Visakhapatnam: Andhra Pradesh’s iconic natural sites — the Erra Matti Dibbalu (Red Sand Dunes) near Visakhapatnam and the Tirumala Hills in Tirupati district — have been added to UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites.
Being placed on the Tentative List is the first and crucial step toward achieving full World Heritage status, reflecting the state’s commitment to conserving these unique landscapes.
Erra Matti Dibbalu: Rare Coastal Heritage
Spread across 1,500 acres, Erra Matti Dibbalu is a National Geo-heritage Monument notified in 2016. The striking red dunes, composed of sand, silt, and clay, owe their color to natural oxidation over thousands of years. The formations, first documented in 1886 by British geologist William King, showcase dendritic drainage patterns and sediment layers that capture changes in sea level and climate during the late Quaternary period. Globally, only two other similar dune formations exist — one in Sri Lanka and another in Tamil Nadu. Experts have raised concerns about threats from unregulated tourism and filming activities, emphasizing the need for stronger protection.
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Tirumala Hills: Geological and Ecological Treasure
The Tirumala Hills are equally renowned for their geological, ecological, and cultural importance. The region houses the Eparchaean Unconformity — a rare geological feature where 2.5-billion-year-old rocks meet younger Proterozoic formations, revealing a dramatic gap in Earth’s history. Also present is the famed Silathoranam (Natural Arch), estimated to be over 1.5 billion years old.
Part of the Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve and Venkateswara National Park, the hills shelter diverse flora and fauna, including endangered red sanders, Cycas beddomei, and Jerdon’s Courser. Seasonal waterfalls, dense forests, and rich biodiversity further strengthen its eligibility under UNESCO’s criteria of Outstanding Universal Value.
According to UNESCO, Erra Matti Dibbalu may qualify under Tectonic and Coastal Systems themes, while Tirumala Hills may fall under History of Planet Earth and Evolution of Life. The Tentative List was last updated on August 27.
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