10 Iconic UNESCO Heritage Sites in South India This Winter – ryan

Srishti Bhatia

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1. Group of Monuments at Hampi (Karnataka)

Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple, and the iconic Stone Chariot are some of the notable attractions in Karnataka.

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2. Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu)

This seashore location is known for its rock-cut temples, beautifully etched stone reliefs, and stunning shore temples.

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3. Great Living Chola Temples (Tamil Nadu)

These temples are famous for their great architecture and beautiful sculptures.

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4. Western Ghats (Multi-State)

The Western Ghats are a biodiversity hotspot covering parts of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.

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5. Pattadakal Monuments (Karnataka)

This site boasts a mix of Dravidian and Nagara architectural styles where temples were built during the Chalukya dynasty.

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6. Nilgiri Mountain Railway (Tamil Nadu)

Part of the Mountain Railways of India, this picture-perfect train tour is a treat to see the Nilgiri Hills in all glory.

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7. Chandragiri Hills, Sravanabelagola (Karnataka)

Gommateshwara (Bahubali) stands tall at 57 feet amidst a sea of pilgrims visiting this place, which epitomizes the rich cultural heritage of Jainism.

Credit: © Instagram/temple._wanderer

8. Fort Kochi and Mattancherry (Kerala)

The whole area is testimony to the influence of the Portuguese and Dutch colonial eras and the British era.

9. Kanchipuram Temples (Tamil Nadu)

Known as the “City of Thousand Temples,” Kanchipuram boasts ancient temples like Kailasanathar and Ekambareswarar, with ornamented Dravidian architecture.

10. Chola Paintings (Tamil Nadu)

Fine mural paintings from the Chola period, hidden in the Brihadeeswarar Temple, expose scenes of Hinduism and everyday life.

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