8 underrated UNESCO Heritage Sites in India that don’t get enough hype

India has 42 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and while most of them hog all the attention, others don’t get the enough hype. Tourists mostly swarm the Taj, queue for Khajuraho, and daydream about Hampi on Instagram. But there are the lesser-known structures that don’t scream attention, but still steal the show if you consider visiting them. So, here we list some of those UNESCO sites that you need to bookmark as they also deserve all the attention. (Canva)

A striking landscape dotted with largely unexcavated archaeological and cultural treasures, Champaner-Pavagadh features prehistoric sites, a hilltop fortress, and the remains of Gujarat’s 16th-century capital. From 8th to 14th-century palaces, mosques, and stepwells to the revered Kalikamata Temple atop Pavagadh Hill, the site is a rare example of a pre-Mughal city. (Canva)

Built by the mighty Chola kings, the Great Living Chola Temples include three 11th–12th century marvels: Brihadisvara (Thanjavur), Gangaikondacholisvaram, and Airavatesvara (Darasuram). With soaring vimanas, intricate sculptures, and masterful bronze work, they showcase the Cholas’ unmatched skill in architecture and art. The temples differ in style, but all reflect the empire’s grandeur and cultural brilliance. (Canva)

About 200 km from Hyderabad, in Palampet, Telangana, is the Ramappa Temple, also known as Rudreshwara. This elaborately carved sandstone shrine was constructed in 1213 CE during the Kakatiya period and took 40 years to finish. Its pyramidal tower, which is composed of lightweight "floating bricks," is an example of creative architecture. The temple, which is surrounded by farms and forests close to Ramappa Lake, embodies the Kakatiyan ideal of balance between natural settings and sacred buildings. (Canva)

Rani-ki-Vav, built in the 11th century as a memorial to a king, is a magnificent stepwell located on the banks of the Saraswati River. Conceived as an inverted temple, it exemplifies the Maru-Gurjara architectural style, descending through seven levels of intricately carved stairs. The structure is adorned with over 500 principal sculptures and 1,000 minor figures, illustrating a rich tapestry of mythological, religious, and secular themes. At 30 meters deep, Rani-ki-Vav is a breathtaking convergence of artistic brilliance and water conservation engineering, a true masterpiece of stepwell architecture.
(Canva)

Tucked in the Vindhyan hills, the Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka house prehistoric cave art spanning from the Mesolithic to historic periods. Spread across five sandstone clusters, these shelters showcase vivid depictions of daily life, animals, and rituals. Interestingly, nearby village traditions still echo the cultural themes found in these ancient paintings, bridging the gap between past and present. (Canva)

The churches and convents of Goa, especially the Church of Bom Jesus, which houses the tomb of St. Francis Xavier, reflect the Portuguese effort to evangelize Asia. As the former capital of the Portuguese Indies, Goa became a key hub for missionary activity. These monuments also played a major role in introducing Manueline, Mannerist, and Baroque art styles across Asia, wherever Portuguese missions took root. (Canva)

It’s one of the four holiest sites of Buddhism, and this place marks the spot where the Buddha attained Enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. Originally built in the 3rd century BCE, by Emperor Ashoka, the current brick temple dates back to the 5th–6th centuries CE, and is also among the oldest surviving brick temples in India from the late Gupta period. (Canva)
Also See: Famous monuments in India built by women; some are UNESCO Heritage Sites​

As Mumbai gradually turned into a trading hub in the late 19th century, major urban planning initiatives transformed the cityscape. This eventually led to the creation of two distinct architectural ensembles along the Oval Maidan: Victorian Neo-Gothic buildings from the 19th century and Art Deco structures from the early 20th century. While the Victorian buildings feature Indian elements like verandas and balconies to suit the local climate, the Art Deco architecture blended Indian motifs with Western design, resulting in a unique Indo-Deco style. Together, these ensembles reflect Mumbai’s journey through two key phases of modernisation. (Canva)