The planet has some of the most incredible and unique natural and man-made sites. If you want to visit a few of these best, here are the UNESCO World Heritage sites you need to see and experience at least once in your life.
The Great Barrier Reef
Found off the coast of Queensland in Australia, The Great Barrier Reef needs no introduction. Made up of nearly 3,000 unique reefs and 900 islands, it is home to 9,000 known species, with countless more to be discovered.
You can view the reef from above from the luxury of a private jet charter, travel by boat, or stop off and snorkel or scuba dive in an area. It is so massive it can be enjoyed from almost any point of view.
Angkor Wat
Found in the jungles of Cambodia, Angkor Wat is the largest Buddhist temple complex in the world. Founded in 1150, it was first a Hindu temple and is now a pilgrimage site for Buddhists and Hindus from around the world.
Angkor Wat can be viewed from the sky, but the best way to enjoy it is to take the trip by car. The drive isn’t that far either, as it is only 15 minutes from Siem Reap, with the Siem Reap International Airport being even closer.
Pyramids of Giza
Another site known around the world is the Pyramids of Giza. These incredible and ancient structures tower over Cairo and should most certainly be on your itinerary when visiting Egypt.
While you can drive to the site, one of the best ways to view the pyramids is much more unique. There are multiple hot air balloon operators that will take you floating to and above the pyramids, giving you a view not many people have been able to enjoy.
Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands are one of the world’s most magical but hard-to-visit sites. With 95% of the land under protection, tourists can only experience a few small areas of the islands, but to say it’s worthwhile would be a complete understatement. Not only are the islands exquisite, but you may also be lucky enough to see some of the giant tortoises that call it home.
There are two main ways to get to the islands. The first is by boat, and you can also reach them by air. While you must get to Ecuador first, you can take connecting flights to the region. This is almost always the better option, as boats to the region are rare and can often be more expensive than flying.
Ha Long Bay
When it comes to sites that don’t look real, Ha Long Bay will almost always be near the top of the list. When you combine the ocean with tree-capped rock outcrops that tower over you, few places on earth come close to the majesty and beauty of Ha Long Bay.
While you can get to the bay via taxi, an airport will get you right into the heart of Ha Long. However, once you are there, exploring by boat is the only way to see and experience the many outcrops and waterways in the bay.
Jaipur
Known as “The Pink City,” Jaipur is famed for the blush of pink that adorns the majority of the structures in the city. When combined with the exquisite architecture, you get a truly unique city that is like nothing else on earth.
The best way to experience this city is by foot or taxi. Jaipur isn’t just about seeing the buildings; it’s about exploring the area and the rich culture that can be found there. Not to mention, Jaipur has a superabundance of street food options that no other Indian cities have on offer.
Meteora
Meteora is a rock formation found in Thessaly, Greece; it is also home to one of the most extraordinary complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries, with Mount Athos being the only complex viewed as more important and sacred.
The monasteries are precariously built on the peaks of the rock formations, and while on the surface, they may look hard to reach, there are several roads and trails that lead you up to the buildings. You can visit them alone, but it is best to tour with a guide if you want to learn the full history of the region.
Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta, found in Botswana, is an island delta that spans over 2 million hectares. Countless creatures call the region home, with over 400 species of birds, 200 species of mammals, and 150 species of reptiles.
There are multiple ways to experience and enjoy the delta. The first is to charter a plane in nearby Maun and fly over it, which gives you exceptional views of the landscape and herds of animals. The second is by car — namely, game drives — led by experienced rangers who know where to find the animals, especially the Big Five. If you want a unique and luxurious way to see the delta, there are hot-air balloon safaris that will most certainly take your experience to the next level.
World Heritage Awaits
These are only a tiny fraction of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world, but they are arguably a few of the best. Whether it be gorgeous architecture, natural beauty, or spectacular animals, these sites have it all.
Read more lifestyle articles at ClichéMag.com
Images provided by Deposit Photos, BingAI, Adobe Stock, Unsplash, Pexels, Pixabay & Creative Commons
