Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 19 (UNI) Kerala’s iconic Varkala cliffs, rising dramatically along the Arabian Sea, have been included in UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites, placing the state on the global heritage map for its rare coastal geology.
The Miocene–Pliocene formations of Varkala, with their natural springs and unique erosional landscapes, have long been recognised for their scientific, ecological and tourism value.
Their inclusion in the Tentative List is the first step towards securing full World Heritage status in the coming years.
Varkala is among seven new natural heritage sites from India that have entered the Tentative List, raising the country’s total from 62 to 69.
The new additions include the Deccan Traps of Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra, considered one of the finest preserved volcanic landscapes in the world; the St. Mary’s Islands in Karnataka with their rare columnar basaltic formations dating back 85 million years; Meghalaya’s spectacular cave systems including the globally significant Mawmluh cave; Nagaland’s Naga Hill Ophiolite which provides insights into tectonic processes through rare oceanic crustal rocks; Andhra Pradesh’s Erra Matti Dibbalu near Visakhapatnam, a striking stretch of red sand dunes revealing the earth’s ancient climatic history; and the Tirumala Hills in Andhra Pradesh where billion-year-old rock formations including the famed Silathoranam arch are located.
According to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which serves as the nodal agency for the World Heritage Convention, the inclusions underline India’s strong commitment to safeguarding its natural and cultural treasures.
With 49 cultural, 17 natural and three mixed sites under consideration, India is steadily expanding its presence on UNESCO’s global heritage map.
Officials also recalled that India hosted the 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee in New Delhi in July 2024, attended by more than 2,000 delegates from 140 countries, underscoring the nation’s leadership role in international heritage conservation.
