UNESCO Natural World Heritage Sites showcase some of the world’s most iconic locations, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. From ancient landmarks to natural landscapes, these sites provide a deeper understanding of both nature and human history.
Here’s a list of the top 10 must-visit World Heritage Sites for your travel adventures.
List of top 10 natural world heritage sites to visit
Here are the top 10 world heritage sites you should visit —
- Taj Mahal, India: The Taj Mahal is known worldwide for its stunning architectural beauty. Built between 1632 and 1653 by Shah Jahan, the complex combines Islamic, Persian, Ottoman Turkish, and Indian architectural styles. It includes a garden, a mosque, and several smaller tombs, offering a rich insight into Mughal architecture and culture.
- Great Wall of China: First built in the 7th century BC and expanded during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), the Great Wall stretches across mountains and valleys. It was constructed to protect China from invasions by nomadic groups.
- Machu Picchu, Peru: Hiram Bingham rediscovered Machu Picchu in 1911. It is high in the mountains, 2,430 metres above sea level. This 15th-century Inca site has homes, temples, and farming areas. It was built to coincide with key events in the sky.
- Angkor Wat, Cambodia: Built in the early 12th century as a Hindu temple for Vishnu, Angkor Wat later became a Buddhist temple. The temple's design represents the universe and symbolises the world on earth.
- The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt: Built around 4,500 years ago, the pyramids of Giza are the tombs of Pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. These tombs showcase the ancient Egyptians' advanced construction techniques and burial chamber designs.
- Petra, Jordan: Petra was the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom, which started in the 6th century BC. It is famous for its buildings carved directly into the rock and sophisticated water management system.
- Kyoto, Japan: Kyoto is known for its traditional Japanese wooden buildings and beautiful gardens, which have influenced garden designs worldwide..
- Venice, Italy: Venice was established in the 5th century and is built on 118 islands. The city is famous for its stunning architecture and houses art from renowned artists like Giorgione, Titian, Tintoretto, and Veronese.
- Serengeti National Park, Tanzania: The Serengeti is known for having the largest mammal migration in the world and a large population of lions and other predators. It is vital for protecting biodiversity and includes some of the oldest natural ecosystems on Earth.
- Stonehenge, England: Stonehenge is a circle of large stones built between 3000 BC and 2000 BC. Some rocks were transported from over 200 km away. The arrangement of the stones aligns with the sun during the solstices, which indicates that it might have been used as a calendar or for ceremonial purposes.
Conclusion
Travelling to the best world heritage sites can be an unforgettable experience. However, even the most well-planned trips can face unexpected problems. A missed flight, a sudden illness, or lost baggage in a foreign country can quickly turn stressful. This is where travel insurance becomes essential. Single trip travel insurance is a practical and cost-effective way to stay protected for one-time trips like these. It covers your entire journey, so you are not left alone with emergencies.
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