UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Karnataka: Complete List (2026)
Karnataka is home to four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Hampi, Pattadakal, the Western Ghats and the Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas. Check the complete list and their significance.
Karnataka is one of the richest states in India in terms of history and natural heritage. According to UNESCO, Karnataka has four World Heritage Sites. These sites include three Cultural and one Natural site. From the Vijayanagara Empire to ancient Chalukyan temples, keep reading about these UNESCO sites in detail.
How Many UNESCO World Heritage Sites Are There in Karnataka?
Karnataka has four UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | Year of Inscription | Category |
| Group of Monuments at Hampi | 1986 | Cultural |
| Group of Monuments at Pattadakal | 1987 | Cultural |
| Western Ghats | 2012 | Natural |
| Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas | 2023 | Cultural |
1. Group of Monuments at Hampi
Hampi was the capital of powerful Vijayanagara Empire during the 14th to 16th centuries. This site was included as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. Hampi has one of the most beautiful archaeological sites in the world. It is one of the largest monuments in Karnataka.
2. Group of Monuments at Pattadakal
The group of monuments at Pattadakal was built by the Chalukya dynasty in 7th and 8th century. UNESCO included them in the list in 1987. Pattadakal is known for its temples that blend Dravidian (South Indian) and Nagara (North Indian) architectural styles. UNESCO considers Pattadakal an best example of early medieval Indian temple architecture.
3. Western Ghats
The Western Ghats stretches across six Indian states, including Karnataka. The ghats became a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site in 2012. These Ghats are known for it's exceptional biodiversity number of endemic species. Karnataka has a lot of areas that are a part of World Heritage property, making it an important centre for wildlife conservation.
4. Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas
The Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas were included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2023. The property includes three remarkable temples in Karnataka: Chennakeshava Temple in Belur, Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebidu, and Keshava Temple in Somanathapura. The temples of Hoysalas are the finest examples of great architecture and beautiful craftsmanship.
How many UNESCO World Heritage Sites are there in India?
India has 44 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This includes 35 cultural sites, 8 natural sites and 1 mixed-criteria site (Khangchendzonga National Park). India is ranked sixth in the world in terms of World Heritage Sites.
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