Published on : Friday, April 20, 2018
One of the key motivations to travel is mankind’s inherent curiosity and desire to explore cultural identities across the world. Natural and cultural heritage sites are recognized as prized tourism assets that distinguish one destination from the other.
India
Not only ancient sites, UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites also includes natural wonders. Situated in the heart of Assam, the Kaziranga National Park is one of the last areas in eastern India which is pristine and untouched by human presence. It is inhabited by more than 2,000 rhinos and is home to a large breeding population of elephants, wild water buffaloes and swamp deer. One can get to view some of the most precious and rarest of wildlife, flora and fauna such as tall elephant grass, one-horned rhinos and the endangered tiger population, promoting the spirit of eco-tourism.
Italy
Italy is home to 53 UNESCO world heritage sites, which is more than any other country. Italy also has the largest number of cultural sites that one must experience. Celebrated throughout the world for its singular beauty, Venice and its lagoon were added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1987.
China
With 52 noteworthy sites, China ranks second in UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The Imperial Palace of the Qing Dynasty is one of the UNESCO approved world heritage site consisting of 114 buildings constructed between 1625–26 and 1783.
Spain
Spain is home to 45 UNESCO World Heritage sites, third in number only to Italy and China and is also a current tourist hotspot. Mérida – a model Roman city was established in 25 BC and according to UNESCO, it is a ‘remarkable example of a Roman city built according to all the Roman urban design rules’. Apart from this, another must visit place is the Toledo. Situated in central Spain, this city of three cultures made it to the UNESCO list for its extensive history spanning 2,000 years.
France
France takes pride in its 41 heritage sites preserved under the UNESCO. With more than 1.3 million visitors each year, Chartres Cathedral is one of the most visited heritage sites in France.