What do places as diverse and unique as the Egyptian Pyramids, the Galapagos Islands, the Grand Canyon, and India's Red Fort (pictured above) have in common?
Besides being renown "bucket list" destinations for many travelers, each has the highly coveted World Heritage designation—a special recognition for sites that are of "outstanding universal value to humanity ... to be protected for future generations to appreciate and enjoy."
The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has identified nearly 40 cultural and natural treasures for preservation in India. Here are five of our favorites, which we visit during our new travel program, Intriguing India.
Built in 1570, Humayun's Tomb is of particular cultural significance, as it was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. Constructed for the Mughal emperor by Haji Begum, Humayun's Persian-born wife, the property holds the tomb of Humayun and 150 others from the royal family. Combining Persian and Mughal elements, the arched facade is inlaid with bands of white marble and red sandstone. It inspired several major architectural innovations and is thought to have influenced the design of the Taj Mahal.
India's iconic ivory-white marble mausoleum in Agra, the Taj Mahal is the second best UNESCO World Heritage Site in the world, according to a recent survey by TripAdvisor.
While you may know the backstory of why the structure was built (to honor the favorite wife of an emperor), learning how it came together is equally fascinating. Did you know the palace was made to protect the tomb of Mumtaz Mahal in the event of a collapse? To safeguard the crypt, the chief architect slightly tilted the four 130-foot tall minarets so that they would fall away from the rest of the Taj Mahal.
Guests traveling with Orbridge will see this architectural beauty bathed in the lights of both sunrise and sunset.
UNESCO describes our next site as an "expression of the astronomical skills and cosmological concepts" of its time. Situated in the heart of the city of Jaipur, this Jantar Mantar is considered one of the oldest astronomical observatories in the world and is dedicated to various instruments.
Explore these fascinating exhibits, including the world's largest stone sundial and devices for observing planetary and other cosmic movements. Some of the tools, or yantras, are still in use to forecast weather and crop yields. The collection was put together by the Rajput king Sawai Jai Singh II and was completed in 1734.
The Red Fort was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. This complex, spread over 256 acres, was the home of Mughal emperors for almost 200 years. It features an architectural design blending Indian, Persian, and Timuri styles.
Massive red sandstone walls enclose palaces and entertainment halls, geometrical gardens, baths, and indoor canals, and an ornate mosque.
Each year, thousands of birds flock to the area of Keoladeo National Park. This former duck-hunting reserve of the Maharajas is one of the major wintering areas for large numbers of aquatic birds from Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, China, and Siberia.
Hundreds of bird species have been recorded in this mosaic of grasslands, woodlands, swamps, and wetlands. In addition to being famous as one of India's finest birding habitats, it's also an excellent place to watch for mammals, including Golden Jackal, Striped Hyena, Jungle Cat, Sambar, Nilgai, Blackbuck, Fishing Cat, and Wild Boar. Before the World Heritage Site nod, Keoladeo became a protected sanctuary in 1971.
Discover even more UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India, such as Hawa Mahal and Amer Fort, also seen in Orbridge's Intriguing India program.
Learn about the ancient Buddhist site of Sarnath—currently on the tentative list with UNESCO—featured in the optional Varanasi post-tour.
India ranks sixth in terms of the number of monuments in the prestigious World Heritage inventory. Which ones here are you eager to experience? Give us a call at (866) 639-0079 for assistance with any questions.