Maratha Military Landscapes Of India May Become A New UNESCO World Heritage Site

Maratha Military Landscapes Of India May Become A New UNESCO World Heritage Site

Many countries have submitted their nominations for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list for the 2024-25 cycle. India has nominated the Maratha Military Landscapes - a group of ancient fortresses in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. These sites reflect the military strength of the Maratha Empire, which ruled large parts of the Indian subcontinent from the 17th to the 19th century. India currently has 43 properties on the World Heritage List. The final decision will be taken at the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris, which concludes on July 16.

Alongside India, 31 other sites from across the world have been nominated for the list. These include 24 cultural sites, 5 natural ones, 1 mixed site, and 2 with significant changes to their boundaries. Here are some of the key nominations from around the world:

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The Maratha Military Landscapes include fourteen components:

These forts, spread across different geographical and physiographic zones, highlight the Maratha Empire's strategic military capabilities, the Culture Ministry said in a statement.

"This extraordinary network of forts, varying in hierarchies, scales and typological features, is a result of integrating the landscape, terrain and physiographic characteristics distinctive to the Sahyadri mountain ranges, the Konkan Coast, Deccan Plateau and the Eastern Ghats in the Indian Peninsula," the statement said.

Pratapgad: View of the Chilkhati bastion with the hill ranges and forests in the background. Photo:UNESCO/DRONAH

Several of these forts are already popular with domestic travellers, history buffs and trekking groups. Raigad, once the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's kingdom, is known for its ropeway access and panoramic views from the summit. Trekking routes to forts like Lohgad, Rajgad and Pratapgad are frequented by weekend hikers, especially during the monsoon and winter months. Coastal forts such as Sindhudurg and Suvarnadurg offer a different kind of experience - sea-facing views, less crowded trails, and glimpses into maritime military architecture.

These sites are often featured in school textbooks, documentaries, and regional cinema, which adds to their historical resonance for many Indian travellers.

The forts are spread across both accessible and remote regions in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. Many are reachable within a few hours' drive from cities like Mumbai, Pune, Satara, Kolhapur and Nashik. Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu lies around 160 kilometres from Chennai and is often visited en route to Puducherry.

The ideal time to visit is between October and February, when the weather is cooler, the skies are clear, and the rugged terrains are easier to navigate. During monsoons, certain forts like Lohgad and Panhala offer lush green landscapes but require extra caution due to slippery trails.

While a few forts have visitor infrastructure in place, such as ropeways, guides and information plaques, others remain relatively raw and underdeveloped, which appeals to offbeat explorers but also highlights the need for conservation and management.

Lohagad: The steep stairwayleading to the gateway.Photo: UNESCO/DRONAH

If the Maratha Military Landscapes are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, experts believe it could lead to increased footfall, global visibility and focused preservation efforts. The recognition may also lead to better documentation, improved site infrastructure, and more responsible tourism models around these culturally significant structures.

For the local economies in the region, especially those dependent on heritage tourism and trekking circuits, the tag could create new opportunities - from community-based tourism and guided tours to craft sales and homestays.

For now, all eyes are on the World Heritage Committee's Paris session. If selected, this nomination could mark a significant chapter in India's heritage preservation efforts and give travellers even more reason to revisit these legendary forts.