World heritage monuments in west India distinguish themselves from others for their outstanding architecture and intrinsic sculptures. The unspeakable charm of the caves at Elephanta or the breathtaking architecture at Ajanta and Ellora Caves are unforgettable. The cultural significance and the antiquity of these sites have earned them a prestigious position in the UNESCO World Heritage sites. However it would be wrong to suggest that only temples and palaces are part of this list. The charisma of Indian flora and fauna is inescapable too. Hence certain national parks are also a part the world heritage sites in west India.

World Heritage Monuments in Gujarat
Gujarat is famous for its beautiful Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park which has been declared as World Heritage Site by UNESCO in the year 2004. It is situated in Panchmahal District in this Indian state, near the Champaner city, which is said to have been created by Sultan Mahmud Begada of Gujarat. Forts with bastions are existent near Champaner-Pavagadh which spread over Champaner and various historical monuments and chalcolithic sites are present in this part of the country. Ruins of the 16th century capital of Gujarat and an ancient fortress of an ancient Hindu capital are also there in this region. Temples, tombs, entrance gates and arches, mosques and palaces are existent here, besides the tanks and stepwells belonging to the 8th and 14th centuries. A significant Hindu shrine called Kalika Mata Temple, which is amongst the heritage monuments, is also present here.

World Heritage Monuments in Maharashtra
Ellora Caves, Ajanta Caves and Elephanta Caves are amongst the many World Heritage sites of the state of Maharashtra. Ellora Caves were erected by kings of Rashtrakuta Dynasty and is about 29 kms away from the north-western portion of Aurangabad and are spectacular instances of rock-carved architecture of the nation. The 34 caves of Ellora were cut out from Charanandri Hills and comprise viharas, `maths`, Jain, Hindu and Buddhist rock temples which were built in the age between 5th and 10th century. It is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India or ASI. A World Heritage site since 1983, the Ajanta Caves in Aurangabad District contain 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave temples of the 2nd century. Excellent sculptural art and paintings are discovered from here, apart from Buddha idols and portrayals of `Jataka` stories. ASI is in charge of preserving Ajanta Caves. Located on Elephanta Island, Elephanta Caves are reputed for two groups of caves which include Buddhist and Hindu caves. Rock-cut sculptures of Lord Shiva are present in Hindu caves while Buddha figurines and Buddhist signs dominate the interiors of Buddhist caves. It was declared as World Heritage Site during 1987 and maintained by ASI. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus or CST is another UNESCO Heritage Site which as the headquarters of the Central Railways and was built by Frederick William Stevens in 1887.

World Heritage Monuments in Rajasthan
Jantar Mantar is a series of astronomical instruments erected by Raja Sawai Jai Singh who was a Rajput ruler in Jaipur, Rajasthan. It is a replica of the observatory which was also built by him in Delhi, the Mughal capital. Renovation task of this monument was undertaken by Major Arthur Garrett. Earlier referred to as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Keoladeo Ghana National Park or Keoladeo National Park is a famous sanctuary; this provides refuge to over 230 species of birds. During 1971, it was proclaimed a protected sanctuary and also a World Heritage site.