New Delhi: The ASI has identified 138 monuments as "Must See Monuments," Minister of State for Culture and Tourism Prahlad Patel informed Parliament on Monday.

Responding to a query in the Lok Sabha, Patel said that the information has been made available on the 'Must See' portal of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

He also said that there are 38 World Heritage Sites in India, out of which 22 cultural sites including monuments/ buildings and caves are under the protection of the ASI.

The "Must See" list features outstanding Indian monuments and archaeological sites, under the protection of the ASI, including those that feature on UNESCO's World Heritage List.

Only one monument from Kerala has made it to the list – the prehistoric burial site Kudakkallu Parambu in Thrissur district. As per ASI, these 69 mini monuments spread over small area here date back to 2000 BC.

Excavation conducted at Kudakkallu Parambu in 2001-02 unearthed some funerary findings include urns in red ware, bowls of Russet Coated ware, vase and bowls of black and red ware, one copper bowl, iron implements and few bone pieces.

According to ASI, these 138 monuments and sites display exceptionalism in terms of arts and architecture, planning and design, are a unique testimony to the civilization in the past and are an outstanding types of buildings showing exemplary engineering skills.

(With inputs from PTI)

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