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'Have diamonds at hand , but looking for broken glass': Sudha Murty wants these 10 sites on World Heritage list

cnbctv18.com 3 days ago
Philanthropist and author Sudha Murty recently urged for the promotion of domestic tourism by recognising certain destinations in the country as World Heritage Sites. In her first speech in Rajya Sabha, the Upper House of the Indian Parliament, Murty — the mother-in-law of former UK PM Rishi Sunak and wife of Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy — said, "In India, we have 42 World Heritage sites, but 57 are pending. We should bother about those 57 sites... These are very important sites. I have personally visited (these places)," Sudha. Let's take a look at the popular sites mentioned by her. (Image: PTI)

Philanthropist and author Sudha Murty recently urged for the promotion of domestic tourism by recognising certain destinations in the country as World Heritage Sites. In her first speech in Rajya Sabha, the Upper House of the Indian Parliament, Murty — the mother-in-law of former UK PM Rishi Sunak and wife of Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy — said, "In India, we have 42 World Heritage sites, but 57 are pending. We should bother about those 57 sites... These are very important sites. I have personally visited (these places)," Sudha. Let's take a look at the popular sites mentioned by her. (Image: PTI)

1. Shravanabelagola (Karnataka) | A Jain pilgrimage centre, Shravanabelagola is situated near Channarayapatna of Karnataka's Hassan district and is roughly 144 km away from the state capital Bengaluru. It is famous for the Bahubali Mahamasthakabhisheka Mahotsav and the Gommateshwara Bahubali statue, which is considered among the most important pilgrimage destinations for Jains. The Gommateshwara Statue, which is 57-foot (17 m) high, is located on the Vindyagiri Hill.

1. Shravanabelagola (Karnataka) | A Jain pilgrimage centre, Shravanabelagola is situated near Channarayapatna of Karnataka's Hassan district and is roughly 144 km away from the state capital Bengaluru. It is famous for the Bahubali Mahamasthakabhisheka Mahotsav and the Gommateshwara Bahubali statue, which is considered among the most important pilgrimage destinations for Jains. The Gommateshwara Statue, which is 57-foot (17 m) high, is located on the Vindyagiri Hill. (Image: PTI)

2. Mandu (Madhya Pradesh) | This ancient city in the state of Madhya Pradesh has treasures of Afghan architecture, which includes the Jahaz Mahal and Hindola Mahal among others. (Image: Shutterstock)

2. Mandu (Madhya Pradesh) | This ancient city in the state of Madhya Pradesh has treasures of Afghan architecture, which includes the Jahaz Mahal and Hindola Mahal among others. (Image: Shutterstock)

3. Unakoti Rock Carvings (Tripura) | Popularly known as the 'Angkor Wat of the Northeast', the Unakoti in Tripura is a gorgeous place, which has centuries-old Shaivite rock sculptures. This place has been shortlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

3. Unakoti Rock Carvings (Tripura) | Popularly known as the 'Angkor Wat of the Northeast', the Unakoti in Tripura is a gorgeous place, which has centuries-old Shaivite rock sculptures. This place has been shortlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (Image: Wikimedia)

4. Natural root bridges (Mizoram and other eastern states) | Sudha Murty noted the natural roots bridges in the eastern part of India are God's gift to us. "We go to other countries to see, but we never value because we have diamonds in hand, (but) we search for the broken glass pieces," she noted.

4. Natural root bridges (Mizoram) | Murty noted the natural roots bridges in the eastern part of India are God's gift to us. "We go to other countries to see (natural wonders), but we never value (them in India) because we have diamonds in hand, (but) we search for the broken glass pieces," she averred.

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangapatna | Located near Mysore, this temple is one of the largest in Karnataka and is dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, a form of Lord Vishnu. It holds a special place as one of the 108 Abhimana Kshethrams in the Vaishnavite tradition. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)

5. Srirangam (Tamil Nadu) | During her speech, she also highlighted the architectural marvels of Sri Ranganathaswamy Temples in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. In May this year, the city saw a large turnout of devotees to pull the decorated chariot of Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in connection with Chithirai Ther. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)

6. Mughal Gardens (Jammu and Kashmir) | The famous Mughal Gardens in the Kashmir valley are on UNESCO’s tentative list. In total, there are six of them, with each having its unique feature. "We always go and see the film shootings but never realise that they are not in the World Heritage Sites list," Sudha Murty said. (Image: Reuters)

6. Mughal Gardens (Jammu and Kashmir) | The famous Mughal Gardens in the Kashmir valley are on UNESCO’s tentative list. In total, there are six of them, with each having its unique feature. "We always go and see the film shootings but never realise that they are not in the World Heritage Sites list," Sudha Murty said. (Image: Reuters)

7. Sarnath (Madhya Pradesh) | Another precious location is Sarnath in Madhya Pradesh, where the group of ancient monuments date back 2,500 years. However, these are yet to be recognised as World Heritage Sites. "The Buddha preached the first sermon at Sarnath," she noted. (Image: Shutterstock)

7. Sarnath (Madhya Pradesh) | Another precious location is Sarnath in Madhya Pradesh, where the group of ancient monuments date back 2,500 years. However, these are yet to be recognised as World Heritage Sites. "The Buddha preached the first sermon at Sarnath," she noted. (Image: Shutterstock)

8. Shivaji Forts (Maharashtra) | India has nominated the 'Maratha Military Landscapes', a network of forts showcasing the strategic military powers of Maratha rule, to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage list for 2024-25. The 12 components of it are the forts of Salher, Shivneri, Rajgad, Lohagad, Khanderi, Raigad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra as well as the Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu.

8. Shivaji Forts (Maharashtra) | India has nominated the 'Maratha Military Landscapes', a network of forts showcasing the strategic military power of Maratha rule, to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage list for 2024-25. The 12 components of it are the forts of Salher, Shivneri, Rajgad, Lohagad, Khanderi, Raigad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra as well as the Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu. (Image: Shutterstock)

9. Gol Gumbaz (Karnataka) | The historic Gol Gumbaz is famous for having the biggest dome. However, it has missed out on getting into the UNESCO heritage site a few times, reports said. It is believed to have been built over 350 years ago. (Image: Shutterstock)

9. Gol Gumbaz (Karnataka) | The historic Gol Gumbaz is famous for having the biggest dome. However, it has missed out on getting into the UNESCO heritage site a few times, reports said. It is believed to have been built over 350 years ago. (Image: Shutterstock)

10. Majuli (Assam) | The serene and culturally-rich river island in the northeastern state of Assam, Majuli is located next to the Brahmaputra river and is a part of the tentative list of UNESCO. “In a different country, they would have made the island the number one destination for weddings or entertainment and other recreational purposes. But, 90% of people are not aware of Majuli,” she noted during her speech. (Image: Shutterstock)

10. Majuli (Assam) | The serene and culturally-rich river island in the northeastern state of Assam, Majuli is located next to the Brahmaputra river and is a part of the tentative list of UNESCO. “In a different country, they would have made the island the number one destination for weddings or entertainment and other recreational purposes. But, 90% of people are not aware of Majuli,” she noted during her speech. (Image: Shutterstock)

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