Photo: Spencer Davis

Petra, Jordan Situated in Southwestern Jordan

Petra is eminent for its attracting feature of being less crowded. Carved by the Nabateans in the third century BC, Petra remains a top spot to wonder while in Jordan with its engaging tombs and temples.
Accessed via a narrow walkway “Sig”, this archaeological site presents a handful of things to encounter. From climbing up to the monastery to exploring the old city as well as the most famous 45m high Al Khazneh temple with Greek styled exterior.

Petra is also listed on our list of top photography destinations in Asia !



Photo: Jasslyn Jocom

Ancient Kyoto, Japan

Even so Japanese’s capital “Tokyo” stars part of the country’s historical sites. Kyoto – its imperial capital, for over a thousand years remains the heart to its cultural and spiritual belongings. Over 17 components round up the list of UNESCO’s historic monuments of Ancient Kyoto, including the tallest and towering Pagoda of To-Ji. Appreciate Ninna-Ji with its late-blooming cherry trees or be captivated by scenic views of autumn colors at the Tenryu-Ji, a mountain-tucked site as well.



Photo : Hannes Rada

Sambor Prei Kuk, Cambodia

A 2017 recent addition to UNESCO World Heritage list of sites, Sambor Prei Kuk- an impressive and forest-cocooned complex located in Kampong Thom province consists of over one hundred temples with a magical exhibit of Khmer-style grandeur.
For a deep insight of this area and protection as well, hire a guide. This archaeological spot has a lot to explore including a blend of sandstone carvings, still-standing beautiful temples and collapsing ruins that are slowly being covered by the jungles.

Recommended Read : Top Things to do in Cambodia


Photo : Bruce Smee

Robben Island, South Africa

South Africa is illustrious for its rich Wildlife, but it’s worth exploring with a visit to the oval-shaped Robben Island where South Africa’s peacemaker president “Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela” was immured. Pastly a prison, Robben Island is now a living museum with a lot to discover for seekers of discovery, toured by a prisoner-turned guide.
An appealing itinerary must cover the lime quarry where Mandela with other inmates were forced to drudge, African penguin colony, Maximum security prison including Mandela’s 2x3 meter cell as well as the old leper graveyard.


Photo: Kangxi504

Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

Although ravaged by April 2015 strong earthquake, Kathmandu Valley remains a superb site to explore part of World’s UNESCO sites. On the list of Nepal’s ten World heritage sites, Kathmandu features seven of them including Hindu temples of Pashupati and Changu Narayan, Buddhist stupas of Swayambhu and Bauddhanath, Patan and Bhaktapur plus the Durbar Squares of Hanuman Dhoka.


Photo: Alisson Velvet

Skellig Michael, Republic of Ireland

Believed to have been founded in the 16th century, Skellig Michael, a Gaelic Christian monastic grips on to a scatter of pyramidal rocks just off the Southwestern coast of Ireland. Reached by steep steps, this island includes beehive-shaped huts, oratories, hermitages and man-made terraces where monks lived. Besides, it’s a breeding area for thousands of puffins during warmer months. In addition to being a pilgrimage site for Catholics, Skellig Island became more popular when it featured in the recent Star Wars films “home of the Luke Skywalker”. Being located in a natural landscaped setting surrounded by water, this untainted Island offers awe-inspiring views to admire.



Photo: Geoffrey Bendz

Troy, Turkey

Troy, the ancient Anatolian city with a vast collection of ruins, holds its status as one of the most famous archaeological treasures in the World. Founded by the Hittites in the third millennium BC and declared UNESCO site in 1998. Its rediscovered remains are expansively providing wide coverage on a day tour. The most valuable sites here are; First World War battle of Gallipoli, monuments, Ottoman bridges, defensive walls and beautiful temples with grandeur influence of the Greeks and Romans. This site presents a seductive appearance which can't let you go without taking a photo using a mobile phone or camera at hand, really incredible.

 

Photo: Augustin de Montesquious

Old Havana, Cuba

Proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1982, Old Havana highlights an untidy but winsome setting to awe. The Charm of this area comes from an appealing state of degeneration, vintage cars, salsa-swaying streets, leafy plazas to messy mansions which are perfect for irresistible photos. Along mending is undergoing to ensure Old Havana remains the most magnificent city Centre in the Caribbean. In need of deep perception, explore on foot wandering through cathedrals, large plazas to fortifications which protected one of the largest fortresses in the Americas. Lovers of architecture, for sure Old Havana is entitled to thrill you.



Photo : Willian Justen de Vasconcellos

Machu Picchu, Peru

Undoubtedly, Machu Pichu attracts the eyes of all visitors who plan their trip to Peru. Nested amidst the mountains of Andes, this site boasts amazing dramatic landscapes. Archeaological study showed the site was built from 450 to 1460. It is a beautiful reflection of Inca culture. 
It was rediscovered by Hiram Bingham and now one of the main iconic destinations that cultural enthusiams should include in their itinerary. 



Photo : Dmitry Goykolov

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague with its fantastically preserved UNESCO listed historic Centre of medieval streets, cultural sites like palaces to individual buildings impress most of the visitors at any time of visit. Characterful attractions that form values highlighted by UNESCO are Old town where you find the Charles Bridge, old town square and astronomical clock with luring animated hourly shows, lesser town comprising of Vltava river banks and Prague castle and the new town is known for its lively Wenceslas Square. For real you will not get tired of taking a lot of nice photos.



Photo : Franco Beccari

Ravenna, Italy

Not only the capital of the Western Roman Empire. Emilia Romagna city of Ravenna traits eight of the 54 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Italy, popularly known as the Early Christian monuments of Ravenna. All sites date from the fifth and sixth centuries, with the most formidable being “Mausoleum of Ravenna”- built for the sister of Emperor Honorius who turned Ravenna the capital. A tour to Ravenna is worth exploring these sites, relishing on delicious Italian Pizza and Pasta as well as supping on a glass of wine.

Tsodilo Hills, Botswana

Most of Travelers recognize Botswana for its Wildlife. But beyond that, it has a lot to be surprised including the dubbed Louvre of the Desert “Tsodilo Hills”. Declared a UNESCO site in 2001, this historical site with its magnetic power (rock facing turning a copper color on dying sun) both captivates and puzzles, it seems there is undeniable spiritualism. The original inhabitants “San” believe Tsodilo Hills as a supernatural place where ancestral spirits dwell. What astonishes most visitors are the historical facts about the site, various rock paintings done by the Bushmen to picturesque views of landscapes and areas around.



Photo : Antonio Violi

Valletta, Malta

Governed by various rulers for a couple of years, Malta is notable for an array of historic sites. Its capital "Valletta" settled on a hill is rated as one of the most concentrated historic areas in the World according to UNESCO. With a diverse range of monuments, museums, palaces and grand churches. Admire the Baroque nature of the city with neo-classical, mannerist and modern architecture exhibited. To unearth why it’s listed a heritage site, make sure you mark these landmarks on your travel: Grand Master’s palace, St John’s Co-Cathedral, Auberge de Provence, Auberge de Castille et Leon and Auberge d’Italie. A boarding a traditional boat grants a deep insight into facts about this fortified city.



Photo : Daniel Burton

Tikal National Park, Guatemala

Tikal is an ancient Mayan citadel in the rainforests of northern Guatemala. On top of its iconic ruins of temples and palaces, Tikal was listed UNESCO site for its extraordinary biodiversity and archaeological importance. Its diverse ecosystems and habitats boast a wide scope of flora and fauna. From history, it’s a magical opportunity to be mesmerized by the available Wildlife like Five cats including Puma and Jaguar, more than 300 species of birds to several species of anteaters and monkeys.

Abu Simbel, Egypt

Relocation and rescuing of these magnificent Nubian temples and Sanctuary of Isis at Philae from rising waters of River Nile occurred. It wasn’t only important for Egypt. But emphasized a global approach of safeguarding heritage. There are now headlining as top UNESCO world heritage sites in Egypt. Planning a tour is not only about historical facts, but you will also be impressed by its carved architecture, scenic views and natural setting.

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Somewhere less-known ?

Bagan, Burma

Once listed in the Unesco Heritage in 1999 but moved out for political reason, Bagan is undeniably mesmerizing. The whole spectacular area is studded with over 2,500 Buddhist temples and pagodas remaining from XI century. Apart for the fine mural art, Bagan also showcases a rich collection of Buddhist relics as well local traditional work.

Recommended Read : Burma Holidays for discerning travelers