New Delhi, Sep 21 : In a remarkable development, India's presence in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites has seen a spike with seven natural and picturesque locations making it to the tentative list, thus paving the way for their formal inclusion in the final list.

With these additions, the country's count in the tentative list has risen from 62 to 69 properties. The Ministry of Culture informed that after this inclusion, India now has 49 cultural, 17 natural, and three mixed heritage properties listed on the UNESCO list.

The newly listed sites include the Deccan Traps at Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra, the geological heritage of St Mary's Island in Karnataka, Meghalayan Age caves, Naga Hill Ophiolite in Nagaland, Erra Matti Dibbalu in Andhra Pradesh, the natural heritage of Tirumala Hills in Andhra Pradesh and the Varkala Cliffs in Kerala.

Notably, the inclusion in the tentative list is a precursor to its nomination in the prestigious World Heritage List.

'The addition of the new sites to the UNESCO list reaffirms India's unwavering commitment to preserving and promoting its extraordinary natural and cultural legacy,' said a government statement.

Notably, India recently hosted the 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee in New Delhi in July 2024, which saw the participation of more than 2,000 delegates from over 140 countries.

Brief details of India's seven picturesque locations:

Deccan Traps at Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra

They are home to some of the best-preserved and among the world's most studied lava flows. These volcanic formations lie within the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, already a UNESCO World Heritage site, thereby showcasing India's geological marvels.

St Mary's Island Cluster, Karnataka

These island clusters are famous for striking columnar basalt formations and date back to 85 million years to the Late Cretaceous period, making them a rare geological treasure.

Meghalayan Age Caves, Meghalaya

The spectacular cave systems named Mawmluh Cave serve as the global reference point for the Meghalayan Age, reflecting key climate and geological shifts.

Naga Hill Ophiolite, Nagaland

These unique hills offer clear and detailed insight into plate tectonics, ocean ridge dynamics, and Earth's deep geological past.

Tirumala hills, Andhra Pradesh

The famed Tirumala hills are home to Silathoranam natural arch and the Eparchaean Unconformity. They represent rare geological formations, depicting 1.5 billion years of Earth's history.

/IANS