India’s Natural Heritage Sites

On 12 September 2025, India achieved a remarkable milestone in global heritage recognition. The Permanent Delegation of India to UNESCO announced the inclusion of seven new natural heritage sites in UNESCO’s Tentative List. With this step, the total entries from India on the Tentative List now stand at 69 properties—comprising 49 cultural, 17 natural, and 3 mixed heritage sites.

For SSC aspirants and government exam students, this development is extremely important under the topic of India’s Natural Heritage Sites. The Tentative List is the first step toward global recognition before a site is nominated for the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List.

What is UNESCO’s Tentative List?

• It is a prerequisite list where countries submit properties they may later nominate for the official World Heritage List.

• Helps in conservation planning and evaluation of heritage properties.

• A site must be on the Tentative List before it can be nominated to the final UNESCO India sites category.

• Understanding the Tentative List is crucial for SSC aspirants studying India’s Natural Heritage Sites.

The Seven Newly Added Natural Heritage Sites (2025)

India’s new entries emphasize geological diversity, biodiversity hotspots in India, and unique natural landscapes. The additions highlight the global importance of heritage tourism in India.

1. Deccan Traps (Maharashtra)—Famous for ancient volcanic rock formations at Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar.

2. St. Mary’s Island Cluster (Karnataka)—Known for unique geological sites in India, particularly columnar basaltic lava.

3. Meghalayan Age Caves (Meghalaya)—Represent the Meghalayan Age, one of the most recent geological epochs.

4. Naga Hill Ophiolite (Nagaland)—Rare formation showing remnants of ancient oceanic crust.

5. Erra Matti Dibbalu (Andhra Pradesh)—Striking red sand dunes near Visakhapatnam, of geomorphological significance.

6. Tirumala Hills (Andhra Pradesh)—Rich in biodiversity and linked with cultural significance near Tirupati.

7. Varkala Cliff (Kerala)—A unique coastal cliff formation with fossil-rich sediments, an important site for geological heritage sites in India.

These sites further reinforce the global importance of India’s Natural Heritage Sites.

Updated Tally of India’s Tentative List (2025)

• Cultural heritage sites: 49

• Natural heritage sites: 17

• Mixed heritage sites: 3

• Total properties: 69

This data is highly important for SSC and UPSC exams, especially for questions like “How many natural heritage sites are there in India?”

Importance of India’s Natural Heritage Sites

1. Scientific Value—They preserve key geological heritage sites in India like volcanic traps, ophiolites, and caves.

2. Biodiversity Hotspots in India—Sites like Tirumala Hills reflect India’s ecological richness.

3. Tourism Development—Supports heritage tourism in India and sustainable travel.

4. Cultural Linkages—Some sites like Tirumala Hills carry both cultural and natural associations.

5. Global Recognition—Strengthens India’s visibility in the UNESCO natural heritage sites of India category.

The conservation of India’s Natural Heritage Sites is vital for future generations and sustainable development.

Frequently Asked Questions (For SSC Exam Prep)

Q1: How many natural heritage sites are there in India?

Answer: As of September 2025, there are 17 natural heritage properties on India’s Natural Heritage Sites list.

Q2: Which are the newly added natural heritage sites in India in 2025?

Answer: Deccan Traps, St. Mary’s Island Cluster, Meghalayan Age Caves, Naga Hill Ophiolite, Erra Matti Dibbalu, Tirumala Hills, and Varkala Cliff.

Q3: What is the importance of natural heritage conservation in India?

Answer: It ensures the preservation of rare geological sites in India, promotes ecotourism, and safeguards biodiversity.

Q4: Can you provide a list of UNESCO natural heritage sites in India with names?

Answer: Some famous world heritage natural sites in India already inscribed are:

• Kaziranga National Park (Assam)

• Sundarbans National Park (West Bengal)

• Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks (Uttarakhand)

• Great Himalayan National Park (Himachal Pradesh)

Q5: Which are the best natural heritage sites to visit in India for tourism?

Answer: Varkala Cliff (Kerala), Tirumala Hills (Andhra Pradesh), Kaziranga National Park (Assam), and Valley of Flowers (Uttarakhand).

Final Thoughts

On 12 September 2025, India made a significant stride in global heritage recognition by adding seven new natural sites to UNESCO’s Tentative List. This brings the total number of India’s Natural Heritage Sites on the list to 69, including 49 cultural, 17 natural, and 3 mixed properties. The newly added sites, such as the Deccan Traps, St. Mary’s Island Cluster, and Meghalayan Age Caves, highlight India’s rich geological diversity and biodiversity hotspots.

These sites are not only important for heritage tourism in India but also play a crucial role in conservation and ecological studies. Placing a site on the Tentative List ensures it undergoes careful assessment before potential nomination to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Other notable additions include Naga Hill Ophiolite, Erra Matti Dibbalu, Tirumala Hills, and Varkala Cliff, each with unique geological or ecological significance.

The expansion of India’s Natural Heritage Sites reflects the country’s commitment to preserving its scientific, cultural, and natural heritage. It also strengthens India’s visibility on the global stage, highlighting the importance of natural heritage conservation in India for future generations.