On 12 September 2025, India took a major step in global heritage recognition as seven new natural sites were added to the UNESCO Tentative List of World Heritage Sites, bringing the country’s total entries to 69 properties (49 cultural, 17 natural, and 3 mixed).
Newly Added Natural Heritage Sites
- Deccan Traps – Panchgani & Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra
- St Mary’s Island Cluster – Udupi, Karnataka
- Meghalayan Age Caves – East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya
- Naga Hill Ophiolite – Kiphire, Nagaland
- Erra Matti Dibbalu – Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
- Tirumala Hills – Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh
- Varkala Cliff – Varkala, Kerala
Significance
The Tentative List is a prerequisite for any site to be nominated to the final World Heritage List, ensuring proper evaluation and conservation planning. These new additions highlight India’s ecological diversity, geological heritage, and biodiversity richness.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) played a key role in preparing the nominations, while India’s Permanent Delegation to UNESCO emphasized that the move strengthens India’s commitment to heritage conservation and cultural diplomacy.
With this update, India further boosts its visibility in UNESCO’s global heritage network and strengthens its chances for future site inscriptions.
