UNESCO’s 25 new World Heritage sites for 2026: One new Indian landmark makes the prestigious global list; see all the new entries |

This year, UNESCO has added 25 new heritage sites to its prestigious list and for travellers, there is no greater approval than a UNESCO World Heritage inscription. Whether it is an ancient temple, a wildlife park, or an engineering marvel, UNESCO recognition adds to its value making it a globally celebrated destination. There’s one addition from India as well.At the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in Busan, South Korea, 25 new cultural and natural sites from around the world were added to the World Heritage List. The latest additions span continents, from sacred Buddhist monuments in India and Japan to mythical mountains in Greece, historic World War II beaches in France and biodiversity-rich wetlands in the United States.So travellers who always are designing their itineraries around UNESCO sites, here’s your cue for fresh destinations. Check them out here:1) Sarnath, IndiaThere are more reasons for Indians to celebrate thanks to the inscription of the Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath near Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. With this, India is now proudly home to 45 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.2) Mount Olympus, Greece

Mount Olympus in Greece has long been famous as the mythical home of the Greek gods. Now, UNESCO too has recognised it by inscribing it in the World Heritage Site. Beyond mythology, Olympus is also an ecological treasure and is known for being home to extraordinary biodiversity, dramatic alpine landscapes and hundreds of endemic plant species.3) Beaches of the D-Day Landings, Normandy, 1944, FranceThese are the same beaches where Allied forces launched the largest amphibious invasion in history on June 6, 1944. The designation covers Omaha, Utah, Gold, Juno and Sword beaches.4) Ancient Capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara, JapanThen there are the Ancient Capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara in Japan. Located in Nara Prefecture, these archaeological landscapes preserve the remains of Japan’s earliest planned capitals, dating back to the 7th and 8th centuries. For travellers already visiting Kyoto, Osaka or Nara, the new UNESCO site offers an experience of a lifetime.5) Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, United States of America

This is among North America’s largest intact freshwater wetlands. The refuge is known for being home to alligators, black bears and migratory birds. It is a paradise for wildlife photographers, kayakers and nature lovers.6) Boma–Badingilo Migratory Landscape, South SudanUNESCO this year also recognised one of Africa’s largest mammal migrations, highlighting the continent’s extraordinary biodiversity.7) Aalto Works, FinlandThen there was the collection of Aalto’s works. He is a celebrated architect named Alvar Aalto. UNESCO recognised his design philosophy that harmonises buildings with nature and everyday life.8) Gdynia Modernist City Centre, Poland

UNESCO also recognised Poland’s modernist city centre of Gdynia. It is known for its striking modernist architecture.9) Tashkent Modernist Architecture. Modernity and Tradition in Central Asia, UzbekistanUzbekistan’s post-earthquake modernist architecture in Tashkent was also honoured this year. This shows that heritage is not limited to ancient monuments.10) Alamūt Castle and Related Fortifications, IranSet high in the Alborz Mountains, these are medieval fortresses which were once the stronghold of the Nizari Ismailis.11) Amazonia Theaters, BrazilAmazonia Theaters were constructed during the Amazon rubber boom. Today, they stand as symbols of the region’s rich artistic and architectural heritage.12) Jingdezhen Handicraft Porcelain Industry Sites, China

Also famous as China’s “Porcelain Capital,” Jingdezhen has produced world-renowned ceramics for over a thousand years and the site includes historic kilns, workshops and production centres.13) Mount Amel Castles, LebanonIt is a collection of medieval castles. The hilltop fortifications also offer sweeping views of surrounding valleys.14) Rock Mosques and Associated Sacred Sites of Mangystau, KazakhstanThen we have Rock Mosques carved into cliffs and desert landscapes. These underground mosques reflect centuries of Islamic spiritual traditions.15) Royal Capetian Fortresses of Languedoc, FranceRoyal Capetian Fortresses of Languedoc are medieval castles built by the French Crown to strengthen royal authority in the region.16) Sebastia, State of PalestineSebastia is among the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the region. It has traces of some of the most famous bygone dynasties.17) The Cemetery Complexes of the Xiongnu Nobility, Mongolia

The Cemetery Complexes of the Xiongnu Nobility are ancient burial sites of the Xiongnu Empire. It was among Asia’s earliest nomadic civilizations.18) The Medinas of the Historic Sultanates of the Comoros, ComorosThese are among the well-preserved historic towns. These centuries-old towns have Swahili, Arab and African influences.19) The Roças of São Tomé and Príncipe: Colonial Agricultural System and Forced MigrationThe former cocoa and coffee plantations show the island nation’s colonial past and the history of forced labour.20) The System of Italian-style Condominio Theatres of the 18th and 19th Centuries in Central Italy, ItalyThe System of Italian-style Condominio Theatres of the 18th and 19th Centuries are the community-owned theatres and an architectural marvels. These brought opera and performing arts to small towns of the country.21) Village of Sidi Bou Saïd, Tunisia

The Village of Sidi Bou Saïd is counted among the most beautiful African villages, noted for its whitewashed buildings and blue doors overlooking the Mediterranean.22) Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, Nakhon Si Thammarat, ThailandWat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan is one of the most revered and renowned Buddhist temples in Thailand and an active pilgrimage destination.23) Aqaba Marine Reserve, JordanAqaba Marine Reserve is located along the Red Sea. It is a protected marine ecosystem known for being home to coral reefs, sea turtles and dolphins.24) The Bony Fish Fossils of the Western Limfjord – Evolution and Climate Adaptation in the Earliest Eocene, Denmark

These are exceptionally preserved fossils. The site is a treasure trove for palaeontologists and science lovers.25) Wadi Wurayah, United Arab EmiratesWadi Wurayah has become the UAE’s first protected mountain area. It has waterfalls, freshwater pools and rare wildlife.