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India has achieved another milestone in global heritage conservation with the inclusion of seven natural heritage sites in UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites, raising the country’s tally from 62 to 69. With this, India now has 49 cultural, 17 natural, and 3 mixed heritage properties under consideration, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding its natural and cultural legacy. The new additions include the Deccan Traps at Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar (Maharashtra), St. Mary’s Island Cluster (Karnataka), Meghalayan Age Caves (Meghalaya), Naga Hill Ophiolite (Nagaland), Erra Matti Dibbalu (Andhra Pradesh), Natural Heritage of Tirumala Hills (Andhra Pradesh), and Varkala Cliffs (Kerala).

The inclusion is a vital step toward future nominations to the prestigious World Heritage List. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) led the preparation and submission of the proposals, earning appreciation from India’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO. This achievement strengthens India’s role as a global leader in conserving living traditions and natural wonders, following the successful hosting of the 46th World Heritage Committee Session in New Delhi in 2024.