New Delhi / Thiruvananthapuram — India has added seven more natural heritage sites to the UNESCO Tentative List of World Heritage Sites, including two prominent locations — Tirumala Hills (Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh) and Varkala (Kerala). The announcements were made by the Permanent Delegation of India to UNESCO, confirming that these sites will be part of the Natural Heritage category.
With these additions, India now has 69 properties on the UNESCO Tentative List: 49 under the Cultural category, 17 under Natural, and 3 under Mixed.
Tirumala Hills, Tirupati is famed for its religious significance. The Tirumala temple complex and its surroundings also feature rich natural landscapes and biodiversity. Its nomination under the natural category reflects efforts to recognize the ecological, geological, and environmental qualities of the area.
Varkala in Kerala is primarily known for the Janardana Temple and its dramatic red laterite cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea, Varkala’s geological formations date back millions of years. Its inclusion follows recognition of both its scenic beauty and its significance as a geological heritage site. The Geological Survey of India has been studying Varkala’s heritage since 2012, and it was declared a geo-heritage site in 2014.
While being on the Tentative List does not yet guarantee full UNESCO World Heritage status, it is a mandatory first step in the process. It allows for detailed evaluations, auditing by UNESCO teams, and subsequent nomination dossiers to be prepared.
Authorities in both Andhra Pradesh and Kerala will need to ensure robust conservation, sustainable tourism management, and protection measures to meet UNESCO’s criteria. In Varkala’s case, there are specific concerns about cliff erosion and the impact of unchecked development.
The listings raise awareness globally of Bharat’s natural heritage and the urgency to preserve it. They may boost tourism in Tirupati and Varkala, drawing not only religious visitors but also nature lovers, geologists, and eco-tourists. They create potential for funding, international cooperation, scientific research, and stricter protection of these landscapes.
The addition of Tirumala Hills (Tirupati) and Varkala to UNESCO’s Tentative List is an important cultural and environmental milestone. It reflects both India’s growing focus on natural heritage and the increasing recognition of places that combine spiritual, geological, and ecological importance. The coming years will be crucial as stakeholders prepare the case for full UNESCO World Heritage status.
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