Which Indian state has the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites?

India is home to some of the world's most extraordinary monuments, landscapes and architectural masterpieces.

From ancient cave temples and medieval forts to biodiversity hotspots and colonial-era landmarks, the country's UNESCO World Heritage Sites showcase more than 2,000 years of history, culture and natural heritage.

But if you're wondering which Indian state has the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the answer is Maharashtra.

Following the inscription of the Maratha Military Landscapes of India on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2025, Maharashtra now boasts seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites - more than any other Indian state.

Why Maharashtra tops the list

Maharashtra's UNESCO World Heritage Sites span ancient Buddhist caves, Hindu temples, colonial architecture, biodiversity hotspots and historic military fortifications.

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The state's remarkable diversity means visitors can explore everything from 2,000-year-old rock-cut monasteries to Victorian-era railway stations and lush mountain ecosystems, all recognised for their outstanding universal value.

Maharashtra's 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

1. Ajanta Caves

Among India's greatest archaeological treasures, the Ajanta Caves date back to the 2nd century BCE.

The complex is famous for its Buddhist monasteries, prayer halls and some of the world's finest surviving ancient murals.

Carved into a horseshoe-shaped cliff, the caves offer an extraordinary glimpse into early Buddhist art and architecture.

2. Ellora Caves

Located near Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, the Ellora Caves feature 34 rock-cut monuments representing Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism.

The highlight is the magnificent Kailasa Temple, considered one of the largest monolithic rock-cut temples ever created.

3. Elephanta Caves

Situated on Elephanta Island in Mumbai Harbour, these rock-cut cave temples are renowned for their monumental sculptures dedicated to Lord Shiva, including the iconic three-faced Maheshmurti.

4. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus

One of the world's most spectacular railway stations, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus combines Victorian Gothic Revival architecture with traditional Indian influences.

Completed in 1887, it remains one of Mumbai's busiest transport hubs while serving as an architectural landmark.

5. Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai

Mumbai possesses one of the world's largest collections of Art Deco buildings outside Miami.

Alongside its Victorian Gothic public buildings, these architectural ensembles reflect the city's transformation into a global commercial centre during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

6. Western Ghats

The Western Ghats are one of the world's eight "hottest hotspots" of biological diversity.

Although this UNESCO World Heritage Site stretches across six Indian states, Maharashtra contains several protected areas that form part of the inscription.

The mountain range is home to thousands of plant species, endemic wildlife and unique ecosystems.

7. Maratha Military Landscapes of India

Inscribed by UNESCO in 2025, the Maratha Military Landscapes comprise a serial nomination of 12 historic forts built or expanded between the 17th and 19th centuries.

Eleven of these forts are located in Maharashtra, while Gingee Fort is in Tamil Nadu.

The forts demonstrate the Maratha Empire's military engineering, strategic planning and adaptation to diverse landscapes, including hilltops, coastlines and islands.

What makes Maharashtra's UNESCO sites special?

Unlike many states that are recognised primarily for either cultural monuments or natural heritage, Maharashtra offers an exceptional mix of both.

Its UNESCO sites span ancient Buddhist heritage, Hindu and Jain rock-cut architecture, colonial-era urban architecture, natural biodiversity, and military engineering and fortifications.

This diversity reflects Maharashtra's long and complex history, from ancient trade routes and religious centres to the Maratha Empire and British colonial rule.

Which states follow Maharashtra?

Several other Indian states also have multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Karnataka is home to Hampi, Pattadakal, the Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas and portions of the Western Ghats.

Tamil Nadu is known for the Great Living Chola Temples, the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway as part of the Mountain Railways of India, sections of the Western Ghats and the Gingee Fort component of the Maratha Military Landscapes.

Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh also feature prominently on India's UNESCO heritage map, with internationally recognised monuments such as the Taj Mahal, Khajuraho Group of Monuments, Rani ki Vav and Jaipur City.

Why UNESCO World Heritage status matters

UNESCO World Heritage status is awarded to sites considered to have "Outstanding Universal Value" because of their cultural, historical, scientific or natural significance.

The recognition helps promote conservation, encourages sustainable tourism and raises global awareness of sites that represent humanity's shared heritage.

For Maharashtra, leading India's UNESCO rankings highlights not only the state's remarkable architectural legacy but also its rich biodiversity, artistic traditions and centuries of cultural evolution.

Whether you're fascinated by ancient cave paintings, spectacular rock-cut temples, colonial architecture or dramatic hill forts, Maharashtra offers one of the richest collections of UNESCO World Heritage Sites anywhere in India.