Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath Inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List, India's 45th Site
The Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List at the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) held in Busan, South Korea (Republic of Korea) on 25 July 2026. It becomes India's 45th World Heritage Site (WHS) and the fourth in Uttar Pradesh after the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. Sarnath, near Varanasi, is where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon (Dhammachakra Pravartana) after attaining enlightenment, around 528 BCE, in the Deer Park (Mrigadava / Rishipatana). The inscribed property has two components — the Chaukhandi Stupa and the archaeological remains including the Dhamekh Stupa, Dharmarajika Stupa, Mulagandhakuti Vihara and the Ashokan Pillar. Sarnath was on UNESCO's Tentative List since 1998; India submitted its nomination in January 2025 for the 2025–26 cycle. With this, India ranks 6th globally and 2nd in Asia-Pacific in number of World Heritage Sites.
UNESCO HQ: Paris, France | UNESCO founded: 1945 | World Heritage Convention: 1972 | India's first WHS (1983): Agra Fort, Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves & Taj Mahal | Buddha's enlightenment site: Bodh Gaya (Bihar)
Sarnath (Uttar Pradesh) became India's 45th UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed at the 48th World Heritage Committee session in Busan, South Korea — the site of the Buddha's first sermon. • India now ranks 6th in the world and 2nd in Asia-Pacific in total World Heritage Sites.