The UNESCO World Heritage list is the designation for places on Earth that are of outstanding universal value to humanity and therefore have been inscribed on the list to be protected for future generations to appreciate and enjoy. How many UNESCO Heritage sites have you visited? We've listed a few of our favourites below...
Ningaloo Marine Park, Australia
Ningaloo Reef is a fringing coral reef located off the north west coast of Western Australia and was world heritage listed by the United Nations in 2011. The Marine Park is most famous for its whale sharks between March and June, when it is possible to snorkel alongside these gentle giants. You can also see humpback whales between June and November and manta rays all year round. Turtles can also be seen nesting on night walks between December and March.
Read more about Ningaloo Marine Park or phone our specialists on 01993 838 810
Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina
This magnificent national park with its granite peaks was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981 and can be found in an area known as the Austral Andes in Argentina, south west of Santa Cruz on the border with Chile. The highlight is the Perito Moreno Glacier, which can be seen by boat a safe distance away or from an observation platform. Listen for an eerie creak that indicates a large chunk of ice is about to crash noisily into the milky waters. Trekking on the Glacier can also be arranged.
Read more about Los Glaciares National Park or phone our specialists on 01993 838 630
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Found deep in the forests of Cambodia's Siem Reap province, Angkor Wat is believed to be the world's largest religious building. It was built in the 12th century and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Built as a spiritual home for the Hindu god Vishnu, the many temples and intricate carvings are most impressive at sunset.
Read more about Angkor Wat or phone our specialists on 01993 838 160
Hill Forts of Rajasthan, India
The Hill Forts of Rajasthan are located on the rocky outcrops of the Aravallis mountain range in Rajasthan and include six majestic forts in Chittorgarh; Kumbhalgarh; Sawai Madhopur; Jhalawar; Jaipur, and Jaisalmer. They were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List this year, represent Rajput military strongholds and are worth a visit for their impressive architecture.
Read more about India's hill forts or phone our specialists on 01993 838 300
Petra, Jordan
Nothing prepares you for the first time you exit the tiny cleft of the Siq (the 1.2 kilometre narrow canyon leading into the city) to be confronted by the enormous splendour of the Treasury Tomb. Designated a World Heritage Site in 1985, Petra was kept a closely-guarded secret by the local Bedouin, until 1812 when John Louis Burckhardt tricked his way into the site, followed by the many tourists that still visit today.
Read more about Petra or phone our specialists on 01993 838 415
Chichén Itzá, Mexico
One of the seven new wonders of the world, the Mayan archaeological site was designated World Heritage Status in 1988. Each year during the spring equinox a natural phenomenon occurs at El Castillo (also known as the Pyramid of Kukulcan): the sunlight creates a shadow image of a plumed serpent descending down the pyramid's stairs. This unique experience draws hundreds of tourists from all over the world.
Read more about Chichén Itzá or phone our specialists on 01993 838 670
Chitwan National Park, Nepal
At the foot of the Himalaya, Chitwan is the oldest national park in Nepal and was designated a World Heritage Site in 1984. The river plains and steaming jungle host one of the largest populations of the rare Bengal tiger, along with one-horned rhinos and wild elephants.
Read more about Chitwan National Park or phone our specialists on 01993 838 315
Ancient city of Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka's most recognisable landmark, Sigiriya Rock looms 200 metres above the plains and was designated World Heritage status in 1982. Only the ruins of the palace now remain, but features such as the massive Lion’s Paws and radiant frescoes of beautiful damsels give visitors a glimpse of its former splendour.
Read more about the Ancient city of Sigiriya or phone our specialists on 01993 838 335
Yosemite National Park, USA
One of the first wilderness parks in the USA, Yosemite is probably one of the most famous as well. Located in California's Sierra Nevada mountain range, it was designated a World Heritage Site in 1984 and is best known for its breathtaking waterfalls, spectacular granite cliffs, thousands of lakes and clear mountain streams.
Read more about Yosemite National Park or phone our specialists on 01993 838 755
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Easily reached from the parks in Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana, Victoria Falls is a wonderful start or end to any safari. Designated in 1989, it is one of the biggest and most awe-inspiring waterfalls in the world and can be found less than two kilometres south of the Zambezi River and the border to Zambia.
Read more about Victoria Falls or phone our specialists on 01993 838 590
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