Travel Parmeshwar Dass August 24, 2024 0 Comments

Top 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The evolution of the world has been through the centuries of changes and advancements leaving a historical trail to be explored. The world has been filled with many UNESCO World Heritage sites over the years with many breathtaking and incredible historical sites built by ancient civilizations.

When it comes to narrowing them down to the best it’s a tough task as everyone has different criteria for the same. But no matter what if you like to peep into the era of the past then these top 5 heritage places are a must-have on your bucket list.

Top 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites To Explore

Machu Picchu, Peru
The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Stonehenge, UK
The Colosseum And Roman Forum, Rome

1. Machu Picchu, Peru

If you love to trek and wish to explore Peru then you are at the onset of making an amazing experience in Peru. Rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911, it was an important cultural centre for the Inca civilization but was abandoned when the Spanish invaded the region. It is famously referred to as the “Lost City of the Incas,” though that is Vilcabamba. The location got a place on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1983. Very few know that the site was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.

Best Time To Visit: There’s no best or worst time to explore Machu Picchu as it is open year-round.
Getting There: Take a train to Aguas Calientes from Cusco and arrive at Machu. The 3.5-hour trip along the Urubamba River is a scenic trip with exposure to dramatic canyon walls on either side.
Admission Ticket: $7 for timings between 8 am to 12 pm, free till 04 pm

Also Read: 7 Famous Historical Monuments in the World

2. The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

One of the most secretive of world heritage sites listed is these 3000-year-old mysterious pyramids. Nobody knows how they were built. All three align to the stars, and solstices and contain tons of unopened chambers. That’s again a mystery for both locals and tourists. The largest among those in the less accessible Great Pyramid built by the Pharaoh Khufu. The Pyramids are truly a marvel of human engineering that was fit for kings.

Directions: Take a bus from Midan Tahrir, Cairo. The large buses that go to the pyramids are #800 and #900. The small bus that makes the trip is number 82. When you arrive, you can take a ride on a camel or horse to the pyramids themselves.

Opening Time: They are open Monday to Sunday from 7 am to 5 pm.

Tickets: General Admission is 60 EGP. To go inside the pyramids, it’s an extra 100 EGP.

Also Read: 10 Best Places to Visit in Egypt

3. Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Cambodia is famous for its amazing temples and buildings that were reclaimed by the jungle for hundreds of years after the decline of the Khmer Empire. This place despite being overcrowded with visitors is breathtaking upon visit. The most popular temples are Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Prohm, and Angkor Thom, and they always have crowds.

Directions To Angkor Wat: Arrive at Siem Reap Station from Thailand’s main airport and take a bus or train to the site.

Admission Ticket:

To experience the temples, you’ll need to purchase a three- or five-day pass from the Seim Reap ticket centre. The counter remains open from early morning till 05: 30 in the evening. Entrance fees vary depending upon the type of pass you get:

37 USD for 1 day pass
62 USD for 3 days pass
72 USD for 7 days pass

However, the pass is valid till 05:30 pm as most of the temples and sites are closed after sunrise.

When To Come?

Plan your journey in between November and April as the weather is comfortable during this time and you can explore other places too.

4. Stonehenge, UK

This over 3000-year-old megalithic structure is located near Salisbury, and its stones come from Wales. How these stones were got here is still a mystery. Stonehenge is now fenced off, and one can no longer go into the circle; visitors can only walk around the attraction.

Directions: To get there one can take trains to leave from London to Salisbury every thirty minutes from 6.30 am.
Opening Hours: Stonehenge is open from 9:30 am to 7 pm
Entrance Ticket: Prices start at 17.50 GBP for adults, and 10.50 GBP for children
Best Visiting Time: June to September

5. The Colosseum And Roman Forum, Rome

The Colosseum and the Forum in Rome are breathtaking not only for their beauty but also for their history and age. This is one of the most famous landmarks around the world. And the reason is its past where famous Roman dictator Caesar walked and gladiators battled to the death. However, it has slowly crumbled throughout the ages, and much of it is restricted now, especially the floor and basement where everything was organized.

Directions: Line 85 bus will take you to the Roman Forum within 10 minutes at the cost of less than 10 euros.
Opening Hours: The site opens for tourists at 08:30 am and closes before sunset.
Entrance Fees: The Forum is great to walk around (and it’s free), though a ticket is required for Palatine Hill.

All these most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage sites are a sight to behold. These architectural and historical heritage places will continue to fascinate future generations with their mysterious and glorious past. Besides these top world heritage sites, also include these heritage places in your travel bucket list of world tours: