 Hindu caves and 2 Buddhist caves. Besides, the walls' lining exhibits a range of panels portraying paintings from Indian mythology.

• Location: Elephanta Island, Gharapuri
• Ideal Time to Explore: November to Early March
• Hours of Operation: 6 AM to 6 PM; remains closed on Monday
• Entry Fee: For Indians and for tourists from SAARC and BIMSTEC countries ₹40/person, for children below 15 years it is free, and for foreigners ₹600 /person.

4. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (1997)

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus is a notable instance of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture in India. You will find a harmonious blend of themes inspired by conventional Indian palaces and rich Italian gothic essence. Additionally, the riotous extravaganza of decorated marble, coloured glasses, marble, and polychromatic tiles, makes it one of the architectural gems of India.

• Location: Mumbai
• Ideal Time to Explore: Throughout the year
• Hours of Operation: 12 AM to 12 PM; stays open every day a week
• Entry Fee: No fees

5. Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai (2018)

The Victorian Gothic and Art Deco-inspired buildings are among the most cohesive representations of 19th-century Victorian Gothic architectural brilliance. This building illustrates the early public-private collaborations in colonial India. Further, philanthropists of different faiths and cultures funded the world's most prominent and homogenous ensembles of Art Deco buildings.

• Location: Mumbai
• Ideal Time to Explore: Throughout the year
• Hours of Operation: Not available
• Entry Fee: No fees

Note: Prices are updated as of April 2023 and may vary

Apart from these 5 Heritage Sites in Maharashtra, UNESCO has accepted the proposal of tentative nomination for the Stone Age geoglyphs or carvings on the ground in Konkan. These sites are Devi Hasol, Ukshi, Kudopi, Jambhrum, Devache Gothane and Kasheli in Maharashtra.

The UNESCO Committee looks for the following cultural and natural parameters to list a place as a World Heritage Site. It includes:

• The area must testify to creative brilliance.
• A site with prominent stages of the earth's history can be listed as a heritage site. It must represent a record of life, physiological characteristics and recognisable geological processes in progress developing landforms.
• It must testify to an attestation of cultural significance.
• The site must exhibit natural habitat for in-situ conservation related to biological diversity, including extinct species of unique universal importance.
• It should represent traditional human settlement, including culture or interaction with nature, mostly if endangered because of any irreversible changes.
• The site needs to illustrate notable examples of important ecological and biological processes in the ongoing evolution and development of nature.
• It needs to be directly or indirectly related to existing traditions, beliefs, events, and literary and artistic genius of universal significance. The Committee considers this pointer along with the rest.
• The site should exhibit exceptional examples of the landscape or building that holds a significant position in history or architectural or technological ensemble.
• It must have a unique specimen of any existing or disappearing culture or civilisation.
• The place should interchange human values on monumental arts, architecture or technology, landscape design or planning a town.

Several rulers and dynasties have swept through the state through the ages and brought diverse forms of cultures, traditions, arts and architecture. These 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Maharashtra justify the testimony of these glorious eras.