Unesco World Heritage Sites - List of Places Worldwide

There are many tourist attractions in the world, but if you want to visit the top ones, then it has to be none other than the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These heritage sites are cultural, natural, and mixed types and are significant from a tourist perspective. Here is a list of the top UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Canada

L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site

This historic site is on the island of Newfoundland and is the earliest known Viking settlement in the North American continent. It has a ship-building workshop, a forge, three dwellings, and turf houses.

Nahanni National Park

This national park is famous for its deep canyons, mountains, rivers, and limestone caves. Many wild animals can be found here such as grizzly bears, caribou, and wolf.

Dinosaur Provincial Park

This heritage site is like a huge treasure house of skeletons of dinosaur fossils. Archaeologists unearthed more than 150 complete dinosaur skeletons from the park.

SG̱ang Gwaay

This site is a village from the 19th century of the Haida indigenous people who lived in the Haida Gwaii archipelago located on the British Columbia Coast. It has longhouses, totem poles, and a mortuary.

Wood Buffalo National Park

This national park is a diverse landscape of forests, lakes, meadows, and salt plains and has the largest inland delta in North America. The largest bison population in North America lives here and is also the breeding ground of the whooping crane.

Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks

The 7 national parks in the Canadian Rocky Mountains are a place of immense natural beauty. You will find glaciers, alpine meadows, ice fields, lakes, caves, and waterfalls. There are fossils of soft-bodied creatures of the Cambrian period.

Historic District of Old Québec

The site is a reflection of the colonial rules that gave a unique architecture to the old part of Quebec. It has an urban center, fortifications, bastions, ramparts, and other defense structures.

Gros Morne National Park

This national park is a wilderness with spectacular natural beauty of glaciers, fjords, and wild creatures. You will find rocks from the earth’s mantle and it resembles a remarkable example of earth tectonics and continental drift.

Kluane / Wrangell–St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek

These are four national parks along the US-Canada border with spectacular wilderness and immense natural beauty. There are diverse landscapes of huge glaciers, non-polar ice fields, high mountains, river valleys, and coastal forests. You can spot grizzly bears, caribou, mountain goats, and salmon.

Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park

This is a group of national parks in Canada and the US with immense scenic beauty. There are huge lakes, glaciers, mountains, rivers, and foothills, that span the Continental Divide. You will also find prairie grasslands and several animal species.

Old Town Lunenburg

This town is one of the oldest British settlements in North America. You will find old wooden buildings from the 18th century.

Miguasha National Park

This national park has one of the most distinct geological formations that date back to the Devonian period 370 million years ago. A large number of fish fossils were discovered here as well as plant fossils.

Rideau Canal

This canal is the oldest and continuously working canal in North America. This canal opened in 1832 and connects the Ottawa River to Lake Ontario.

Joggins Fossil Cliffs

This site has fossils that date back to the Carboniferous period between 318 to 303 million years back. In this era, coniferous trees were growing here and it remains a chief site for coal.

Landscape of Grand Pré

This site is a cultural heritage where the Acadians lived in the 17th and 18th centuries. They were descendants of the French settlers and used dyke-building techniques to use the salt marshes and convert them to agricultural uses.

Red Bay Basque Whaling Station

This cultural site is a whaling station that was in use for over 70 years and was founded in the 1530s. The Basque Whaling Station was used to hunt and process whales and produce whale oil which was supplied to Europe. This site is a whaling station that used pre-industrial techniques and processes.

Mistaken Point

This natural heritage site is a place where the Mistaken Point Formation is situated. It has a very well-preserved collection of fossils from the Precambrian period some 580-560 million years ago.

 Pimachiowin Aki

This is a region where indigenous communities like Anishinaabe First Nations communities live. There are ceremonial sites, habitation sites, waterways, and trade routes that are used by the tribes that live in the Great Lakes region of Canada and the USA. This is a huge region where creatures like moose, wolverine, wolf, and others live.

Writing-on-Stone / Áísínai’pi

This is the land of the Blackfoot indigenous people that lived here. You will find 3000-year-old cave art and rock paintings.

Tr’ondëk-Klondike

When gold was discovered in the Klondike, many people came here to get the gold and mix it with the local indigenous Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in people. It resulted in a cultural landscape where there came up towns, camps, and mining infrastructure.

Anticosti

Here you will find a huge number of fossils of marine creatures 450 million years old. They offer an insight into the emergence of marine life on Earth and their mass extinction.

Best time to visit Canada

Canada is a huge country and weather and climatic conditions can vary from region to region. However, May to June, July, August, September to October, December to March is a great time to visit Canada.

Other tourist places in Canada

• Banff
• Montreal
• Vancouver Island
• Toronto
• Niagara Falls

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the USA (United States)

Mesa Verde National Park

The Pueblo people lived in the Mesa Verde plateau between the 6th and 12th centuries. The remains of cliff dwellings were found in the Mesa Verde plateau, which range from small rooms to big complexes and palaces.

Yellowstone National Park

This national park is the world’s first national park and contains some incredible geological features like geysers, geothermal vents, hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles. More than 150 different fossil deposits were found here. The wildlife you will find here includes grizzly bears, gray wolves, bison herds, and others.

Kluane / Wrangell–St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek

The four national parks along the USA and Canada border are famous for their wildlife and natural landscapes. There are large glaciers, ice fields, towering mountains, lakes, coastal forests and river valleys. Grizzly bears, caribou, and mountain goats are some species you can find here.

Grand Canyon National Park

The famous Grand Canyon is the biggest geological formation in the US. It was carved out by the Colorado River, which cut through the landscape, forming deep river gorges and canyons.

Everglades National Park

The Everglades National Park is a huge wetland area where you will find mangrove forests and saltwater marshes. The various creatures who live here are alligators, manatees, Florida Panthers, crocodiles, turtles, and others.

Independence Hall

This building is a remarkable monument of architecture and here the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776.

Redwood National and State Parks

This site is on the coast of California and consists of one of the oldest Redwood forests on earth. This site includes one national park and three state parks. The Redwood trees are coniferous and are included as the tallest trees on the earth. The site also includes a long coastline where you will be able to spot the bald eagle, sea lion, and several other creatures.

Mammoth Cave National Park

This natural site is where you will find the longest cave systems in the world. The Mammoth Cave is a series of caves, and 459 km of caves are explored. You will find passageways, cave dwellings, underground rivers, sinkholes, large chambers, and several minerals.

Olympic National Park

This national park has temperate rainforests, alpine meadows, a Pacific coastline, mountain peaks, and glaciers. There are unique animal species here like bull trout, marbled murrelet, and northern spotted owl among others.

Cahokia

This is an archaeological site of a pre-Columbian period when the urban settlement flourished between 1050 to 1150 AD. There are mounds, an astronomical observatory, and several other earthen structures.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

This national park is home to some of the world’s finest creatures. There are over 3500 plant and animal species found here including a huge species of salamanders.

San Juan National Historic Site & La Fortaleza

This is a fortress that dates back to the 16th century and was constructed by the Europeans to guard over the city of San Juan. It has an architectural mix of Italian Renaissance, Baroque, and French styles.

Statue of Liberty

This world-famous monument is a statue that was gifted by France as a symbol of the American Independence. The Statue of Liberty stands at the entrance of the New York Harbor and is a symbol of peace, liberty, and human rights.

Yosemite National Park

This national park is located in the Sierra Nevada mountains and has unique landscapes like valleys, high cliffs, moraines, waterfalls, mountain meadows, and giant trees. The national park is home to the famous El Capitan and Half Dome.

Chaco Culture

This is an archaeological site in New Mexico and the Ancestral Pueblo people lived here and flourished from 1020 to 1110 AD. The site has structures that were used for storage, residential, and storage purposes. The Aztec Ruins National Monument here has ruins of the Aztec rule.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

This site is in the Hawaiian Islands and has two of the most active volcanoes on this earth, which are Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. Due to volcanic eruptions, the landscape of this national park constantly changes. You will find some unique species here like giant ferns and birds.

University of Virginia and Moticello

Monticello was a plantation home and was designed by Thomas Jefferson between 1769 to 1809. He also designed the early buildings that later on became the University of Virginia. These were designed in the neo-classical style of architecture.

Taos Pueblo

These were the permanent settlements of the Pueblos and are located across the Rio Grande River. They were constructed in the 13th and 14th centuries and are also called pueblos. They include multi-story buildings, ceremonial buildings, a catholic church, and other buildings.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

This park contains huge caves and caverns and these are almost 100 in numbers. It includes the Carlsbad Caverns and the Lechuguilla Cave. The natural cave system includes calcite structures, karst caves, helictites, and biothems.

Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park

This national park includes two national parks and these are the Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada and the Glacier National Park in the US. The incredible scenic landscape of these national parks includes glaciers, lakes, towering mountains, and meadows.

Papahānaumokuākea

This site is hailed as the largest protected marine site and is home to several unique creatures. It includes the Hawaii Islands and other small islands, coral reefs, atolls, seamounts, and archaeological sites on the Hawaii Islands.

Monumental Earthworks of Poverty Point

Poverty Point is a settlement that was developed by hunter-gatherers and fishermen between 1700 and 1100 BCE. The site includes a central plaza and several mounds that were used for residential and ceremonial uses. This was part of a trade network that was used to carry stones and minerals. The level of construction that was evident here was not seen in another 2000 years in North America.

San Antonio Missions

This site was built by the Franciscan missionaries along the San Antonio River. This site includes five mission complexes and has decorative elements and a blend of Catholic and indigenous symbols.

The 20th-Century Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright

This site has buildings that were designed by the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The unique thing about these buildings is that they are designed with organic architecture and have ingenious use of steel and concrete. The buildings that Frank Lloyd Wright designed are residential, a church, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum.

Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks

This is an archaeological site that comprises mounds, enclosures, and earthworks by the Hopewell culture. This was a Native American culture that thrived in the pre-Columbian period and has sites like Fort Ancient and other sites.

Best time to visit the USA

The USA is a huge country and climatic conditions vary from region to region. You can visit the USA from March to May, which is the Spring season and the best time to visit the USA. The Autumn season between late September to late October is also the best time to visit the USA.

Other tourist places in the USA

• Chicago
• Los Angeles
• San Francisco
• New York City
• Key West
• Big Slur

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Australia

Kakadu National Park

There are prehistoric cave paintings made by Aboriginal Australians in Kakadu National Park. The natural beauty of this national park in Australia includes savannah woodlands, mangroves, coasts, mudflats, monsoon forests, wetlands, and floodplains. This national park is also a Ramsar wetland site.

Great Barrier Reef

Located on the Queensland coast, the Great Barrier Reef has almost 2,500 coral reefs, islands, and hundreds of sandy cays. It extends up to 2500 km and is home to 1500 species of fish, 400 species of coral, 4000 types of molluscs. The endangered dugong, the green sea turtle can be found here.

 Willandra Lakes Region

This lake region has the oldest known relics of human occupation outside Africa. There was a lake in this region, which dried up about 18500 years ago and since then, this region remains undisturbed and fossils of giant marsupials and cremation grounds were excavated here by archaeologists.

Tasmanian Wilderness

This region is on the island of Tasmania and is included as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. In prehistoric times, Tasmania went through ice age and glaciation. After many millennia, temperate rainforests grew here and the landscape gradually changed. You will find karst limestone caves, river systems, and spectacular wildlife. There is evidence of Aboriginal Australians, who lived here 21000 years ago.

 Lord Howe Island Group

These are volcanic islands off the coast of Australia and are home to some very special and endemic species of creatures. These islands are breeding grounds for seabirds and the waters around the islands are rich in coral reefs.

Gondwana Rainforests of Australia

These are 41 different sites in Australia where geological formations were formed after the breakup of Gondwanaland. There are subtropical rainforests which are home to some special plants and animals.

Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for the Uluru sandstone monolith and the Kata Tjuta rock formation. Originally it was the Uluru National Park, and both these formations are very important symbols of faith to the Aṉangu people. Geologically these formations suggest a slow weathering process called honeycomb weathering.

Wet Tropics of Queensland

The tropical rainforests in Queensland are among the most ancient forests in the world and have been here since the Gondwana times. The plants here have been growing since primitive times and include ferns, cycads, and more than 500 other plant species that are endemic to this region. There are many animal species found here such as marsupials and bird species.

Shark Bay

The seabed in Shark Bay has the largest and the richest seagrass meadows in the world. There is a huge colony of stromatolites found here in the Hamelin Pool which provides the records of the earliest life on earth. Some endangered species found here are Gould's mouse, boodie, rufous hare-wallaby, Western barred bandicoot, and banded hare-wallaby.

Fraser Island

This island is considered to be the largest sand island in the world. This is the only island where rainforest grows on sand. There are freshwater lakes, and dunes rising to a height of around 240 m. Lush green mangrove forests, uncultivated coastlines, swamps, and ancient rainforests dominate the landscape of Fraser Island.

Australian Fossil Mammal Sites (Riversleigh / Naracoorte)

These are two fossil sites containing the oldest known fossils of mammals in Australia that became isolated for 35 million years. These fossil sites show changes that took place in the atmosphere and transformed the landscape from tropical forests into dry forests and woodlands. The fossils here date back 30 to 10 million years and are of the time when the first humans came to Australia.

Heard and McDonald Islands

These two islands are the only active volcanoes in the subantarctic and their landscapes have been undisturbed for many millennia. The islands are very significant and show a very high amount of volcanic activity, geomorphic processes, and glaciology. Scientists study the formation of oceanic and continental crusts by researching these islands. There is no human impact on these islands, no species being introduced here and due to its remoteness, the landscape is lying undisturbed.

Macquarie Island

This island is very significant as the rocks from the earth’s mantle lie exposed. This island is located midway between Australia and Antarctica. Scientists study the tectonic forces and go deep 6 km into the ocean to study the geological processes. The island is a breeding ground for elephant seals, royal penguins, king penguins, and four species of albatross.

Greater Blue Mountains Area

This site has a landscape of swamps, wetlands, grasslands, and eucalyptus forests, and is home to Australia’s magnificent biodiversity. You will find the Three Sisters rock formation here and many plant and animal species.

Purnululu National Park

The dramatic landscape of this national park has a plateau, and sandstone rock formations, and rises above the savannah grasslands up to a height of 820 ft.

Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens

This magnificent building was constructed for the World’s Fair and Melbourne International Exhibition. These two international exhibitions were held in Australia.

Sydney Opera House

Located at the tip of the Sydney Harbour, the Sydney Opera House is a masterpiece of architecture. Danish architect Jørn Utzon designed this and incorporated shell-like structures into its design. The building has two performance halls and a restaurant.

Australian Convict Sites

These are around 11 sites in Australia where 166000 men, women, and children were transported by the British Empire as punishment and rehabilitation.

Ningaloo Coast

This coast has coral reefs and teems with marine life like molluscs, fish, and crustacean species. More than a hundred whale sharks come here every year to feed. On land, there are limestone karst formations and caves that support unique life.

Budj Bim Cultural Landscape

The Gunditjmara people who live here have shaped a cultural landscape that includes dams, channels, and wiers, and direct the lake waters to harvest and aquaculture. They used the lava flow from the Budj Bim volcano to shape this unique landscape.

Best time to visit Australia

March till May, September, and November are the best months to visit Australia.

Other tourist places in Australia

• Melbourne Zoo
• Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
• Bondi Beach
• Gold Coast
• Daintree Rainforest

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India

Ajanta Caves

These rock-cut caves are a Buddhist site and these were made between 1st century BC. These caves have spectacular Buddhist art and sculptures.

Ellora Caves

These are a group of 34 temples and monasteries that were built out of a long basalt cliff. The best monument in Ellora Caves is the Kailasa Temple with incredible architecture, sculptures, and paintings.

Agra Fort

This fort was built in the 16th century and is a marvelous example of Indo-Islamic architecture. You will also find influences of Persian and Timurid architecture in the construction of this fort. There are many palaces, mosques, courtyards, and audience halls in the fort.

Taj Mahal

This is a mausoleum and one of the finest examples of Indo-Islamic architecture in India. The Taj Mahal is made of white marble stone and inlaid with semi-precious stones. The four minarets, guesthouse, surrounding gardens, and main gate are the various monuments of the Taj Mahal.

Konark Sun Temple

This Hindu temple is dedicated to the Sun God Surya and was built in the 13th century. The Sun Temple at Konark ranks among the finest temple architecture. The temple is shaped like a chariot with 24 wheels and six horses that pull the chariot. There are rich decorations on the temple, with motifs of dancers, musicians, and erotic scenes.

Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram

The monuments built in the coastal town of Mamallapuram in the 7th and 8th centuries show the brilliant architecture of the Pallava dynasty. The monuments are various and they include chariot-shaped temples, mandapas, and rock reliefs. The most famous is the Shore Temple. The architectural finesse inspired the Southeast Asian regions and countries such as Cambodia, Java, and Vietnam.

Kaziranga National Park

Located in the floodplains of the mighty Brahmaputra River, Kaziranga National Park is one of the best places to spot the One-horned Rhinoceros. You can also spot the Bengal Tiger, Water Buffalo, Gangetic River Dolphin, and Asian Elephant.

Manas Wildlife Sanctuary

This wildlife sanctuary has diverse landscapes like lowlands, hills, and grasslands, and is home to a diverse species of wildlife such as Sloth Bear, Bengal Tigers, Bengal Florican, Wild Water Buffalo, Gee’s Golden Langur, and Rhinoceros among many others. Floods and changes in the river course of the Manas River change the landscape continuously.

Keoladeo National Park

This national park was once the royal hunting grounds of the Maharajas but today it is one of the finest national parks in India. Over 350 species of birds can be found here including herons, storks, Siberian cranes, Greater Spotted Eagle, Bar-headed goose, demoiselle cranes, and others. This national park is a huge wetland site drawing migratory and resident birds.

Churches and Convents of Goa

The churches in Old Goa are a reminder of the Portuguese rule over Goa. There are 7 churches and convents in Old Goa that were built in the 16th and 17th centuries. They include the Basilica of Bom Jesus and several other churches. They have a mix of Baroque, Gothic, Mannerist, and Manueline architecture.

Khajuraho Group of Monuments

The Khajuraho temple complex has 23 temples that were built in the 10th and 11th centuries. The Nagara style of architecture is awesome and richly decorated with incredible sculptures, carvings, and motifs. There are sculptures of apsaras (celestial dancers), musicians, scenes from domestic life, and some erotic sculptures.

Group of Monuments at Hampi

Hampi was the capital city of the Vijayanagara Empire and the kings ordered to build some of the most magnificent temples and monuments. Temples like Virupaksha Temple have incredible architecture and sculptures.

Fatehpur Sikri

This capital city of the Mughals has red sandstone monuments and palaces like Buland Darwaza, Panch Mahal Palace, Tomb of Salim Chisti, and Jama Masjid.

Group of Monuments at Pattadakal

These are a group of 9 Hindu and 1 Jain temple that were built in the 7th and 8th centuries. The Chalukya dynasty rulers built these temples in the Badami-Chalukya style of architecture.

Elephanta Caves

These Buddhist caves are located near Mumbai harbor and are on an island. These cave complexes were built somewhere during the 5th and 6th centuries. Lord Shiva is the main deity of this temple and his idols and sculptures are carved out of rock.

Great Living Chola Temples

There are 3 Hindu temples and the best of these is the Brihadisvara Temple. The Chola temples are one of the finest temple in India with majestic Dravidian architecture. The Chola dynasty built these temples in the 11th and 12th centuries. Stone and bronze sculptures are the hallmarks of these temples. The other temples that were added to the heritage site are Airavatesvara Temple and Brihadisvara Temple.

Sundarbans National Park

This national park is located in the largest river deltas in the world. The Sunderbans National Park is on the confluence of two of the biggest rivers of India, are Ganga and Brahmaputra. The mangrove forests and swamps are home to Bengal Tigers, crocodiles, Irrawaddy Dolphins, Gangetic River Dolphins, and several species of turtles and fish.

Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand and Nanda Devi National Park

This site has two national parks located in the Western Himalayas, the Nanda Devi National Park and the Valley of Flowers National Park. This is a region of high mountains and Nanda Devi is the second highest mountain which is located completely in India. There are high pastoral meadows, glaciers, serene valleys, and some magnificent wildlife such as Asiatic Black Bear, Brown Bear, Ibex, Snow Leopard, and others.

Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi

Sanchi was a very significant Buddhist site and monastery and played a key role in the spread of Buddhism in India. It prospered during Ashoka's rule during the 3rd century BC. There are remains of a Buddhist pillar, various stupas, temples, palaces, and monasteries.

Humayun's Tomb, Delhi

The Tomb of Humayun is one of the finest pieces of architecture in Delhi. It has magnificent Mughal architecture and was constructed in the 1560s as a garden-tomb complex. Persian gardens add beauty to this monument. There are several other tombs here.

Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi

The earliest Mughal monuments including the Qutub Minar were built during the 13th and 14th centuries. The other monuments include Alai Darwaza, Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the Iron Pillar, and several other monuments. The Qutub Minar is a high minaret which is 238 feet high.

Mountain Railways of India

These are three mountain railways built in the 19th and the early part of the 20th century. They are a marvel of technology and architecture and were built to cross mountainous terrain and hills. These have bridges, and tunnels, and include Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Nilgiri Mountain Railway, and Kalka-Shimla Railway.

Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya

This is a Buddhist temple complex where Buddha is said to have achieved enlightenment under a Bodhi Tree. The construction of the present temple dates back to the 5th and 6th centuries. It is a 50 m high temple and is made of bricks.

Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka

These rock shelters are at the foothills of the Vindhya Mountain range. They contain rock paintings made by hunter-gatherers of the Mesolithic period.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus)

This site is a historic railway station and was built in the later part of the 19th century. The architect y Frederick William Stevens designed the architecture of this railway station and brought influences of Italian Gothic and Victorian Gothic architecture in the design. This railway station shows the wealth and importance of Mumbai as a major British commercial port.

Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park

This archaeological site includes ruins from several eras from the Chalcolithic period to the Gujarat Sultanate which ruled in the 16th century. The monuments and buildings here include Kalika Mata Temple, Jama mosque, and Jain temples. Some of the water-management systems, fortifications, and 14th-century temples are still intact.

Red Fort Complex

The Mughal emperor Shah Jahan ordered the construction of this historic fort in Delhi in the mid-17th century. It has a blend of Mughal architecture with some influence of Indo-Persian and Timurid architecture. The fort has gardens, palaces, huge courtyards, gates and other buildings. The Independence of India was first celebrated here at the Red Fort.

The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur

This astronomical observatory was built in the 18th century and shows the advanced sciences and astronomical brilliance of that era. The Rajput king Sawai Jai Singh II built Jantar Mantar and it has 20 astronomical instruments that enable to track the movement of the sun and the celestial bodies.

Western Ghats

The Western Ghats is a continuous mountain range that runs along the western coast of India. The forests in the Western Ghats are a biodiversity hotspot with several endemic wildlife species like Dhole, Bengal Tiger, Nilgiri Tahr, Lion-tailed macaque, and others. The site is very significant from a geological perspective as it represents the breakup of Gondwana and the isolation of India as a separate subcontinent and colliding with the Eurasian Plate. This site contains 39 separate sites.

Hill Forts of Rajasthan

These six hill forts of Rajasthan were built on hilltops and they were built between the 8th and 18th centuries. They were built with influences of Mughal and Sultanate architectural styles. They are scattered all over Rajasthan and these are Chittor Fort, Gagron Fort, Kumbhalgarh Fort, Amber Fort, Ranthambore Fort, and Jaisalmer Fort.

Rani-ki-Vav (the Queen's Stepwell) at Patan, Gujarat

This stepwell is one of the best examples of stepwell construction and ingenious architecture. There are seven levels in this stepwell and each has elaborate carvings and sculptures. Rani ki Vav was built in the 11th century during Chalukya rule. But after the river course changed the stepwell ceased to be in operation.

Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area

This national park is home to several rare species such as musk deer and western tragopan. The diverse landscapes of this national park vary from riverine forests to alpine meadows. Many incredible wildlife thrive here in this national park.

Nalanda, Bihar

This is a Buddhist center of learning and was built in the 5th century. There are stupas, shrines, artworks, and viharas, which are residential and educational buildings.

Khangchendzonga National Park

This national park is located in Sikkim and is named after Mount Khangchendzonga, the world’s third-highest mountain peak. This is a sacred mountain for the people of Sikkim. Many ethnic groups of Sikkim live in this region. This national park is rich in natural beauty and wildlife.

Capitol Complex in Chandigarh by Le Corbusier

Le Corbusier was a Franco-Swiss architect who was famous for his architectural buildings. The Capitol Complex in Chandigarh is listed in the heritage site list and he designed this building with incredible architectural finesse.

Historic City of Ahmadabad

Ahmad Shah I founded Ahmedabad in 1411. Islam, Christians, Hindus, Jains, Zoroastrians, Jews, and Buddhists came here and settled here. This resulted in a city with incredible urban culture. Some striking monuments here include Bhadra Fort, Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, tombs, stepwells, shrines, and temples.

Victorian Gothic monuments of Mumbai

This site includes buildings built during the British era in Mumbai. These were built in the Victorian Gothic style and included Gothic Revival elements in their architecture. The buildings include the Bombay High Court, cinema halls, and apartment buildings.

Jaipur City, Rajasthan

Sawai Jai Singh II founded the city of Jaipur as the capital city and developed it with a grid plan, based on ancient Indian sciences and Western architecture. Many skilled craftsmen and artists lived here. The monuments and buildings in Jaipur include Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Jaipur City Palace, and Govind Deoji Temple.

Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana

This temple was built during the rule of the Kakatiya dynasty in the 13th century and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. There are stone carvings, and sculptures showing dances and Hindu practices.

Dholavira: a Harappan City

This city was an important trade center during the Harappan Civilization from the 3rd century to the 2nd century BC. Excavations unearthed here recovered the remains of a walled city, remains of a water management system, a cemetery, and other buildings. Dholavira had trade relations with other important centers like Mesopotamia.

Santiniketan

This site was developed to be an ashram by Debendranath Tagore in the second half of the 19th century. It was then developed to be the Viswabharati University. Santiniketan is deeply connected with the life of Rabindranath Tagore, who was the son of Debendranath Tagore.

Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas

The monuments and temples that were built during the Hoysala rule from the 11th to 14th centuries have incredible architecture. These temples and monuments include those at Belur and Halebidu and the temple at Somanathapura. The temples were sacred sites for the followers of Shaivism, Jainism, and Vaishanvism. The most striking temple among these is the Chennakeshava Temple in Belur.

Best time to visit India

Winter season from December to March is the best time to visit India. Monsoon season is also a good time to visit the Western Ghats as the greenery is strikingly beautiful and waterfalls can be seen in most places.

Other tourist places in India

• Leh Ladakh
• Srinagar
• Coorg
• Manali
• Andaman Islands
• Udaipur

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Europe

The Dolomites, Italy

The Dolomites is a huge mountain range in the northeast of Italy. There are waterfalls, valleys, virgin forests, meadows, rivers, glaciers, and cliffs that dominate much of the landscape of the Dolomites. In winter Dolomites turn into a huge playground for winter sports, snowboarding, ice skiing, and more.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

This coast has a Mediterranean culture and its culture was developed during the medieval times. The coast has vineyards, small towns, orchards, pastures, and a dramatic landscape of mountains almost touching the deep blue Tyrrhenian Sea.

Rome, Italy

The capital city of the Roman Empire, Rome has many impressive monuments like the Pantheon, the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and buildings from the Baroque and Renaissance periods.

Assisi, Italy

Assisi was the birthplace of Saint Francis, who founded the Franciscan Order. The basilica here was built in the 13th century and has many paintings. 

Matera, Italy

This site was where there were cave dwellings of the Palaeolithic period. These are structures like hermitages, churches, and monasteries. The Romanesque Matera Cathedral is a very old church dating back to the 13th century.

Valley of the Temples, Agrigento, Italy

These are a site with ancient Greek temples and are called the Valley of the Temples. These temples were built at the site where the ancient city of Akragas stood. The most famous temple here is the Temple of Concordia which was built in 440 BC.

The Real Alcazar in Seville, Spain

The Alcazar was built during the rule of the Almohad dynasty. The cathedral that stands here was built during the 15th century. There are tombs of two very famous people, Christopher Columbus and Ferdinand III in this cathedral. Besides this, some documents hold the records of the colonization of the Americas and they can be found in the Archives.

Cordoba, Spain

This historic city has the Great Mosque of Cordoba, a catholic church dating back to the 7th century, and other monuments. During the Moorish rule in Cordoba, there were around 300 mosques with incredible architecture.

The Kingdom of the Asturias

This site was the only Christian region in Spain in the 9th century. It had its architectural style which can be seen in its churches and other monuments. The Kingdom of Asturias has magnificent monuments such as the La Foncalada.

Valletta, Malta

This was a fortified city that was built during the 16th century. It had incredible Baroque architecture and its Renaissance urban planning is among the best. There are almost 320 various monuments in Valletta such as Grandmaster’s Palace, Saint John's Co-Cathedral, and Auberge d'Aragon which are noteworthy for their architecture and historic value.

The old city of Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

The city of Mostar is famous for the Old Bridge and it is also known as Stari Most. The bridge is a remarkable example of Balkan Islamic architecture and is on the Neretva River. Suleiman the Magnificent ordered the construction of this bridge, which is a stone arch bridge.

Plitvice Lakes National Park, historic Trogir, and the old city of Dubrovnik, Croatia

These are three historic heritage sites in Croatia. Plitvice Lakes National Park has hundreds of waterfalls, lakes, and vistas. Trogir is a city on the Adriatic coast and the many islands which you can visit from Trogir. Dubrovnik is a walled city and it has incredible medieval architecture.

Meteora, Greece

Monks settled in this almost rugged landscape of Meteora covered with sandstone cliffs in the 11th century. They build 24 monasteries and you will find Byzantine paintings.

Geirangerfjord, Norway

This fjord in Norway is one of the largest and the deepest fjord in the world and scenic. The fjord has exceptional natural beauty with its steep crystalline rock walls rising to a height of 1400 m from the Norwegian Sea. The landscape has many waterfalls, glacial lakes, glaciers, rugged cliffs, and mountains.

Kronborg Castle, Denmark

The royal castle of Kronborg played a key role in the history of northern Europe. It was built in 1574 and its military architecture is that of the late 17th century. It is the setting of the dramatic Shakespeare play Hamlet.

Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, Finland

This fortress was built on a group of islands near the entrance of Helsinki Harbour. It had remarkable military architecture at that time.

The Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland

This name is given to a geological formation that includes 40000 basalt columns projecting out into the sea. These columns were formed out of volcanic activity in the Tertiary period.

King Edward the 1st Castles, Wales

Several castles were built during the reign of King Edward I of England. These castles are considered to have the very best of military architecture. Only 4 castles are remaining and these are the ones at Caernarfon, Conwy, Beaumaris, and Harlech.

Jungfrau-Aletsch Region, Switzerland

The site has huge glaciers in the Alps and there are towering mountains like Mönch, Jungfrau, and Eiger. The site shows the geological processes that resulted in the formation of the Alps mountain range.

Upper Middle Rhine Valley, Germany

This is a cultural landscape that was shaped by the Rhine River which flows through Germany. There are 40 hilltop forts and castles along the Rhine River. Some of them are Lorelei Rock and Katz Castle.

Kraków, Poland

The historic center of Kraków has magnificent buildings, churches, and urban centers that used to be the meeting place of writers, and arts and crafts. It has royal residences of the kings of Poland and other buildings.

Budapest, Hungary

The city of Budapest is historic and is a union of three cities. The buildings and monuments here have Gothic and Baroque architectural styles, together with elements of Historicism and Art Nouveau styles. Budapest today is a huge metropolis but has retained its past glory and you can see it in the historic castles like Buda Castle.

The Historical Centre of Avignon, France

The historic city is to the south of France and it was the seat of the papacy. The Palais des Papes is a huge fortress that is located in Avignon, France. It has medieval Gothic architecture and ranks among the largest buildings in Europe.

Amsterdam Canals, the Netherlands

Amsterdam and its urban center were built in the 16th century and it has a network of canals that crisscross the city. These canals were designed by architects and created from farmlands, allowing for transportation within the different parts of Amsterdam and flood control.

Best time to visit Europe

You can visit Europe at any time of the year. But March to June and September to November are the best times to visit Europe.

Other tourist places in Europe

• Prague
• Mont Saint-Michel, France
• Rakotzbrücke, Germany
• Madeira, Portugal
• The Isle of Skye, Scotland
• Kirkjufell, Iceland

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in South America

Iguazu National Park, Argentina/Brazil

The Iguazu National Park is one of the spectacular wildlife destinations in Argentina. The Iguazu Falls is one of the largest waterfalls. The forests are home to some rare animals such as the Giant Otter, and Giant Anteater among others.

Cuzco, Peru

Cuzco was a very important city in the Inca Empire. King Pachacutec, who was an Inca king, developed the city. Cuzco was developed into distinct areas and had administrative centers and a very well-developed agriculture, artisan, and industrial system.

Glaciers National Park, Argentina

This national park is in Argentina and is an incredibly scenic landscape with glaciers, lakes, and towering mountain peaks. Some of the glaciers are still advancing and one of the most famous glaciers is the Perito Moreno.

Cartagena, Colombia

The city of Cartagena in Columbia has remarkable monuments, forts, and military architecture. Cartagena is a Caribbean city that has natural bays and ports and natural harbours are very well developed. Cartagena was also an important stop for explorers who were bound for the New World.

Easter Island, Chile

The Easter Island off the coast of Chile is famous for its statues, which are called moai and the Rapa Nui people created these statues. The Polynesian society inhabited this island in 3000 AD and they built such ritual sites all over Easter Island.

Nazca Lines, Peru

The strange lines and diagrams in the Nazca Desert were believed to be created by the Nazca culture. They lived here between 400 and 650 AD. These lines were created by scratching the surface. The diagrams include animals and birds. These designs are believed as a ritual.

Quebrada de Humahuaca, Argentina

This site has strange rock formations and served as a trade route between Inca settlements. Many battles were fought here during the 19th and 20th centuries. The rock formations are colorful and they are in a valley.

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

The archipelago of the Galapagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador was where Charles Darwin studied the ecology and natural world of these islands. His observations in the Galapagos Islands formed the basis of Darwin’s Theory of evolution by natural selection. Endemic species such as Galapagos Tortoise, Booby, Finches are found here.

Brasilia, Brazil

The capital city of Brazil is an architectural wonder and a man-made marvel. Architect Lucio Costa designed the city of Brasilia together with the local architect Oscar Niemeyer. Brasilia is a marvel of urban planning, administrative structures, and architecture.

Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, Brazil

This national park is a wonder of natural beauty and ecology. It is one of the earth’s oldest known biospheres and possesses an incredible diversity of animals, birds, plants, and forests.

Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

This site is a collection of islands and the waters around these islands are breeding grounds for endangered species like the hawksbill sea turtle, tuna, sharks, and others. The tidal pools of these islands, natural lagoons, and jagged volcanic peaks form much of the landscape of this national park.

Canaima National Park, Venezuela

The national park is dominated by a landscape that includes tabletop mountains. These are formed due to geological processes for many millennia. Angel Falls, the highest waterfall in the world is located in this national park.

Machu Picchu, Peru

This ancient site is located in the middle of a huge tropical rainforest and was part of the Inca Empire. Machu Picchu is on the travel itinerary of every tourist and is one of the most visited UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world. Machu Picchu represents the architectural genius of the Incas.

Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

This national park has dramatic and the most scenic landscapes which include towering mountains, jagged cliffs, glaciers, lakes, rivers, subpolar forests, and Patagonian steppes grasslands. Over 252000 visitors visit this national park every year for hiking and trekking. The Cordillera del Paine is the most famous attraction and this is a huge mountain range that includes three towering massifs.

Valparaiso, Chile

This city has 19th-century architecture and is a port city with incredible maritime architecture.

Best time to visit South America

South America is a huge continent and when to visit South America very much depends on which place you are visiting. Some places are year-round places. But broadly speaking September till November is considered to be a very good time to visit the South American continent.

Other tourist places in South America

• Pantanal, Brazil
• Lake Titicaca, Peru, Bolivia
• Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
• Amazon Rainforest
• Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Buenos Aires, Argentina

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Africa

Okavango Delta, Botswana

This is the world’s inland delta where the river does not meet the sea or an ocean. Instead, the water drains inland and much of it is evaporated during its course. This is one of the best places in Africa for watching animal migrations. Okavango Delta is one of the Natural Wonders of Africa and is the 1000th UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Kenyan Lake System in the Great Rift Valley, Kenya

The Great Rift Valley in Kenya is not just a geological wonder but a natural habitat for birds. Three lakes, Bogoria, Nakuru, and Elementaita in the Rift Valley are a habitat where migratory birds come here every year. Many endangered bird species can be found here.

Namib Sand Sea, Namibia

The Namib Sand Sea is a fascinating place where high sand dunes reach 300 meters. The unique ecosystem of sand and the Atlantic Ocean creates a landscape that is the driest in the world. The sand seas in Namibia span across 32 km and fogs originate off the coast making daytime temperatures rise 45 degrees and nighttime temperatures drop to a freezing point.

Cape Floristic Region, South Africa

This region is one of the smallest floral regions in the world and a biodiversity hotspot. It is located at the southern tip of South Africa and has a Mediterranean climate. It includes the Table Mountain National Park.

Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania

Situated in Tanzania, Kilimanjaro National Park is home to Mount Kilimanjaro, which is the highest mountain peak in the African continent. The surrounding savannah grasslands and plains offer breathtaking vistas of this mountain and is home to magnificent birds and animals.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

The Ngorongoro crater of the active volcano Oldonyo Lengai teems with wild animals such as zebra, elephants, lions, leopards, gazelles, etc. Besides this, there are grasslands and salt lakes. The name of this crater is taken from the Maasai language.

Serengeti National Park

This national park is where wildlife migrates with the seasons and it is one of the greatest natural phenomena in the world. Serengeti National Park is included in the Seven Wonders of Africa. It has a diverse landscape of grasslands, swamps, woodland, forests, rivers, and kopjes. Wildebeest, gazelles, zebras, buffalo, and lions live in this national park.

Aldabra Atoll, The Seychelles

This natural wonder has a marine landscape of atolls, lagoons, coral reefs, and islands. Giant Tortoises numbering 152000 live here and it is the world’s largest population of tortoises that is found here.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

This national park is where you will find mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Almost half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas is found here. This national park is blessed with a rich ecosystem, with 348 types of birds, 120 types of mammals, 220 butterfly species, 1000 flowering plants, and 163 species of trees and ferns can be found here.

Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls is on the Zambezi River and this waterfall ranks as the world’s largest waterfalls. Victoria Falls is a series of waterfalls falling into gorges with sprays of mist and spray. This waterfall can be seen from a distance of 30 km. The region around the waterfall is a breeding site for bird species.

Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

This national park is on the Zambesi River and is home to many wildlife species such as zebra, leopards, cheetah, Nile crocodiles, and buffalo. The floodplains of this river form several islands and lakes.

Best time to visit Africa

You can visit Africa at any time of the year, but the months from July to October are best. November to April is the season when there is ample greenery around and good for bird watching.

Other tourist places in Africa

• Cape Town
• Kruger National Park
• Madagascar
• Mauritius
• Ethiopia
• Egypt

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Southeast Asia

Halong Bay, Cat Ba Island, Vietnam

The magnificent karst limestone cliffs and islets jutting out from the sea form an incredible landscape of Ha Long Bay. This dramatic landscape is a result of millennia of erosion and weathering. There are hidden caves here which you must explore.

Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore

This garden is among the most visited tourist landmarks in Singapore. The garden is 157 years old and contains rare and exotic plants, trees, and creatures. You will find orchids, and a diverse number of creatures like Malayan Giant Frogs, Sea eagles, and more.

Luang Prabang, Laos

This magnificent city was the former capital city of Laos. The dramatic natural landscape of Luang Prabang has the confluence of two rivers, towering mountains, valleys, and colonial architecture.

Gunung Mulu National Park, Borneo, Malaysia

This national park in Malaysia is on the island of Borneo. It has old-growth tropical rainforests, limestone karst cliffs, endless caves, and caverns and wildlife. The 295 km long cave system is the most amazing feature of this national park. You will find gibbon apes, sun bears, and other exotic species.

Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns, Thailand

This capital city is an old city and was the capital of Siam. This old city is where you can visit the famous Buddhist temples like Wat Mahathat. There are lakes, and ruins along with a military outpost and ceramics industry.

Hoi An, Vietnam

The city of Hoi An is where you will find the idyllic life and Vietnamese culture. Hoi An has many cultural influences like French buildings, Chinese quarter, and Japanese-style bridges. Hoi An is best for exploring the Full Moon Festival and this is the time when hundreds of glowing lanterns lit up the sky.

Temple of Preah Vihear, Cambodia

The temple was built in the 11th century for Lord Shiva and is a remarkable architectural landmark of the Khmer Empire. The temple is located on the edge of a cliff and its ruins are spectacular reminders of the glory of that era.

Komodo National Park, Indonesia

This national park is in Indonesia and its most famous resident is the Komodo Dragon. You can go on guided treks in this national park. But you can also do snorkeling and scuba diving and come across dolphins and other marine creatures.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam

This national park is full of lush green forests and you will find the world’s largest karst cave here. The eerie limestone formations and caves have huge stalactites and stalagmites and guided tours are available. There are mud pools inside and underground lakes in this cave.

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Palawan, Philippines

These coral reefs are located on the coast of Puerto Princesa and its atolls and crystal clear waters teem with marine life. You can go for guided scuba diving and snorkeling and come across seals, manta rays, whale sharks, and other marine creatures.

Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras, Philippines

The rice terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras were made thousands of years ago by the farmers amidst mountains and they still draw tourists worldwide. You can go on walking treks and view the terraces up close. There are traditional stilt houses here and they offer the best views of the terraces and the hills.

Kinabalu National Park, Borneo, Malaysia

This national park is a biodiversity hotspot where you will find incest-devouring plants and some fascinating animals. Tarsiers and orangutans are some of these that you can spot. The mighty Gunung Kinabalu mountain peak rises to a height of 4095 meters and towers over the surrounding rainforests.

Tropical rainforest heritage of Sumatra, Sumatra, Indonesia

There are three national parks on the island of Sumatra in Indonesia and all of these have dense tropical rainforests which teem with incredible wildlife. But there are towering volcanic mountains, high-altitude lakes, and scenic waterfalls, which complete the landscape of Sumatra. Some of the rare creatures on earth like the Sumatran Tiger, Woolly-haired rhinos, and orangutans live here.

Angkor Archaeological Park, Cambodia

The Khmer city of Angkor is where you will find the world’s largest temple complex, the Angkor Wat. There are 300+ temples in the complex and they have incredible sculptures, carvings, and architecture. Bayon, Ta Phrom, and Angkor Wat are the three most famous temples among these. But the smaller temples are no less fascinating.

Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries, Thailand

This wildlife sanctuary is famous for its tigers, leopards, and other wildlife species. It is located along the Thailand-Burma border. You will find exciting birdlife such as hornbills. Jungle trails are leading into the forest and you can go on guided tours.

Borobudur Temple Compounds, Indonesia

These are Buddhist temples dating back to the 8th century. The Borobudur Temple is located amid high volcanoes, tropical jungles, and towering limestone cliffs. The temple complex is regarded as the largest Buddhist temple complex in the world. This temple is on a hilltop and it was rediscovered in 1815. Today you can visit the 72 stupas, and 504 Buddhist statues, and wonder at the sculptures.