Ahmedabad: At the global level, the ‘World Heritage Sites’ declared by UNESCO in various countries, based on different themes, have always been centers of attraction for tourists and researchers from both home and abroad. Gujarat also has four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and in 2024, approximately 12.88 lakh tourists from India and abroad visited these four sites. Of these, over 7.15 lakh tourists visited the heritage city of Ahmedabad, more than 3.64 lakh visited Rani Ki Vav in Patan, over 1.60 lakh visited Dholavira, and more than 47,000 visited Champaner.

Additionally, a total of 18 heritage sites, including the four World Heritage Sites in Gujarat, were visited by more than 36.95 lakh tourists in 2024. This has significantly boosted the local economy and employment in Gujarat.

The global organization UNESCO celebrates World Heritage Day every year on April 18. In Gujarat, UNESCO has granted World Heritage status to four sites: Champaner, Rani Ki Vav, Ahmedabad City, and Dholavira — recognizing their significance in architecture, history, water management, art, and urban planning.

Champaner-Pavagadh: Year 2004

Champaner-Pavagadh is a mythological and historical city located in Panchmahal district. It was awarded the status of Gujarat’s first World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2004. Among the Shaktipeeths in Gujarat, the Kalika Mata Temple here is the third. The site was founded by King Vanraj Chavda in the 8th century, and the name “Champaner” is derived from his general, Champaraj.

Situated on and around the Pavagadh hills, Champaner houses structures from the Sultanate era that resemble an archaeological park. Eight gates can be found on Pavagadh Hill, along with the Patai King’s palace, fort walls, water tanks, barns, and arches—all in ruins. For devotees and history enthusiasts, a visit to Champaner-Pavagadh is a unique experience.

Rani Ki Vav – Patan: Year 2014

Rani Ki Vav, located in Patan, North Gujarat, was built in the late 11th century by Udaymati, the daughter of King Ra’ Khengar of Junagadh and the wife of King Bhimdev I of the Solanki dynasty. UNESCO granted it World Heritage status in 2014. Thousands of domestic and international tourists visit this intricately carved stepwell, which features a seven-story structure.

It showcases carvings of gods, goddesses, nymphs, and serpent girls, and includes a small, mysterious door. Rani Ki Vav is also featured on the purple ₹100 currency note issued by the Reserve Bank of India in 2018.

Ahmedabad – India’s First World Heritage City: Year 2017

In 2017, UNESCO declared Ahmedabad as India’s first World Heritage City, recognizing its historic walled city area.

Located on the banks of the Sabarmati River, Ahmedabad was originally known as Ashaval (Ashapalli). In the 11th century, King Karnadev Solanki established a military base named Karnavati. In 1411, Sultan Ahmad Shah began constructing Bhadra Fort, establishing his capital. His descendant, Sultan Mahmud Begada, later fortified the city. Landmarks such as Fatehbag Palace and Azamkhan Palace were built during the Mughal rule.

Ahmedabad’s 600-year-old history features a blend of Hindu, Jain, Muslim, and other religious influences, making it a rich cultural hub.

Dholavira – Kutch: Year 2021

Dholavira, located in Khadir Bet in the Bhachau taluka of Kutch district, is home to the remains of an ancient city of the Harappan civilization. Discovered by Indian archaeologist Jagatpati Joshi in 1967–68, Dholavira was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2021.

The city, primarily built with square and rectangular stones, is believed to be around 5,000 years old and once had a population of about 50,000. It is one of the most prominent sites of the Indus Valley Civilization.

Under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme, the Government of India has selected Dholavira and Dwarka in Gujarat for holistic development and infrastructure improvements.

Heritage Tourism Policy: 2020–25

The Gujarat government announced the Heritage Tourism Policy 2020–25 to allow tourists to experience the state’s ancient and historical heritage firsthand. This policy aims to open up heritage buildings, royal palaces, jharukhas, minarets, and forts in smaller villages and towns with proper infrastructure and tourism facilities, offering incentives to preserve and promote such sites.

It is worth noting that on the occasion of World Heritage Day 2025, the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) has announced the theme: “Risks to Heritage from Disasters and Conflicts: Preparedness and Lessons from ICOMOS’ 60 Years of Work.”
The theme highlights the growing risks to heritage sites posed by natural disasters and armed conflicts.