Deccan Traps, Mahabaleshwar Among Seven Indian Sites Added to UNESCO’s Tentative World Heritage List
Deccan Traps, Mahabaleshwar Among Seven Indian Sites Added to UNESCO’s Tentative World Heritage List
India reinforces its commitment to preserving geological and cultural treasures
The Deccan Traps of Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra, one of the world’s largest volcanic formations dating back 66 million years, have been added to UNESCO’s Tentative World Heritage List. Known as one of the biggest basaltic provinces on Earth, the site holds not only immense geological importance but also historical evidence linked to the age of dinosaurs.
For travellers, Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani offer a rare opportunity to witness layered basalt landscapes formed by ancient lava flows, making the region both a scientific marvel and a natural wonder.
Officials confirmed that seven new properties from India, including the Deccan Traps and the Natural Heritage of Tirumala Hills in Andhra Pradesh, have been added to the Tentative List. This step is essential before any site can be formally inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Permanent Delegation of India to UNESCO is happy to announce that India's 7 properties have been added to the Tentative List of UNESCO's World Heritage Convention. For details, please see the press release below 👇🏼 @VishalVSharma7 pic.twitter.com/WufBzxmWxn
— India at UNESCO (@IndiaatUNESCO) September 12, 2025
The Permanent Delegation of India to UNESCO highlighted the move as a testament to India’s ongoing efforts to protect its heritage. “The addition of these properties reflects India’s commitment to the preservation and conservation of its rich cultural and natural heritage,” the delegation said in a statement on X. It also extended gratitude to the Archaeological Survey of India for its role in preparing the nominations.
Multiple layers of solidified flood basalt of Deccan Traps from Mahabaleshwar. One of the largest volcanic features on Earth #Geology #WesternGhats pic.twitter.com/xk0o6f1jcs
— Karthick Balasubramanian (@karthickbala) January 11, 2023
UNESCO, the UN agency dedicated to fostering peace through education, science, and culture, has long recognised Indian sites of cultural and ecological importance. With these seven additions, India further underscores its diverse geography, from ancient geological marvels to sacred natural landscapes.
