Mud volcanoes, a real volcano and an ancient city: India's new World Heritage hopefuls
Baratang, Barren and Narcondam islands, and Sirpur in Chhattisgarh are on the Tentative List.
Three Indian sites have been added to India's Tentative List for World Heritage, as reported in October 2026. The Tentative List is only the first step. A site becomes a World Heritage Site only after it is nominated and accepted later.
The first is the Karst and Mud Volcano Complex of Baratang in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with limestone caves and mud volcanoes. The second is the Andaman Subduction Volcanoes, which covers Barren Island, home to India's active volcano, and Narcondam Island. Both are natural sites.
The third is the Sirpur Cultural and Archaeological Landscape in Mahasamund district, Chhattisgarh, about 78 km from Raipur. It has Hindu and Buddhist monuments and shows signs of ancient trade and towns. This is a cultural site.
Why it matters
Every World Heritage Site starts on a Tentative List. Getting there means India has formally said, these places are special enough to be considered. The final decision comes much later and is not guaranteed.
Quick facts
- Natural sites: Baratang, and Barren Island with Narcondam.
- Cultural site: Sirpur, Chhattisgarh.
- Tentative List does not mean World Heritage status yet.
Quick check: Does being on the Tentative List make a place a World Heritage Site?
No. It is only the first step before nomination.
