Tour to South Africa

What are the Exciting Places to Visit While Taking a Tour to South Africa, the Adventure Capital of the World?

South Africa has earned its reputation as one of the world’s fastest growing leisure, and business travel destinations. It is a popular tourist’s destination basting a range of cultural, historical, archaeological and geological sites that are protected under the UNESCO World Heritage Site project. The climate, culture, tourist activities and infrastructure in South Africa is so diverse that if you take South Africa flights on regular basis and visit this place over and over again it will not let you get bored off. Some of its attractions are:

KwaZulu Natal Durban: It is a breathtakingValley of a Thousand Hills in an exciting city of Durban. It provides multitude of leisure options for the visitors. Throughout the year, holiday-makers flock to their favorite KwaZula Natal taking cheap flights to South Africa from UK and other worldly destinations. To reserve your flights look for some trust worthy travel company like cheap flights to south Africa . One can cultivate a tan, ride the waves, eat, drink and generally have fun by surfing, snorkelling, fishing and swimming here. KwaZulu Natal’s game sanctuaries epitomize the best of the African wilderness.

Johannesburg Gauteng: The largest and most famous city of South Africa.It offers visitors taken flights to South Africa with natural gardens, wild life,and entertainment playground offering world-class restaurants, shebeens, stadiums, shopping malls and music venues. It is known as entertainment Mecca of South Africa.

South Africa World Heritage Sites: South Africa is endowed with fertile natural beauty, and long cultural and historical back ground that’s why South Africa has become the center for tourism for locals as well as for those taking cheap South Africa flights. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) seek to encourage the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage of South Africa. These are 8 sites Enlisted with UNESCO; Vredefort Dome WHS, Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park WHS, The Cradle of Humankind WHS, Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape WHS, Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park WHS, Cape Floral Kingdom WHS, Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape WHS, and Robben Island WHS for which visitors reserve flights to South Africa from UK.

Western Cape, Cape Town: Cape Town’s Attractions are plentiful and diverse which have made it a premier tourism destination. It is well known for the world-famous landmark Table Mountain

Nikko

STEPPING into the ancient, forested sanctuary of Nikko feels like stepping back in time 400 years – before the Western influence, before the steel-reinforced concrete apartments, before the buzzing illuminated signs and back to a quieter and more beautiful time.

Nikko is a town at the entrance to Nikko National Park, most famous for Toshogu, Japan's most lavishly decorated shrine and the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate.

Nikko is a UNSECO World Heritage site that is only two-hours north of Tokyo. While it is possible to visit during a day trip from Tokyo, I feel that rushing through a place like this will ruin half of what is special about Nikko – the serene, picturesque Japanese experience that everyone who visits Japan craves.

Nikko had been a center of Shinto and Buddhist mountain worship for many centuries before Toshogu was built in the 1600s, and Nikko National Park continues to offer scenic, mountainous landscapes, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, wild monkeys and hiking trails.

Nikko and the Okunikko area around Lake Chuzenji, in particular, are well known for their beautiful autumn colors (koyo). In the average year the colors start descending from the higher elevations of Yumoto Onsen in early October, are best around Lake Chuzenji and the Irohazaka road in mid to late October and reach the town of Nikko in the first half of November.



The main attractions of Nikko are the old temples and shrines, most of which were built over 400 years ago. Granted, there are much older temples and shrines in Japan, but while they have survived, the area surrounding hasn’t; It’s a little hard to feel the connection to a 1300 year-old temple, when you’re hearing the industrial sounds of heavy traffic and seeing the visual pollution of the neighbouring concrete buildings, and their connected jungle of overhead power cabling.

In contrast, Nikko is set in a remote and mountainous area, surrounded by giant trees, pristine rivers and mountains. While there is a city nearby, the actual location of the temples and shrines is enveloped within a fortress of ancient pines, stretching up to dizzying heights that even light has a hard time penetrating. As you walk around this ancient site, you’re removed from all modern stimuli and teleported back to an era of shogunates and samurais.

If you’re lucky, you may even spot some wild monkeys roaming around.The temples and shrines within are the most spectacular that I have seen in Japan. The colours are vivid, the wooden carvings are elaborate and the scale is unmatched. There are many famous carvings, including the ‘hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil’ trio of monkeys and a carving of an elephant based purely on a written description. It’s far too easy to spend several hours looking at the details.

There is more to Nikko than just old buildings. The area surrounding is almost as popular with Japanese tourists, especially during the brief cherry blossom period in spring, and the equally brief and stunning autumn colours that set the region ablaze in vivid hues of red and yellow. One of Japan’s most famous waterfalls, the 97m-high Kegon Falls, also happens to be high in the hills surrounding Nikko.
Travel is only half experienced if local food is ignored. Nikko is famous for yuba, which is the skin that forms on the surface of heated soymilk. It’s a versatile ingredient that can be eaten raw, added to soup or even fried. There were several places to try Nikko yuba in all it’s variations, which I did and recommend. Raw it’s a little sweet, in soup it’s delicious and fried… just mmm. Apart from yuba, the other specialty of the area is
soba noodles.



In my mind, Nikko is the ultimate Japanese experience. It is a culmination of exquisitely preserved cultural heritage set amongst equally exquisite and ancient natural surroundings.

This truly sets Nikko apart from any other location in Japan.

Due to the special tourism partnership between Nikko and Kutchan, the Tourist Information Center in Kutchan has a variety of brochures on the area should you desire more information.

Where: Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture
Getting there: Trains frequently leave from Shinjuku and Asakusa in Tokyo.
When: Beautiful and popular in all seasons.
Cost: ¥1000 for combination entry to the temples/shrines

7 Places to see before they disappear

Arunachal Pradesh
China’s proposal to build dams on the Brahmaputra’s Tibetan stretch is threatening to kill the gushing tributaries of one of the biggest rivers of South Asia. The course of the Brahmaputra after it enters India sees the river drastically lose height, creating several waterfalls and rapids, making the white waters ideal for rafting. Although China has said that it would not build reservoirs with these dams and, therefore, not affect the water levels downstream, the construction of a dam on the Subansiri River tributary has already put an end to rafting on that stretch. China’s effort to generate more hydroelectricity is sure taking the charge away from India’s adventure tourism.

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
This is not just for the mountaineering enthusiast. The sheer marvel of the world’s tallest free-standing mountain rising amid the arid vastness of north-east Tanzania has fascinated and captured the imagination of innumerable people through the ages. The Africans worship their ‘White Mountain’, which is a dormant volcano. But the snows of Kilimanjaro — as Ernest Hemingway famously put it — are fast receding, thanks to global warming. Researchers claim that about 85 percent of the snow that covered the mountain’s peak had disappeared by 2007. The glaciers on the mountain are shrinking and thinning at the same time. Loss of vegetation around the mountain too is believed to have had an impact.

Turtuk, Ladakh
This border village in the Nubra Valley of Ladakh once fell within Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. Although India reclaimed it after the 1971 war, the government imposed the Protected Area Permit Regime in the area, making it off-limits for foreigners. This, however, ensured that the region’s stark beauty remain untouched. Towards the end of 2009 the government lifted its restrictions. Foreign tourists have, since then, been queuing up for Bactrian camel rides and hot water springs. There goes the neighbourhood.

The Caribbean
The coral reefs of the Caribbean are some of the world’s best for scuba diving, with consistent conditions throughout the year, and dive spots suitable for everyone from novices to PADI-certified instructors. Spots such as Bonaire and the Dutch Caribbean offer shallow diving among coral reefs while Provo, Turks and Caicos are must-visits for snorkelling. But pollution — increased levels of carbon dioxide in the sea water — and global warming are taking a toll on them: While acidic waters affects the corals’ ability to secrete new skeletons, warmer waters disrupt their growth. Frequent hurricanes don’t help either. Plan that Caribbean cruise soon.

The Western Ghats
The Marathas built fortresses that were protected by the difficult terrain and isolation. But now, with developments like the Mumbai-Pune Expressway scything through the hills and making transport a breeze, developers are conquering the Ghats. Planned cities that took advantage of changes in the land zoning regulations in the area, which converted hill and agricultural land to residential and commercial ones, are taking shape. Leading the pack: Aamby Valley (10,000 acres) and Lavasa (25,000 acres of land and 60 km of lakefront). And the Ghats, nominated for a place on the Unesco World Heritage List, home to more than 300 threatened species, and one of the world’s top 10 biodiversity hotspots, look like becoming the middle of a vast Mumbai-Pune megapolis. Get that monsoon trekking done soon.

Sinking Islands
The Maldives are the lowest country in the world. With no spot on the islands rising more than two metres above sea level, this archipelago comprises about 1,200 islands and is located south west of India, in the Indian Ocean. Over the last century, changes in global climate are making sea levels rise, threatening the existence of the beautiful country and its people. They’re not the only ones in trouble. A pristine speck in the Pacific Ocean, half-way between Hawaii and Australia, called Tuvalu (it’s one of the smallest nations in the world, better known, perhaps, as the country with the registrar rights to the ‘.tv’ first level Internet domain), will, eventually, disappear under rising sea levels. Coral reefs, atolls and lagoons: Go see them while you can.

Zanskar, Jammu and Kashmir
Part of the Kargil district, Zanskar has become famous for its frozen river trek. Also known as the Chadar Trek, the route follows the Zanskar River that freezes during the winter months. The walls of the gorges cut out by the river reveal geological layers of the Fold Mountains and are best viewed in winter. Traditionally, this frozen route was the only link between the local population and the outside world. Now, of course, there is an airport at Leh. As civilisation creeps in, the presence of tourists can be felt by the junk they leave behind at camping sites along the river. The influx of tourists is also affecting the lives of the people, who had so far led isolated lives.

Where on Earth will you find yourself in 2011?

Here's wishing it's somewhere unforgettable -- and the time to plan your journey is now, as the New Year brings the customary yearning for a fresh start and the promise of new people and places.

To set your itinerary in motion, we sought out recommendations from three travel experts: Robert Reid, U.S. travel editor for Lonely Planet; Pauline Frommer, creator of Pauline Frommer's guidebooks; and Martin Rapp, senior vice president of leisure sales at Altour.

Here are nine of their top destinations for 2011:

1. New York

A huge tourist destination in any year, the city will be especially unforgettable as it marks the 10th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks next year.

Visitors who have been flocking to ground zero are finally expected to get a chance to pay their respects to the victims at the National September 11 Memorial, which is scheduled to open in time for the anniversary.

"It's going to be a massive moment for New York," Reid said. "It feels like the healing begins."

Visitors also shouldn't miss the High Line, once an abandoned elevated railway track that's been turned into a popular park. It expands in the spring, to the delight of New Yorkers.

"It was like a secret garden in the middle of New York," Frommer said. "It's become a park that other urban centers are studying because it's brought new life, a new vitality into the area below it."

No wonder the Big Apple tops Lonely Planet's list of top 10 cities for 2011.

2. New Zealand

The Rugby World Cup will be held next fall in New Zealand, adding excitement to an already popular destination.

Wellington, which brands itself as the "coolest little capital in the world," will host some of the activities and hopes to attract fans who want to explore other parts of the country.

"It's a great kind of springboard," said Reid, who is planning a visit and is determined to learn the haka, the fierce Maori dance used to unsettle opponents before matches.

Wellington is known as "Wellywood," thanks to a thriving film industry and director Peter Jackson, who is now working on "The Hobbit." Indeed, fans of the "Lord of the Rings" films already know New Zealand for some of the stunning sites used in the trilogy.

Rapp also recommended the country for its "most fantastically luxurious lodges," including The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, Huka Lodge and Otahuna Lodge.

3. Peruvian Amazon

When many people think of the Amazon, they think of Brazil, but Peru offers a great base for exploring the region: Iquitos, a metropolis of almost half a million people in the heart of the Peruvian jungle.

Iquitos is a fitting destination for 2011, which has been declared by the United Nations as the International Year of Forests.

"You can create your own adventures when you're there," Reid said.

It's the biggest city you can't drive to in the world, he added. You have to fly in or take a boat.

To experience the region in a unique way, Rapp recommended taking an Amazon River cruise from Iquitos on Delfin or Aqua Expeditions.

4. Barcelona, Spain

Visitors can get a chance to see La Sagrada Familia, the stunning but still unfinished Catholic basilica, like never before after a visit by Pope Benedict XVI in November spurred progress on the interior of the site, Frommer said.

"For the first time in years, most of the scaffolding there is gone," she said.

"Everybody knows how astounding it is on the outside. The inside is just as glorious."

Foodies have their own reasons to visit Barcelona and the surrounding region. El Bulli, chef Ferran Adria's famous restaurant, closes for good next year.

But even if you can't snag a reservation at the notoriously hard-to-get-into eatery, Barcelona is dotted with restaurants inspired by Adria's cutting-edge cuisine, like Moo, which Frommer called "astounding."

5. Norway

For lovers of the outdoors, Norway offers an especially outstanding experience, Rapp said. Adventurous travelers can go heli-skiing, paragliding and bungee jumping. (Rapp was considering a bungee jump himself during an upcoming summer trip to Norway.)

For a more mellow experience, hire a private boat on the fjords and go to little hotels that you can't get to by road, or stay at the Amot Opera Farm for an unusual combination of accommodations and music.

"All of Scandinavia is really underestimated," Rapp said.

"People [usually] go to the major cities, Copenhagen, Stockholm or Oslo, but the countryside is extraordinary. Truly majestic mountains, and the fjords are just unbelievable -- they seem endless when you're there."

6. Albania

The top pick on Lonely Planet's list of top 10 countries for 2011 may be a surprise for many people, but Albania gives travelers a taste of the Mediterranean without the crowds and the prices, Reid said.

The real rising destination is Gjirokastra, a city whose historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, he added.

"It's this cobbled town with Ottoman-era mansions," Reid said. "It's a very atmospheric place that has a lot of history."

With picturesque beaches, good food and a number of heritage sites, Albania won't be off the beaten track for much longer, Lonely Planet says in its review.

7. Japan

Many people still have the misconception that Japan is too expensive to visit, but once you get there, it can be more affordable than a vacation in New York, Reid said.

Why go in 2011? The country is ramping up its tourism marketing efforts after some recent disappointing years, so the number of visitors is expected to rise soon.

"We think that the crowds are going to get worse. Maybe it's time to think about it now," Reid said.

For help with booking an affordable stay, he recommended visiting the International Tourism Center of Japan and looking into minshuku, traditional guest houses that offer very simple but clean and inexpensive accommodations. You might pay $40 a night in Tokyo, for example.

8. Guatemala

More than 10 years after the end of its civil war, Guatemala is coming into its own as a tourist destination, Frommer said.

The country is an appealing alternative for people looking to travel south of the border and trying to branch out beyond popular places like Costa Rica, she added. Once there, you'll be amazed by the sites -- and the low prices.

"Lake Atitlan is one of the most beautiful places in the world. In fact, Aldous Huxley said it was more beautiful than Lake Como. I was there in March, and I would agree," Frommer said.

She called the destination "a bargain wonderland." A round-trip flight from New York cost Frommer $350, "decent hotels" charged as little as $35 a night, and a meal at a sit-down restaurant might set you back just $3, she said.

9. Bulgaria

Next year marks the 20th anniversary of the collapse of the Soviet Union, sparking interest in former Soviet bloc countries.

Reid's favorite choice on that list is Bulgaria, which has the best Black Sea coastline for beach enthusiasts and offers great skiing in the mountains in the winter, he said.

"I love doing road trips in Bulgaria. It begs for it. It's beautiful, and there's not much traffic. It feels very safe," said Reid, who rode around the country last year in a Soviet-era 1972 Moskovich, which he bought for $500.

Reid recommended visiting Veliko Târnovo, an ancient capital, and the picturesque city of Plovdiv, home to Roman ruins.

Planning to holiday in Kerala? It's almost houseful

Tourists hoping to usher in the New Year amid Kerala's laidback charms would do well to have a plan B ready - if they haven't booked already. Most hotels, resorts and even houseboats are sold out for Christmas, and only divine intervention can get you a place in 'god's own country'.

As a result of the holiday rush, tariffs have touched stratospheric levels. Plush resorts in the backwater havens of Alappuzha and Kumarakom are charging upwards of Rs.75,000 a night for the New Year eve.

Likewise, travel agents too are running from pillar to post to get reservations for their clients at premier destinations like Kovalam, Kumarakom, Alappuzha, Thekkady and Munnar.

Tomy Pulikattil, who owns a dozen houseboats in Alappuzha, said anyone who manages to book a houseboat now should consider himself extremely lucky.

"We are finding it hard to accommodate people who have not made a booking. The peak season would begin from Dec 20 and continue till the first week of January. We are fully booked and now people are calling us daily to see if there have been any cancellations," Pulikattil told IANS.

Alappuzha, popularly known as the Venice of the East, has the largest concentration of houseboats, numbering more than 400.

Tariff for the peak season has gone up by 25 percent. A two bedroom houseboat would cost you about Rs.20,000 a day.

Tourism has become one of the biggest money spinners in industry-starved Kerala. The tourism department says both foreign and domestic tourist arrivals for the first half of this year have shown a rise.

Around 335,000 overseas tourists arrived here till June 2010, a rise of 13.9 percent over the corresponding period last year. Domestic tourist arrivals too grew by 5.59 percent to reach 4.1 million.

No wonder hotel and resort owners are in a festive mood.

"All our rooms have been fully booked for the second half of this month and so is the case with resorts in and around Kovalam. Unlike in the previous season, this time we feel that there are more domestic tourists," said K. Sudish Kumar, who owns a premier resort at Kovalam beach.

"Moreover, we hope the rains lashing the state halt briefly so that tourists can enjoy the beaches."

However, tour guide Koshy John sounded a word of caution, saying the lingering effects of economic slowdown were still visible.

"The free flow of foreign tourists that was visible from the end of November last year has not happened this time. But I am told that foreign tourists' January bookings look healthy," he said.

"On its part, the state government also should promote newer destinations because the premier destinations are choked during the holiday season."

Top 10 Picturesque World Heritage Sites

World Heritage sites can be found on every continent in the world and bring pride to local people living in these places. The universal outstanding values must be preserved and protected to prevent them from immediate dangers. Nowadays, tourists have more opportunities to choose wonderful destinations they expect within a series of these greatest landscapes.

This article will introduce you to ten picturesque world heritage sites through stunning photos such as Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe), Timbuktu (Mali), the Great Barrier Reef (Australia), the rooftop of Casa Milà (Barcelona), Amalfi Coast (Italy), Pueblo de Taos (Mexico) and Old Quebec (Canada).


Victoria Falls, the World Heritage site, stretches from southern Zambia to Zimbabwe and includes a 7,142-square-mile conservation area. It is originated from the Zambezi River plunging up to 324 feet (99 meters) into basalt gorges.


The World Heritage site of Timbuktu, a center of Islamic learning in Africa, includes 3 mosques and 16 cemeteries and mausoleums. Koranic Sankore University (pictured here) is among Muslim places of study.


New Mexico’s Pueblo de Taos, which consists of stepped dwellings once used for housing, storage and religious ceremonies, reflects the culture heritage of the Pueblo Indians. It was named a World Heritage site in 1992.


The rooftop of Barcelona’s Casa Milà, one of the World Heritage sites, exhibits Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí’s unique design style.


The natural beauty and historic significance helped Amalfi Coast, Italy become a World Heritage in 1997 by UNESCO. Towns along the coast like Positano feature important architectural and cultural sites within their picturesque communities.


Three historic railways including the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (pictured here), Nilgiri Mountain Railway and Kalka Shimla Railway have achieved a World Heritage site to recognize their importance in trade and technological development.


Central Amazon Conservation Complex, the largest protected area of Amazon Basin (6 million hectares), became a World Heritage site in 2000. It is home to the threatened freshwater dolphins.


Machu Picchu, Peru is a remarkable remnant of the Inca Empire. The ancient city built into the surrounding mountainous landscape is best known for archeological sites.


The stretch of coral reef in Australia, known as the Great Barrier Reef, is the most extensive on Earth. It became a World Heritage site in 1981.


Historic District of Old Quebec was recognized as a World Heritage site in 1985 due to the historic architecture, heritage conservation and North America’s oldest preserved ramparts.

World Heritage sites to explore near Bath

If you want to visit a place in the UK that has been described by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, then make sure you choose Bath-based holiday cottages.

The Somerset city has been awarded World Heritage Site status by UNESCO, meaning it is one of the most culturally significant places in the whole of the UK.

And no wonder, as there are so many amazing things to see and do here, you are sure to end your holiday feeling that Bath very much deserves the accolade bestowed upon it.

The first site you will want to visit is the Roman Baths. The ancient civilisation founded these in 43 AD to use as a spa after discovering the existence of thermal springs in the spot.

Around these, they built an elaborate complex of rooms and spaces featuring hot baths where the Romans would go and relax or socialise. Today, you can see all of this for yourself when you visit and you will find plenty of experts on hand - some dressed in traditional Roman attire - who are happy to answer any questions you have

After the civilisation's decline from power, it is believed that the site fell out of use until it was rediscovered in the 18th century. It was also around this time that Bath began to gain a reputation as a luxury resort.

It was during these years that many of the city's other famous architectural feats came into existence, including the Grand Pump Room and the Royal Crescent - a gorgeous row of Georgian houses circling a green common.

Many of the properties today are private but you can pay a visit to Number One if you long to get a peak inside.

For another great example of the building styles that were popular at the time, head to the Pulteney Bridge - one of the only water crossings in the world to have shops spanning both of its sides.

Another stop on your tour of the city should be Bath Abbey. One of the last gothic churches in England, this imposing structure is built on the site of an old Norman cathedral and you will find it is open for you to explore its inspiring interior.

By the time you return to your self catering cottages, you are sure to agree that Bath is worthy of its World Heritage status.

India Tour And Travel: A Trip Wonderful Land

India, one of the most popular countries of the world and famous for tourism destinations is the most chosen destination of Asia. The land of India lures exotic tourists from all over the globe. Through its hills, rivers, plateaus, plains, beaches, deltas and deserts, resorts, picturesque nature sites, the architectural wealth and many luxurious hotels India draw the attention of tourists from every nook and corner of the world. India tour and travel gives tourists a wonderful chance to experience the splendor of the country in most delightful manner. The tempting attractions of India are the hub of attraction and compel the visitors to get them lost in their marvelous glory. The rich and varied cultural of India keep India tourism at top from other travel destination across the world. The most eye-catching quality of the country is that the prehistoric imprints and modern backdrop exists alongside. The vivacious history of India creates excitement among tourists by showing its attractive monuments.

In the glorious land of India there are numerous places to visit which are conquered by the magnificence of nature, culture and heritage attractions. But some of the most famous ones which tourists should not miss to visit with India tour and travel are as follows:

Rajasthan, the royal state of India is worldly prominent for its rich culture and heritage attractions which were built in former era by erstwhile rulers during the period of grandeur, grief and happiness. A trip to the cities of the state makes the tourists feel and wonderful experience which they can never forget. In this royal state, tourists find many majestic palaces, vast forts, grand Havellis and a number of other magnificent attractions which represent the majesty, beauty and history of Rajasthan. In Jaipur known as the Pink City which is the capital city of Rajasthan, tourists can visit many famous, attention grabbing and finest monuments which are worth of appreciation. The other admirable cities if Rajasthan are Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Shekhwati region, Chittourgarh, Ranakpur, Pushkar, etc which allure the visitors with their imperial charisma, wonderful temples, fairs and festivals and the world-class hospitality provided by the heritage hotels of Rajasthan.

Some of the other highlights of India tour and travel are Kerala the state situated on the southwestern part of India, Himachal Pradesh the state situated in the north of India, Goa- the beach capital of India, Kashmir- the Paradise on Earth, Uttarakhand and many more.

A billion dollar opportunity

The year is 2025. You are on a visit to the Maluti temples, a World Heritage site in Jharkhand. The temple complex and the village adjoining it are a magnificent example of sustainable development. There are no touts or beggars in the area. Tourists get a holistic experience of the temples and can savour the living legacy of the region.

What's more, this is not the only place where such a heritage experience is possible. All across the country, in each state, there are thousands of places where a concurrent model is replicated, providing communities with work and sustaining monuments. Because of the unique combination of tangible and living culture, Indian heritage sites are attracting hordes of international and domestic tourists and are top-of-the-line contributors to the country's foreign exchange and GDP.

Sounds like a utopian dream? Not if a recent report by a global heritage organization is to be believed. According to the report, developing countries like India can tap a $100 billion-a-year opportunity by 2025, if they make a sincere attempt to preserve and responsibly develop their heritage sites. The report estimates that heritage, thus tapped, can even help meet the UN Millennium Development Goal of eliminating poverty by the next decade. This may seem a bit far-fetched, but it does raise a pertinent question: can heritage be the driving force of our economy?

"It would seem so," says Jeff Morgan of the Global Heritage Fund, that has published the report. Morgan points out that an estimated one-third of all international travel is cultural heritage-related. "Tourism is now increasingly viewed as a core economic growth strategy for many countries, and should be embraced as a core component of international development. Countries' investment in the protection of their heritage sites is highly correlated with economic growth and improved standards of living."

However, it may not be as simple as that, more so for a country like India where conservation remains a huge challenge, especially as monuments abound in every nook and corner. Add to that a lack of conservation ethos and bureaucratic apathy and the problem gets compounded. "Ours is a country where 'culture' and 'heritage' are words that are often over-used, but when it comes to implementation, little gets done," laments O P Jain, founder of the Delhi-based Sanskriti Foundation.

Jain points out that problems often arise because of lack of consistency. "Even if a heritage site has been successful, it is not used as a model for similar sites elsewhere. Instead, decisions are taken arbitrarily, without involving experts. In the process, a lot of money is wasted. For instance, there are many structures in Delhi for which grand plans were made, but still, people are openly defecating there."

Even in popular heritage sites which see a lot of tourist traffic, the delicate balance between footfalls and conservation has been difficult to achieve. "It's a Catch-22 situation," admits an official with the Archaeological Survey of India. "Places like the Taj Mahal or the historic civic centre of Shimla, which receive a huge tourist inflow, have to be constantly safeguarded against degradation. Increased tourist flow has put pressure on many fragile sites."

Then, there is the question of political will. Jain says that culture is often considered a soft subject and that shows in the bundling of the portfolio with other ministries like youth or sports affairs. "The government's schemes are often well-intentioned, but there is rarely any follow-through. For instance, under the public-private partnership, the adopt-a-monument project was a good idea for corporates to do their bit for conservation, but it fell through, because of red tape."

Considering a scenario like this, is correlating heritage and tourism with rapid economic growth really a practical proposition in India? There are many who believe that hinging the nation's future economy on tourism is, in itself, a fragile notion for development. Heritage consultant Amita Baig points out that tourism is essentially a service industry that cannot possibly be sustained unless the basics in education and health are achieved. "Protection of heritage can only be achieved with the local community. A good example is the Taj Mahal, India's most iconic site, which is situated in Agra, one of the most dismal destinations in the world. Because of the closure of industry to ensure the Taj Mahal is protected, the city economy is in decline, and its people have paid a very high price," she says.

Inclusive development, therefore, is the key. Morgan agrees that "empowering local communities, focusing expert aid and funding on the most endangered sites can help build a strong infrastructure and ensure long-term stewardship of heritage sites, thereby boosting the economy."

Education has an important role to play in sensitizing people. Baig says that the valorization of our heritage must be a part of core curriculum. "Things can be much easier, once there is an educated populace who respect their heritage as a legacy of their forefathers."Another idea is to learn from success stories. Jain points at the success of heritage palaces in Rajasthan, most of whom have reinvented themselves as hotels."These places are a microcosm of what heritage tourism in India stands for - a complete value-added experience."

In essence, cultural heritage should remain infused with life and energy or else it ceases to be relevant. Baig concurs that this is especially true in India where we still have a colonial mindset in how we manage our sites. "The western notion of heritage preservation is based on the fact that once it is catalogued and archived, its future is secure. But we also need to take into account the wisdom that made it possible. We require to think beyond the magnificence of stone to make creative use of our sites. If we can moderate this sensibly, then there will be serious economic base for the future of our heritage."

NZ: Northland revels in international tourism awards

NORTHLAND

New Zealand’s Northland region is enjoying the international tourism spotlight having won a series of significant awards for the best coastline, dive spot and luxury lodges in the world.

The Tutukaka Coast north-east of Whangarei has been named one of the top three coastlines in the world, by the prestigious National Geographic Traveler magazine.

And 23 miles off the same coast, the world-famous Poor Knights Islands marine reserve has been declared one of the world's top 10 places to see nature at its finest.

Further north in the Bay of Islands, Eagles Nest, on Tapeka Point near Russell, has been rated the world's top luxury coastal hotel and The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs, Matauri Bay, has been awarded ‘best resort in the Australia and Pacific region’ by Condé Nast travellers.

Poor Knights Marine Reserve
The accolade for the Poor Knights came after a visit by Emmy-award-winning director and producer of wildlife documentaries Nick Stringer, who compiled his top 10 list for England's Guardian newspaper.

He rated the Poor Knights as the ninth best place in the world to see nature, and said the journey to the historic islands was well worth making.

Stringer, who spent several days in the Bay of Islands region, said it was a memorable visit that included seeing killer whales, dolphins and the Tolkien-esque landscape, but was mostly focused on diving at the Poor Knights.

"Its volcanic origins have created precipitous cliffs, spectacular drop offs, caves, arches and tunnels, while the converging water currents have resulted in a unique biodiversity," Stringer said.

"Subtropical and temperate marine life coexist with more than 125 species of fish, soft corals, vibrant anemones, ecklonia kelp forests and mating sting rays, to name a few."

He said it was not hard to see why French undersea explorer Jacques Cousteau rated it as one of the top 10 dive sites in the world.

Tutukaka Coast
Tutukaka - a natural harbour on the subtropical north-eastern coast of the North Island - is the gateway to the Poor Knights Islands.

National Geographic Traveler put the Tutukaka Coast in the top three coastal regions in the world - placing it second equal with the Pembrokeshire coast in Wales.

The magazine described the region as "offering a mix of land and water-based ecotourism opportunities with long stretches of sandy beaches alternating with intimate bays, steep cliffs, and deeply cut natural harbours".

Tutukaka Marina is the base port for dive companies and other tourist operators who offer game fishing, recreational diving, line fishing and sightseeing trips.

The National Geographic panelists commented on the coast's "high aesthetic appeal - virtually all natural". They also noted that limited tourism development protected Tutukaka’s natural appeal.

"This is mainly a divers’ and bush walkers’ destination, and should stay that way."

The region has a rich Māori history and early Māori pa / fortified villages should also be well protected, according to National Geographic.

Eagles Nest luxury retreat
The Northland retreat Eagles Nest - billed as "somewhere between seven stars and heaven" - has been named the world's top luxury coastal hotel.

Set within a 30ha estate near Russell in the Bay of Islands, the luxury hideaway scooped the title at the 2010 World Luxury Hotel Awards in Thailand.

The awards are considered the pinnacle of achievement for luxury hotels worldwide.

Owners Daniel and Sandra Biskind said the recognition reinforced the New Zealand luxury sector as being among the best in the world.

"We feel profoundly honoured by this global award - especially considering that Eagles Nest is a relatively young and uniquely different property."

Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart stayed at Eagles Nest early this year, and Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher reportedly spent time there last year. The property was also the setting for part of season 13 of US reality TV show ‘The Bachelor’.

The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs
Condé Nast Traveler readers have chosen The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs, in Northland’s Matauri Bay, as the No. 1 lodge / resort in Australia and the Pacific in their 2010 survey.

Nearly 26,000 readers voted, ranking hotels on activities and facilities, food and dining, location, overall design, rooms and service.

Kauri Cliffs ranked No. 3 on the ‘Top 100 Hotels Overall’ list, scoring 98.4.

Owned and developed by New York’s Robertson family, Kauri Cliffs is the sister property to The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, Hawke's Bay in the North Island, and recently opened Matakauri Lodge, at Queenstown in the South Island.

All are members of the exclusive Relais & Chateaux collection, and have won a number of international awards.

Background: Poor Knights Islands

A unique combination of geographical and natural elements - warm currents sweeping south from the Coral Sea, a micro climate and thousands of years of separation from the mainland - has helped to create the unique biodiversity found on and around the Poor Knights Islands.

The marine reserve stretches nearly a kilometre out from the islands, and the land rising from the water is designated a nature reserve.

The 11-million-year-old islands are awaiting World Heritage status and claim to have the world’s largest sea cave. Volcanic origins provide a myriad of spectacular drop offs, walls, caves, arches and tunnels - remnants of the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’ eruptions.

Separation from the mainland, has allowed species to evolve differently - resulting in larger specimens, and a variety of unique flora and fauna not seen elsewhere in New Zealand. More than 1,000 tuatara specimens - a reptile referred to as the world’s only surviving dinosaur - live in the Poor Knights.

Surprisingly, given the apparently inhospitable nature of the craggy islands which have no fresh water source and are not easy to land on, the islands also have a fascinating human history.

Up until the early 19th century, Māori inhabited the Poor Knights - up to 400 people at a time lived in fortified pa sites and worked in the terraced gardens. Stone walls are still intact and visible on the islands today.

Both main islands were inhabited, but each by a different hapu / family tribal group. Since an invasion around 1820 the Poor Knights have been strictly tapu / sacred, and have been uninhabited ever since.

Visit the Acclaimed Tourist Attractions of India with Golden Triangle Tour

India is a country of unlimited wonders and undeniable beauty. It has been rightly said that every tourist in the world must visit India at least once. The country is a rich mishmash of cultures, religions, ethnicities, colors, languages, cuisines and art forms. From the cold winds and sparkling natural beauty of Kashmir to the temperate climate and azure waters of Kanyakumari, India is diverse and varied in every single way.

North India is a popular tourist destination for people from all around the globe. North India offers a chance to explore the rich cultural history and the evolution of the Indian subcontinent by offering a glimpse into the past- you can study Mughal art and architecture whilst you stroll through the tombs and monuments or you can experience the Colonial influence in the columns and British-inspired buildings of the capital. Three cities that act as the crux of North India are Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. The best way to explore these cities is with the Golden Triangle Tour. The tour takes you through Delhi, Agra and Jaipur- the three glittering gems of North India.

In Delhi you can see the rich fusion between the Mughal influence, the Colonial influence and the modernity of the current times. Relive the era of the Mughal dynasty as you take in the majestic monuments like Humayun’s Tomb, Jama Masjid, Qutub Minar and Red Fort. Appreciate the mark of the colonial rulers when you explore Connaught Place and Central Delhi with their telltale British architectural styles. While the malls of South Delhi give you a glimpse of Delhi’s modern, high society life-style with all the luxury goods, international brands and fine dining experiences you could ever imagine, the local markets, Cottage Emporium and Dilli Haat will give you a taste of the indigenous bazaar culture of India.

The next stop of the Golden Triangle Tour is Agra. Agra is home to the Taj Mahal- the epitome of eternal love. Built in white marble, the Taj Mahal is one of the Wonders of the World. Built by the emperor Shah Jahan, the Taj Mahal was an ode to his late wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is hailed the world over as an icon of undying passion and devotion. You can also visit Fatehpur Sikri and Agra Fort- two stunning World Heritage Sites.

The last, but not the least, in the Golden Triangle Tour is the Pink City- Jaipur. The city derives this moniker from its pink-washed monuments. The splendor of the Hawa Mahal, the Jantar Mantar and Amber Fort will captivate you. To flavor the real heritage of India walk the streets of Jaipur which are adorned with festive lights, bazaars, people in ethnic multi-colored costumes, camels and elephants. Jaipur is known for its vibrant streets, warm sunny climate and cheerful people. Explore the vibrant hues and buzzing atmosphere of Rajasthan when you visit Jaipur.

Take the Golden Triangle Tour to visit the cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur and discover the multifaceted wonders of India.

Monuments - Sands and Tiger Tours in Rajasthan

Rajasthan is a wonderful tourist place to explore in India. It is the largest state of India and attracts a large number of tourists from all over the world with its numerous attractions. Drenched into royal grandeur and rich history, this imperial and regal state is globally noted for its rich culture, tradition, history, heritage, monuments and lots of many other attractions. Magnificent monuments, rippling sand dunes and exotic wildlife sanctuaries & national parks are featured attractions of Rajasthan tourism.

Monuments – Monuments are key attractions for tourism in royal and imperial Rajasthan showing rich cultural heritage of the state. Monuments here are architecturally beautiful and provide tourists a delight that is unforgettable. Almost all cities and towns in the state are dotted with some monuments.

Rajasthan monuments feature forts, palaces, temples, museums, etc. Mehrangarh Fort, Golden Fort, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Chittorgarh Fort, Lake Palace, Junagarh Fort, Albert Hall Museum, Ajmer Dargah, Pushkar Lord Brahma Temple, Dilwara Jain Temple, Ranakpur Jain Temple, etc are some of famous monuments in this state you will love to visit and explore. Monuments have been key attractions of almost all Rajasthan Tour Packages.

Wildlife Sanctuaries – Rajasthan is also noted for wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. There are several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in the state which attract travelers and wildlife enthusiasts from all over the world. Ranthambhore Tiger National Park, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Mount Abu Sanctuary, Desert National Park, Sariska Tiger Reserve, etc popular destinations for wildlife tourism in the state.
Ranthambhore National Park and Sariska Tiger Reserve are most visited destinations noted for good population of tigers. Ranthambhore can be visited from Sawai Madhopur and one can visit Sariska by making a tour to Alwar.

Sand Dunes – A big part of Rajasthan is dominated by the Great Indian Desert – Thar Desert. Many tourists come to state to explore desert tourism and traditional villages located around the desert. Golden rippling sands are very popular among tourists. Travelers can enjoy best of golden sand tour of Thar Desert by exciting camel safari rides. Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Barmer, Bikaner, etc are important cities and tourist places from where you can start for desert tour.

There are many other attractions in the state, you can visit and explore on your Rajasthan trip. So plan a trip to Rajasthan and have unforgettable experience by exploring its major tourist places and attractions.

Singapore Tour Packages, Tour to Singapore, Places to see in Singapore

Singapore Tour is indeed a splendid experience in itself. With all its world-known alluring sites of Singapore enthralls the travelers coming from different parts of the globe. Singapore is basically a spectacular island nation, situated at the southern part of the Malay peninsula. There is a series of attractive places, each of which worth visit. Some of the Singapore Attractions are as follows:

• Theme Attractions
• Singapore Discovery Centre
• Sijori WonderGolf
• Snow City
• Singapore Science Centre
• Haw Par Villa
• VocanoLand

Brief History of Singapore

"It is a place that cherishes its past as it looks to the future."

The earliest known mention of Singapore was a 3rd century Chinese account which described Singapore as "Pu-luo-chung" ("island at the end of a peninsula"). Little is known about the island's history at this time but this matter-of-fact description belies Singapore's colourful past. By the 14th century, Singapore had become part of the mighty Sri Vijayan empire and was known as Temasek ("Sea Town").

This was no less accurate than the 3rd century name. Located at the natural meeting point of sea routes at the tip of the Malay Peninsula, Singapore had long known visits from a wide variety of sea craft, from Chinese junks, Indian vessels, Arab dhows and Portuguese battleships to Buginese schooners.

During the 14th century, this small but strategically-placed island had earned a new name - "Singa Pura", or "Lion City". According to legend, a visiting Sri Vijayan prince saw an animal he mistook for a lion and Singapore's modern day name was born. The British provided the next notable chapter in the Singapore story. During the 18th century, they saw the need for a strategic "halfway house" to refit, feed and protect the fleet of their growing empire, as well as to forestall any advances by the Dutch in the region. It was against this political backdrop that Sir Stamford Raffles established Singapore as a trading station. The policy of free trade attracted merchants from all over Asia and from as far afield as the United States and the Middle East. By 1824, just five years after the founding of modern Singapore, the population had grown from a mere 150 to 10,000.

In 1832, Singapore became the centre of government for the Straits Settlements of Penang, Malacca and Singapore. The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 and the advent of telegraph and steamship increased Singapore's importance as a centre for the expanding trade between East and West.

Singapore had been the site of military action in the 14th century when it became embroiled in the struggle for the Malay Peninsula between Siam (now Thailand), and the Java-based Majapahit Empire.

Five centuries later, it was again the scene of significant fighting during World War II. Singapore was considered an impregnable fortress, but the Japanese overran the island in 1942. After the war, Singapore became a Crown Colony. The growth of nationalism led to self-government in 1959 and on 9 August 1965, Singapore became an independent republic.



The statue of Singapore's founder, Sir Stamford Raffles

Singapore Today

Singapore is not just one island but a main island with 63 surrounding islets. The main island has a total land area of 682 square km.

However, its compact size belies its economic growth. In just 150 years, Singapore has grown into a thriving centre of commerce and industry. Its former role as an entrepot has diminished, as the Republic has increased its manufacturing base.

Singapore is the busiest port in the world with over 600 shipping lines sending super tankers, container ships and passenger liners to share the busy waters with coastal fishing vessels and wooden lighters.

One of the world's major oil refining and distribution centres, Singapore is also a major supplier of electronic components and a leader in shipbuilding and repairing. It has also become one of the most important financial centres of Asia, with more than 130 banks. Business dealings are facilitated by Singapore's superb communications network which links the Republic to the rest of the world via satellite, 24-hour telegraph and telephone systems. Singapore's strategic location, excellent facilities, fascinating cultural contrasts and tourist attractions contribute to its success as a leading destination for both business and pleasure.



Tourist Attractions.

Sentosa - Singapore's resort island getaway is a must-see for all visitors. Just minutes away from the bustle of the city, this island of tranquillity welcomes you with beautiful sandy beaches, rustic nature trails, Asia's most exciting oceanarium & Dolphin Lagoon, historical sites, museums and great entertainment!

The Singapore River was the lifeline of Singapore where our first immigrants eked out a meagre living and saw Singapore transform from an obscure little fishing village to a great seaport. And into a modern metropolis famous for its skyscrapers, the Merlion and "gastro-mania". Highlights on the banks of the Singapore River include Boat Quay and Clarke Quay, landmarks and memorials such as Merlion Park and Parliament House, museums such as the Asian Civilisations Museum as well as temples and mosques such as the Tan Si Chong Su Temple and Omar Kampong Melaka Mosque

The Singapore Botanic Gardens epitomises the tropical island's luxuriant parks - a combination of primary jungle and elegantly laid out flowerbeds and shrubs. Spread over 52 hectares, the gardens hold about 4,000 species of plant life, many rare specimens amongst them.

Singapore is one of only two cities in the world to have a significant area of primary rainforest within its boundaries. The 164-hectare Bukit Timah Nature Reserve - just 12 kilometres from the city centre - contains more species of flora than the entire North American continent.

There are dozens of other gardens and reserves in Singapore, among them the Chinese Garden and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore's first designated wetland nature reserve and a major stopping-off point for migrating birds during the months from September to March.

Shopping ! Shopping and Shopping

Shopping is one of the greatest pleasures in Singapore. Part of the fun is the excellent buys and great variety of shops all over the island. Delight in a bargain at a little neighbourhood shop, pick up a quaint item or two as you stroll through colourful ethnic quarters, discover favourite buys of the droves who flock to our modern malls or be enthralled by the splendour of whole shopping "cities" selling everything under the sun.

Many top hotels also have an attached shopping arcade with fine boutiques specialising in designer fashion, accessories, jewellery and watches.

And designer brands from the fashion runways of the world can be affordable - if you know where to look. Find them at the growing number of discount shops around the city. The magic is affordable in Singapore.

Central Shopping Belt

Singapore's Central Shopping Belt extending from Tanglin Road all the way down Orchard Road and Bras Basah Road to Marina Bay has been tagged Fifth Avenue, Regent Street, Champs-Elysees, Via Veneto and Ginza for good reason

This is where world-class shopping abounds. A day spent browsing and buying turns into an unforgettable experience as theme designer boutiques, local and international department stores, speciality shops and bargain counters compete with outdoor cafes and gourmet restaurants for your attention.

City & Fringe Shopping

Great shopping in Singapore isn't confined to just Orchard Road and its surroundings. Quality goods at prices that won't burn a hole in your pocket can be found in lots of places around the city centre. The Riverside area by River Valley Road is home to both some of the newest as well as the oldest shops in Singapore. Look in the heart of the financial district around Raffles Place and Shenton Way where the office crowd throngs the shops for a surprising variety of goodies

Suburban Shopping

If you're prepared to venture further afield, you can combine shopping with a little off-the-beaten track sightseeing as well. In fact, you'll discover some of the best bargains where most Singaporeans live, eat and shop - out in the heartlands of Singapore.

These suburban shopping centres offer a surprisingly comprehensive range of items from branded to electronic goods at prices to delight the value-conscious and determined bargain hunter. Business hours vary from shop to shop but as a general guide, most shops are open from 11am to 9pm.

Town centres in the larger estates of Tampines and Bishan are easily accessible by MRT. Shopping at these bustling town centres is a fascinating experience, providing insight into the local lifestyle and a chance to mingle with Singaporeans at their most comfortable. You also reap another benefit - the opportunity to tuck in "local style" at the numerous food centres and informal coffee shops.

Golden Triangle Tour - Popular Tour of North India

The three cities that are a part of the Golden Triangle Tourist route of India are Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Delhi being the capital of India, Agra - the place of the eternal love monument and Jaipur - the venue of royal palaces and forts have a lot to offer to the tourists.

India is home to a number of interesting tourist places and tourist circuits. The country is known for its tremendous cultural and geographical wealth. From east to west and from north to south, entire landscape of this beautiful & diverse country is dotted with numerous tourist attractions. Among these, golden triangle is one of the central attractions of India tourism appealing tourists and travelers from all over the world. It is one of the most preferred tourist circuits and very popular among tourists who are coming to India for first times.

The golden triangle of India covers three major and historical cities of India as its destinations. They are Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. These three cities are among top tourist destinations of India with 7 UNESCO world heritage sites in cultural category namely Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb in Delhi; Taj Mahal, Agra Fort & Fatehpur Sikri in Agra; and Jantar Mantar in Agra.

Also these cities are dotted with several other attractions and architectural wonders. The key attraction of golden triangle tours is the magnificent Taj Mahal, the symbol of love and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It is wonder of wonders and India's star tourist attraction.

This tour is begins at Delhi and after covering Agra & Jaipur finally ends at Delhi. Tourists have a wonderful opportunity to explore some of world famous historical and cultural monuments during sightseeing tour in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Popular attractions in Delhi are Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Rajghat, India Gate, Old Fort, Humayun's Tomb, Lodhi Gardens, Qutub Minar, Safdarjang's Tomb, Lotus Temple, Birla Temple, ISKON Temple, Akshardham Temple, etc. The Akshardham Temple is a recently built temple complex known for its extraordinary architectural masterpiece. Also it is the largest Hindu temple complex in the world.

The second destination of Golden Triangle India tour is Agra in Uttar Pradesh. Agra is an internationally famous tourist destination because it is home of Taj Mahal – one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Taj Mahal, the symbol of love, is globally famous for its matchless beauty. It is built in white marble as a mausoleum of Mumtaz Mahal, the most darling wife of Shah Jahan. Shah Jahan built this love monument in the memory of his beloved wife. Other attractions in Agra are Agra Fort, Itmad-Ud-Daullah Tomb (the Baby Taj or the Little Taj Mahal) and Fatehpur Sikri.

Jaipur is the third and last destination of golden triangle tour India. Lovingly known as the Pink City of India, it is the capital city of Rajasthan. Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, City Palace, Jal Mahal, Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Albert Hall Museum, etc are key attractions in Jaipur city. Indeed, golden triangle is just a right tour option for first times in India.

China Trip, Tours To China, Travel In China

Five places you have to see in Beijing

Beijing is the heart of China, always the first choice for travelers who are willing and honored to know a developed city of China. It has the political, economic and cultural center of China over 800 years of the Yuan Dynasty. The many royal buildings with long history of giving Beijing with incomparable charm, not only the 'Nation's Best ", but also the" World's Best ". On the other hand, as the host city presents the Olympic Games in 2008, this oriental ancient city of their best Fashion fascination for the world.

1st Forbidden City

The magnificent Forbidden City is the largest and best preserved imperial palace complex in the world. It has 9,999 rooms in bloom with a single space after the number, the ancient Chinese belief represents 'Divine Perfection' and surrounded by a moat six meters deep and ten meter high wall. For five centuries, work of this palace, as the administrative center of the country.

Great Wall in Beijing

The Great Wall of China is one of the "Eight Wonders of the World" and is entered in the World Heritage List. This immense wall was built to keep out intruders and to protect the residents. It covers five provinces of Shanhaiguan Pass in the east to Jiayuguan Pass in the west, looked like a giant dragon across deserts, steppes and mountains. In downtown Beijing, it is possible to climb Badaling Great Wall.

Tiananmen Square

The solemn and respectful Tiananmen Square is the largest central city square in the world, which serves not only Beijing, but also a symbol of the whole China. This immense courtyard is the site of various historical events that surrounded that is through a variety of important structures such as the Great Hall of the People, Mao Zedong Memorial Hall and the Monument to the People's Heroes.

Beijing Hutong

People say that the real culture of Beijing "is the culture of the hutong" and "the culture of the court." How true that is. Often it is to win in Beijing winding hutongs, the tourists from home and abroad, rather than the high-rise buildings and large mansions.

Hutong is a typical alley or narrow street in Beijing, which originated during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). "Hutong" is a Mongolian word meaning "well". During this time, water is a good settlement for the people lived. There are tens of thousands of hutongs surrounding the Forbidden City. In the past, Beijing was, together with countless courtyards. Hutongs were formed when people leave a passageway between two courtyards, to typing more comfortable.

Bird's Nest (China National Stadium)

The National Stadium, nicknamed "Bird's Nest", is in the Olympic Green Village, Chaoyang District, Beijing away. It was as if the stadium designed by the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. The events of the Olympic track and field, soccer, gavelock, weight, and discus throw, were kept there. completed since October 2008, after the Olympics, the National Stadium has been opened as a tourist attraction. Now is the center of an international or national sports competition and recreation.

World Heritage

Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa’s Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world’s heritage.

What makes the concept of World Heritage exceptional is its universal application. World Heritage sites belong to all the peoples of the world, irrespective of the territory on which they are located.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) seeks to encourage the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity. This is embodied in an international treaty called the Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, adopted by UNESCO in 1972.

UNESCO's World Heritage mission is to:

* encourage countries to sign the World Heritage Convention and to ensure the protection of their natural and cultural heritage;
* encourage States Parties to the Convention to nominate sites within their national territory for inclusion on the World Heritage List;
* encourage States Parties to establish management plans and set up reporting systems on the state of conservation of their World Heritage sites;
* help States Parties safeguard World Heritage properties by providing technical assistance and professional training;
* provide emergency assistance for World Heritage sites in immediate danger;
* support States Parties' public awareness-building activities for World Heritage conservation;
* encourage participation of the local population in the preservation of their cultural and natural heritage;
* encourage international cooperation in the conservation of our world's cultural and natural heritage.

World Heritage sites Listed by UNESCO

World Heritage List

The World Heritage List includes 911 properties forming part of the cultural and natural heritage which the World Heritage Committee considers as having outstanding universal value.

These include 704 cultural [Cultural site] , 180 natural [Natural site] and 27 mixed [Mixed site] properties in 151 States Parties. As of June 2010, 187 States Parties have ratified the World Heritage Convention.

Afghanistan
Minaret and Archaeological Remains of Jam
Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley

Albania
Butrint
Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra

Algeria
Al Qal'a of Beni Hammad
Djémila
M'Zab Valley
Tassili n'Ajjer
Timgad
Tipasa
Kasbah of Algiers

Andorra
Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley

Argentina
Los Glaciares
Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis: San Ignacio Mini, Santa Ana, Nuestra Señora de Loreto and Santa Maria Mayor (Argentina), Ruins of Sao Miguel das Missoes (Brazil)
Iguazu National Park
Cueva de las Manos, Río Pinturas
Península Valdés
Ischigualasto / Talampaya Natural Parks
Jesuit Block and Estancias of Córdoba
Quebrada de Humahuaca

Armenia
Monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin
Cathedral and Churches of Echmiatsin and the Archaeological Site of Zvartnots
Monastery of Geghard and the Upper Azat Valley

Australia
Great Barrier Reef
Kakadu National Park
Willandra Lakes Region
Lord Howe Island Group
Tasmanian Wilderness
Gondwana Rainforests of Australia
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Wet Tropics of Queensland
Shark Bay, Western Australia
Fraser Island
Australian Fossil Mammal Sites (Riversleigh / Naracoorte)
Heard and McDonald Islands
Macquarie Island
Greater Blue Mountains Area
Purnululu National Park
Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens
Sydney Opera House
Australian Convict Sites

Austria
Historic Centre of the City of Salzburg
Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn
Hallstatt-Dachstein / Salzkammergut Cultural Landscape
Semmering Railway
City of Graz – Historic Centre and Schloss Eggenberg
Wachau Cultural Landscape
Fertö / Neusiedlersee Cultural Landscape
Historic Centre of Vienna

Azerbaijan
Walled City of Baku with the Shirvanshah's Palace and Maiden Tower
Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape

Bahrain
Qal’at al-Bahrain – Ancient Harbour and Capital of Dilmun

Bangladesh
Historic Mosque City of Bagerhat
Ruins of the Buddhist Vihara at Paharpur
The Sundarbans

Belarus
Belovezhskaya Pushcha / Bialowieza Forest
Mir Castle Complex
Architectural, Residential and Cultural Complex of the Radziwill Family at Nesvizh
Struve Geodetic Arc

Belgium
Flemish Béguinages
La Grand-Place, Brussels
The Four Lifts on the Canal du Centre and their Environs, La Louvière and Le Roeulx (Hainault)
Belfries of Belgium and France
Historic Centre of Brugge
Major Town Houses of the Architect Victor Horta (Brussels)
Neolithic Flint Mines at Spiennes (Mons)
Notre-Dame Cathedral in Tournai
Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex
Stoclet House

Belize
Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System

Benin
Royal Palaces of Abomey

Bolivia (Plurinational State of)
City of Potosí
Jesuit Missions of the Chiquitos
Historic City of Sucre
Fuerte de Samaipata
Noel Kempff Mercado National Park
Tiwanaku: Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture

Bosnia and Herzegovina
Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar
Mehmed Paša Sokolovic Bridge in Višegrad

Botswana
Tsodilo

Brazil
Historic Town of Ouro Preto
Historic Centre of the Town of Olinda
Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis: San Ignacio Mini, Santa Ana, Nuestra Señora de Loreto and Santa Maria Mayor (Argentina), Ruins of Sao Miguel das Missoes (Brazil)
Historic Centre of Salvador de Bahia
Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Congonhas
Iguaçu National Park
Brasilia
Serra da Capivara National Park
Historic Centre of São Luís
Atlantic Forest South-East Reserves
Discovery Coast Atlantic Forest Reserves
Historic Centre of the Town of Diamantina
Central Amazon Conservation Complex
Pantanal Conservation Area
Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
Historic Centre of the Town of Goiás
São Francisco Square in the Town of São Cristóvão

Bulgaria
Boyana Church
Madara Rider
Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo
Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak
Ancient City of Nessebar
Pirin National Park
Rila Monastery
Srebarna Nature Reserve
Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari

Burkina Faso
Ruins of Loropéni

Cambodia
Angkor
Temple of Preah Vihear

Cameroon
Dja Faunal Reserve

Canada
L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site
Nahanni National Park
Dinosaur Provincial Park
Kluane / Wrangell-St Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
SGang Gwaay
Wood Buffalo National Park
Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks
Historic District of Old Québec
Gros Morne National Park
Old Town Lunenburg
Waterton Glacier International Peace Park
Miguasha National Park
Rideau Canal
Joggins Fossil Cliffs

Cape Verde
Cidade Velha, Historic Centre of Ribeira Grande

Central African Republic
Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Park

Chile
Rapa Nui National Park
Churches of Chiloé
Historic Quarter of the Seaport City of Valparaíso
Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works
Sewell Mining Town

China
Imperial Palaces of the Ming and Qing Dynasties in Beijing and Shenyang
Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor
Mogao Caves
Mount Taishan
Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian
The Great Wall
Mount Huangshan
Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area
Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area
Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area
Ancient Building Complex in the Wudang Mountains
Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace, Lhasa
Mountain Resort and its Outlying Temples, Chengde
Temple and Cemetery of Confucius and the Kong Family Mansion in Qufu
Lushan National Park
Mount Emei Scenic Area, including Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area
Ancient City of Ping Yao
Classical Gardens of Suzhou
Old Town of Lijiang
Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing
Temple of Heaven: an Imperial Sacrificial Altar in Beijing
Dazu Rock Carvings
Mount Wuyi
Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui – Xidi and Hongcun
Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties
Longmen Grottoes
Mount Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System
Yungang Grottoes
Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas
Capital Cities and Tombs of the Ancient Koguryo Kingdom
Historic Centre of Macao
Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries - Wolong, Mt Siguniang and Jiajin Mountains
Yin Xu
Kaiping Diaolou and Villages
South China Karst
Fujian Tulou
Mount Sanqingshan National Park
Mount Wutai
China Danxia
Historic Monuments of Dengfeng in “The Centre of Heaven and Earth”

Colombia
Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments, Cartagena
Los Katíos National Park
Historic Centre of Santa Cruz de Mompox
National Archeological Park of Tierradentro
San Agustín Archaeological Park
Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary

Costa Rica
Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park
Cocos Island National Park
Area de Conservación Guanacaste

Côte d'Ivoire
Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve
Taï National Park
Comoé National Park

Croatia
Historical Complex of Split with the Palace of Diocletian
Old City of Dubrovnik
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Episcopal Complex of the Euphrasian Basilica in the Historic Centre of Porec
Historic City of Trogir
The Cathedral of St James in Šibenik
Stari Grad Plain

Cuba
Old Havana and its Fortifications
Trinidad and the Valley de los Ingenios
San Pedro de la Roca Castle, Santiago de Cuba
Desembarco del Granma National Park
Viñales Valley
Archaeological Landscape of the First Coffee Plantations in the South-East of Cuba
Alejandro de Humboldt National Park
Urban Historic Centre of Cienfuegos
Historic Centre of Camagüey

Cyprus
Paphos
Painted Churches in the Troodos Region
Choirokoitia

Czech Republic
Historic Centre of Ceský Krumlov
Historic Centre of Prague
Historic Centre of Telc
Pilgrimage Church of St John of Nepomuk at Zelená Hora
Kutná Hora: Historical Town Centre with the Church of St Barbara and the Cathedral of Our Lady at Sedlec
Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape
Gardens and Castle at Kromeríž
Holašovice Historical Village Reservation
Litomyšl Castle
Holy Trinity Column in Olomouc
Tugendhat Villa in Brno
Jewish Quarter and St Procopius' Basilica in Trebíc

Democratic Republic of the Congo
Virunga National Park
Kahuzi-Biega National Park
Garamba National Park
Salonga National Park
Okapi Wildlife Reserve

Denmark
Jelling Mounds, Runic Stones and Church
Roskilde Cathedral
Kronborg Castle
Ilulissat Icefjord

Dominica
Morne Trois Pitons National Park

Dominican Republic
Colonial City of Santo Domingo

Ecuador
City of Quito
Galápagos Islands
Sangay National Park
Historic Centre of Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca

Egypt
Abu Mena
Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis
Historic Cairo
Memphis and its Necropolis – the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur
Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae
Saint Catherine Area
Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley)

El Salvador
Joya de Cerén Archaeological Site

Estonia
Historic Centre (Old Town) of Tallinn
Struve Geodetic Arc

Ethiopia
Simien National Park
Rock-Hewn Churches, Lalibela
Fasil Ghebbi, Gondar Region
Aksum
Lower Valley of the Awash
Lower Valley of the Omo
Tiya
Harar Jugol, the Fortified Historic Town

Finland
Fortress of Suomenlinna
Old Rauma
Petäjävesi Old Church
Verla Groundwood and Board Mill
Bronze Age Burial Site of Sammallahdenmäki
High Coast / Kvarken Archipelago
Struve Geodetic Arc

France
Chartres Cathedral
Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay
Palace and Park of Versailles
Prehistoric Sites and Decorated Caves of the Vézère Valley
Vézelay, Church and Hill
Amiens Cathedral
Arles, Roman and Romanesque Monuments
Cistercian Abbey of Fontenay
Palace and Park of Fontainebleau
Roman Theatre and its Surroundings and the "Triumphal Arch" of Orange
From the Great Saltworks of Salins-les-Bains to the Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans, the Production of Open-pan Salt
Abbey Church of Saint-Savin sur Gartempe
Gulf of Porto: Calanche of Piana, Gulf of Girolata, Scandola Reserve
Place Stanislas, Place de la Carrière and Place d'Alliance in Nancy
Pont du Gard (Roman Aqueduct)
Strasbourg – Grande île
Cathedral of Notre-Dame, Former Abbey of Saint-Remi and Palace of Tau, Reims
Paris, Banks of the Seine
Bourges Cathedral
Historic Centre of Avignon: Papal Palace, Episcopal Ensemble and Avignon Bridge
Canal du Midi
Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne
Pyrénées - Mont Perdu
Historic Site of Lyons
Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France
Belfries of Belgium and France
Jurisdiction of Saint-Emilion
The Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes
Provins, Town of Medieval Fairs
Le Havre, the City Rebuilt by Auguste Perret
Bordeaux, Port of the Moon
Fortifications of Vauban
Lagoons of New Caledonia: Reef Diversity and Associated Ecosystems
Episcopal City of Albi
Pitons, cirques and remparts of Reunion Island

Gabon
Ecosystem and Relict Cultural Landscape of Lopé-Okanda

Gambia
James Island and Related Sites
Stone Circles of Senegambia

Georgia
Bagrati Cathedral and Gelati Monastery
Historical Monuments of Mtskheta
Upper Svaneti

Germany
Aachen Cathedral
Speyer Cathedral
Würzburg Residence with the Court Gardens and Residence Square
Pilgrimage Church of Wies
Castles of Augustusburg and Falkenlust at Brühl
St Mary's Cathedral and St Michael's Church at Hildesheim
Roman Monuments, Cathedral of St Peter and Church of Our Lady in Trier
Frontiers of the Roman Empire
Hanseatic City of Lübeck
Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin
Abbey and Altenmünster of Lorsch
Mines of Rammelsberg, Historic Town of Goslar and Upper Harz Water Management System
Maulbronn Monastery Complex
Town of Bamberg
Collegiate Church, Castle, and Old Town of Quedlinburg
Völklingen Ironworks
Messel Pit Fossil Site
Bauhaus and its Sites in Weimar and Dessau
Cologne Cathedral
Luther Memorials in Eisleben and Wittenberg
Classical Weimar
Museumsinsel (Museum Island), Berlin
Wartburg Castle
Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz
Monastic Island of Reichenau
Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex in Essen
Historic Centres of Stralsund and Wismar
Upper Middle Rhine Valley
Dresden Elbe Valley Delisted 2009
Muskauer Park / Park Muzakowski
Town Hall and Roland on the Marketplace of Bremen
Old town of Regensburg with Stadtamhof
Berlin Modernism Housing Estates
The Wadden Sea

Ghana
Forts and Castles, Volta, Greater Accra, Central and Western Regions
Asante Traditional Buildings

Greece
Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae
Acropolis, Athens
Archaeological Site of Delphi
Medieval City of Rhodes
Meteora
Mount Athos
Paleochristian and Byzantine Monuments of Thessalonika
Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus
Archaeological Site of Mystras
Archaeological Site of Olympia
Delos
Monasteries of Daphni, Hosios Loukas and Nea Moni of Chios
Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos
Archaeological Site of Aigai (modern name Vergina)
Archaeological Sites of Mycenae and Tiryns
Historic Centre (Chorá) with the Monastery of Saint John "the Theologian" and the Cave of the Apocalypse on the Island of Pátmos
Old Town of Corfu

Guatemala
Antigua Guatemala
Tikal National Park
Archaeological Park and Ruins of Quirigua

Guinea
Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve

Haiti
National History Park – Citadel, Sans Souci, Ramiers

Holy See
Historic Centre of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in that City Enjoying Extraterritorial Rights and San Paolo Fuori le Mura
Vatican City

Honduras
Maya Site of Copan
Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve

Hungary
Budapest, including the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue
Old Village of Hollóko and its Surroundings
Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst
Millenary Benedictine Abbey of Pannonhalma and its Natural Environment
Hortobágy National Park - the Puszta
Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs (Sopianae)
Fertö / Neusiedlersee Cultural Landscape
Tokaj Wine Region Historic Cultural Landscape

Iceland
Þingvellir National Park
Surtsey

India
Agra Fort
Ajanta Caves
Ellora Caves
Taj Mahal
Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram
Sun Temple, Konârak
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
Kaziranga National Park
Keoladeo National Park
Churches and Convents of Goa
Fatehpur Sikri
Group of Monuments at Hampi
Khajuraho Group of Monuments
Elephanta Caves
Great Living Chola Temples
Group of Monuments at Pattadakal
Sundarbans National Park
Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks
Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi
Humayun's Tomb, Delhi
Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi
Mountain Railways of India
Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya
Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka
Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus)
Red Fort Complex
The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur

Indonesia
Borobudur Temple Compounds
Komodo National Park
Prambanan Temple Compounds
Ujung Kulon National Park
Sangiran Early Man Site
Lorentz National Park
Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra

Iran (Islamic Republic of)
Meidan Emam, Esfahan
Persepolis
Tchogha Zanbil
Takht-e Soleyman
Bam and its Cultural Landscape
Pasargadae
Soltaniyeh
Bisotun
Armenian Monastic Ensembles of Iran
Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System
Sheikh Safi al-din Khanegah and Shrine Ensemble in Ardabil
Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex

Iraq
Hatra
Ashur (Qal'at Sherqat)
Samarra Archaeological City

Ireland
Archaeological Ensemble of the Bend of the Boyne
Skellig Michael

Israel
Masada
Old City of Acre
White City of Tel-Aviv -- the Modern Movement
Biblical Tels - Megiddo, Hazor, Beer Sheba
Incense Route - Desert Cities in the Negev
Bahá’i Holy Places in Haifa and the Western Galilee

Italy
Rock Drawings in Valcamonica
Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie with "The Last Supper" by Leonardo da Vinci
Historic Centre of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in that City Enjoying Extraterritorial Rights and San Paolo Fuori le Mura
Historic Centre of Florence
Piazza del Duomo, Pisa
Venice and its Lagoon
Historic Centre of San Gimignano
The Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera
City of Vicenza and the Palladian Villas of the Veneto
Crespi d'Adda
Ferrara, City of the Renaissance, and its Po Delta
Historic Centre of Naples
Historic Centre of Siena
Castel del Monte
Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna
Historic Centre of the City of Pienza
The Trulli of Alberobello
18th-Century Royal Palace at Caserta with the Park, the Aqueduct of Vanvitelli, and the San Leucio Complex
Archaeological Area of Agrigento
Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata
Botanical Garden (Orto Botanico), Padua
Cathedral, Torre Civica and Piazza Grande, Modena
Costiera Amalfitana
Portovenere, Cinque Terre, and the Islands (Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto)
Residences of the Royal House of Savoy
Su Nuraxi di Barumini
Villa Romana del Casale
Archaeological Area and the Patriarchal Basilica of Aquileia
Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archeological sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula
Historic Centre of Urbino
Villa Adriana (Tivoli)
Assisi, the Basilica of San Francesco and Other Franciscan Sites
City of Verona
Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands)
Villa d'Este, Tivoli
Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto (South-Eastern Sicily)
Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy
Monte San Giorgio
Etruscan Necropolises of Cerveteri and Tarquinia
Val d'Orcia
Syracuse and the Rocky Necropolis of Pantalica
Genoa: Le Strade Nuove and the system of the Palazzi dei Rolli
Mantua and Sabbioneta
Rhaetian Railway in the Albula / Bernina Landscapes
The Dolomites

Japan
Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area
Himeji-jo
Shirakami-Sanchi
Yakushima
Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)
Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama
Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome)
Itsukushima Shinto Shrine
Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara
Shrines and Temples of Nikko
Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu
Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range
Shiretoko
Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and its Cultural Landscape

Jerusalem (Site proposed by Jordan)
Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls

Jordan
Petra
Quseir Amra
Um er-Rasas (Kastrom Mefa'a)

Kazakhstan
Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi
Petroglyphs within the Archaeological Landscape of Tamgaly
Saryarka – Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan

Kenya
Lake Turkana National Parks
Mount Kenya National Park/Natural Forest
Lamu Old Town
Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests

Kiribati
Phoenix Islands Protected Area

Korea, Democratic People's Republic of
Complex of Koguryo Tombs

Korea, Republic of
Haeinsa Temple Janggyeong Panjeon, the Depositories for the Tripitaka Koreana Woodblocks
Jongmyo Shrine
Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple
Changdeokgung Palace Complex
Hwaseong Fortress
Gochang, Hwasun and Ganghwa Dolmen Sites
Gyeongju Historic Areas
Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes
Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty
Historic Villages of Korea: Hahoe and Yangdong

Kyrgyzstan
Sulaiman-Too Sacred Mountain

Lao People's Democratic Republic
Town of Luang Prabang
Vat Phou and Associated Ancient Settlements within the Champasak Cultural Landscape

Latvia
Historic Centre of Riga
Struve Geodetic Arc

Lebanon
Anjar
Baalbek
Byblos
Tyre
Ouadi Qadisha (the Holy Valley) and the Forest of the Cedars of God (Horsh Arz el-Rab)

Libyan Arab Jamahiriya
Archaeological Site of Cyrene
Archaeological Site of Leptis Magna
Archaeological Site of Sabratha
Rock-Art Sites of Tadrart Acacus
Old Town of Ghadamès

Lithuania
Vilnius Historic Centre
Curonian Spit
Kernave Archaeological Site (Cultural Reserve of Kernave)
Struve Geodetic Arc

Luxembourg
City of Luxembourg: its Old Quarters and Fortifications

Madagascar
Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve
Royal Hill of Ambohimanga
Rainforests of the Atsinanana

Malawi
Lake Malawi National Park
Chongoni Rock-Art Area

Malaysia
Gunung Mulu National Park
Kinabalu Park
Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca

Mali
Old Towns of Djenné
Timbuktu
Cliff of Bandiagara (Land of the Dogons)
Tomb of Askia

Malta
City of Valletta
Hal Saflieni Hypogeum
Megalithic Temples of Malta

Marshall Islands
Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site

Mauritania
Banc d'Arguin National Park
Ancient Ksour of Ouadane, Chinguetti, Tichitt and Oualata

Mauritius
Aapravasi Ghat
Le Morne Cultural Landscape

Mexico
Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco
Historic Centre of Oaxaca and Archaeological Site of Monte Albán
Historic Centre of Puebla
Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque
Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan
Sian Ka'an
Historic Town of Guanajuato and Adjacent Mines
Pre-Hispanic City of Chichen-Itza
Historic Centre of Morelia
El Tajin, Pre-Hispanic City
Historic Centre of Zacatecas
Rock Paintings of the Sierra de San Francisco
Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaino
Earliest 16th-Century Monasteries on the Slopes of Popocatepetl
Historic Monuments Zone of Querétaro
Pre-Hispanic Town of Uxmal
Hospicio Cabañas, Guadalajara
Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes
Historic Monuments Zone of Tlacotalpan
Archaeological Monuments Zone of Xochicalco
Historic Fortified Town of Campeche
Ancient Maya City of Calakmul, Campeche
Franciscan Missions in the Sierra Gorda of Querétaro
Luis Barragán House and Studio
Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California
Agave Landscape and Ancient Industrial Facilities of Tequila
Central University City Campus of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)
Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve
Protective town of San Miguel and the Sanctuary of Jesús Nazareno de Atotonilco
Camino Real de Tierra Adentro
Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla in the Central Valley of Oaxaca

Moldova, Republic of
Struve Geodetic Arc

Mongolia
Uvs Nuur Basin
Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape

Montenegro
Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor
Durmitor National Park

Morocco
Medina of Fez
Medina of Marrakesh
Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou
Historic City of Meknes
Archaeological Site of Volubilis
Medina of Tétouan (formerly known as Titawin)
Medina of Essaouira (formerly Mogador)
Portuguese City of Mazagan (El Jadida)

Mozambique
Island of Mozambique

Namibia
Twyfelfontein or /Ui-//aes

Nepal
Kathmandu Valley
Sagarmatha National Park
Royal Chitwan National Park
Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha

Netherlands
Schokland and Surroundings
Defence Line of Amsterdam
Historic Area of Willemstad, Inner City and Harbour, Netherlands Antilles
Mill Network at Kinderdijk-Elshout
Ir.D.F. Woudagemaal (D.F. Wouda Steam Pumping Station)
Droogmakerij de Beemster (Beemster Polder)
Rietveld Schröderhuis (Rietveld Schröder House)
The Wadden Sea
Seventeenth-century canal ring area of Amsterdam inside the Singelgracht

New Zealand
Te Wahipounamu – South West New Zealand
Tongariro National Park
New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands

Nicaragua
Ruins of León Viejo

Niger
Air and Ténéré Natural Reserves
W National Park of Niger

Nigeria
Sukur Cultural Landscape
Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove

Norway
Bryggen
Urnes Stave Church
Røros Mining Town and the Circumference
Rock Art of Alta
Vegaøyan -- The Vega Archipelago
Struve Geodetic Arc
West Norwegian Fjords – Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord

Oman
Bahla Fort
Archaeological Sites of Bat, Al-Khutm and Al-Ayn
Arabian Oryx Sanctuary Delisted 2007
Land of Frankincense
Aflaj Irrigation Systems of Oman

Pakistan
Archaeological Ruins at Moenjodaro
Buddhist Ruins of Takht-i-Bahi and Neighbouring City Remains at Sahr-i-Bahlol
Taxila
Fort and Shalamar Gardens in Lahore
Historical Monuments at Makli, Thatta
Rohtas Fort

Panama
Fortifications on the Caribbean Side of Panama: Portobelo-San Lorenzo
Darien National Park
Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park
Archaeological Site of Panamá Viejo and Historic District of Panamá
Coiba National Park and its Special Zone of Marine Protection

Papua New Guinea
Kuk Early Agricultural Site

Paraguay
Jesuit Missions of La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná and Jesús de Tavarangue

Peru
City of Cuzco
Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
Chavin (Archaeological Site)
Huascarán National Park
Chan Chan Archaeological Zone
Manú National Park
Historic Centre of Lima
Río Abiseo National Park
Lines and Geoglyphs of Nasca and Pampas de Jumana
Historical Centre of the City of Arequipa
Sacred City of Caral-Supe

Philippines
Baroque Churches of the Philippines
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras
Historic Town of Vigan
Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park

Poland
Cracow's Historic Centre
Wieliczka Salt Mine
Auschwitz Birkenau
German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp (1940-1945)
Belovezhskaya Pushcha / Bialowieza Forest
Historic Centre of Warsaw
Old City of Zamosc
Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork
Medieval Town of Torun
Kalwaria Zebrzydowska: the Mannerist Architectural and Park Landscape Complex and Pilgrimage Park
Churches of Peace in Jawor and Swidnica
Wooden Churches of Southern Little Poland
Muskauer Park / Park Muzakowski
Centennial Hall in Wroclaw

Portugal
Central Zone of the Town of Angra do Heroismo in the Azores
Convent of Christ in Tomar
Monastery of Batalha
Monastery of the Hieronymites and Tower of Belém in Lisbon
Historic Centre of Évora
Monastery of Alcobaça
Cultural Landscape of Sintra
Historic Centre of Oporto
Prehistoric Rock-Art Sites in the Côa Valley and Siega Verde
Laurisilva of Madeira
Alto Douro Wine Region
Historic Centre of Guimarães
Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture

Romania
Danube Delta
Churches of Moldavia
Monastery of Horezu
Villages with Fortified Churches in Transylvania
Dacian Fortresses of the Orastie Mountains
Historic Centre of Sighisoara
Wooden Churches of Maramures

Russian Federation
Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments
Kizhi Pogost
Kremlin and Red Square, Moscow
Cultural and Historic Ensemble of the Solovetsky Islands
Historic Monuments of Novgorod and Surroundings
White Monuments of Vladimir and Suzdal
Architectural Ensemble of the Trinity Sergius Lavra in Sergiev Posad
Church of the Ascension, Kolomenskoye
Virgin Komi Forests
Lake Baikal
Volcanoes of Kamchatka
Golden Mountains of Altai
Western Caucasus
Curonian Spit
Ensemble of the Ferrapontov Monastery
Historic and Architectural Complex of the Kazan Kremlin
Central Sikhote-Alin
Citadel, Ancient City and Fortress Buildings of Derbent
Uvs Nuur Basin
Ensemble of the Novodevichy Convent
Natural System of Wrangel Island Reserve
Historical Centre of the City of Yaroslavl
Struve Geodetic Arc
Putorana Plateau

Saint Kitts and Nevis
Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park

Saint Lucia
Pitons Management Area

San Marino
San Marino Historic Centre and Mount Titano

Saudi Arabia
Al-Hijr Archaeological Site (Madâin Sâlih)
At-Turaif District in ad-Dir'iyah

Senegal
Island of Gorée
Niokolo-Koba National Park
Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary
Island of Saint-Louis
Stone Circles of Senegambia

Serbia
Stari Ras and Sopocani
Studenica Monastery
Medieval Monuments in Kosovo
Gamzigrad-Romuliana, Palace of Galerius

Seychelles
Aldabra Atoll
Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve

Slovakia
Historic Town of Banská Štiavnica and the Technical Monuments in its Vicinity
Levoca, Spišský Hrad and the Associated Cultural Monuments
Vlkolínec
Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst
Bardejov Town Conservation Reserve
Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians
Wooden Churches of the Slovak part of the Carpathian Mountain Area

Slovenia
Škocjan Caves

Solomon Islands
East Rennell

South Africa
Fossil Hominid Sites of Sterkfontein, Swartkrans, Kromdraai, and Environs
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Robben Island
uKhahlamba / Drakensberg Park
Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape
Cape Floral Region Protected Areas
Vredefort Dome
Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape

Spain
Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín, Granada
Burgos Cathedral
Historic Centre of Cordoba
Monastery and Site of the Escurial, Madrid
Works of Antoni Gaudí
Cave of Altamira and Paleolithic Cave Art of Northern Spain
Monuments of Oviedo and the Kingdom of the Asturias
Old Town of Ávila with its Extra-Muros Churches
Old Town of Segovia and its Aqueduct
Santiago de Compostela (Old Town)
Garajonay National Park
Historic City of Toledo
Mudejar Architecture of Aragon
Old Town of Cáceres
Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville
Old City of Salamanca
Poblet Monastery
Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida
Route of Santiago de Compostela
Royal Monastery of Santa María de Guadalupe
Doñana National Park
Historic Walled Town of Cuenca
La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia
Las Médulas
Palau de la Música Catalana and Hospital de Sant Pau, Barcelona
Pyrénées - Mont Perdu
San Millán Yuso and Suso Monasteries
Prehistoric Rock-Art Sites in the Côa Valley and Siega Verde
Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin on the Iberian Peninsula
University and Historic Precinct of Alcalá de Henares
Ibiza, Biodiversity and Culture
San Cristóbal de La Laguna
Archaeological Ensemble of Tárraco
Archaeological Site of Atapuerca
Catalan Romanesque Churches of the Vall de Boí
Palmeral of Elche
Roman Walls of Lugo
Aranjuez Cultural Landscape
Renaissance Monumental Ensembles of Úbeda and Baeza
Vizcaya Bridge
Teide National Park
Tower of Hercules

Sri Lanka
Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
Ancient City of Sigiriya
Sacred City of Anuradhapura
Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications
Sacred City of Kandy
Sinharaja Forest Reserve
Golden Temple of Dambulla
Central Highlands of Sri Lanka

Sudan
Gebel Barkal and the Sites of the Napatan Region

Suriname
Central Suriname Nature Reserve
Historic Inner City of Paramaribo

Sweden
Royal Domain of Drottningholm
Birka and Hovgården
Engelsberg Ironworks
Rock Carvings in Tanum
Skogskyrkogården
Hanseatic Town of Visby
Church Village of Gammelstad, Luleå
Laponian Area
Naval Port of Karlskrona
Agricultural Landscape of Southern Öland
High Coast / Kvarken Archipelago
Mining Area of the Great Copper Mountain in Falun
Varberg Radio Station
Struve Geodetic Arc

Switzerland
Benedictine Convent of St John at Müstair
Convent of St Gall
Old City of Berne
Three Castles, Defensive Wall and Ramparts of the Market-Town of Bellinzona
Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch
Monte San Giorgio
Lavaux, Vineyard Terraces
Rhaetian Railway in the Albula / Bernina Landscapes
Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona
La Chaux-de-Fonds / Le Locle, Watchmaking Town Planning

Syrian Arab Republic
Ancient City of Damascus
Ancient City of Bosra
Site of Palmyra
Ancient City of Aleppo
Crac des Chevaliers and Qal’at Salah El-Din

Tajikistan
Proto-urban site of Sarazm

Tanzania, United Republic of
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Ruins of Songo Mnara
Serengeti National Park
Selous Game Reserve
Kilimanjaro National Park
Stone Town of Zanzibar
Kondoa Rock-Art Sites

Thailand
Historic City of Ayutthaya
Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns
Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries
Ban Chiang Archaeological Site
Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex

the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Ohrid region

Togo
Koutammakou, the Land of the Batammariba

Tunisia
Amphitheatre of El Jem
Archaeological Site of Carthage
Medina of Tunis
Ichkeul National Park
Punic Town of Kerkuane and its Necropolis
Kairouan
Medina of Sousse
Dougga / Thugga

Turkey
Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia
Great Mosque and Hospital of Divrigi
Historic Areas of Istanbul
Hattusha: the Hittite Capital
Nemrut Dag
Hierapolis-Pamukkale
Xanthos-Letoon
City of Safranbolu
Archaeological Site of Troy

Turkmenistan
State Historical and Cultural Park “Ancient Merv”
Kunya-Urgench
Parthian Fortresses of Nisa

Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi

Ukraine
Kiev: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kiev-Pechersk Lavra
L'viv – the Ensemble of the Historic Centre
Struve Geodetic Arc
Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd
Durham Castle and Cathedral
Giant's Causeway and Causeway Coast
Ironbridge Gorge
St Kilda
Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites
Studley Royal Park including the Ruins of Fountains Abbey
Blenheim Palace
City of Bath
Frontiers of the Roman Empire
Westminster Palace, Westminster Abbey and Saint Margaret's Church
Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey, and St Martin's Church
Henderson Island
Tower of London
Gough and Inaccessible Islands
Old and New Towns of Edinburgh
Maritime Greenwich
Heart of Neolithic Orkney
Blaenavon Industrial Landscape
Historic Town of St George and Related Fortifications, Bermuda
Derwent Valley Mills
Dorset and East Devon Coast
New Lanark
Saltaire
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Liverpool – Maritime Mercantile City
Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal

United States of America
Mesa Verde National Park
Yellowstone National Park
Everglades National Park
Grand Canyon National Park
Independence Hall
Kluane / Wrangell-St Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek
Redwood National and State Parks
Mammoth Cave National Park
Olympic National Park
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
La Fortaleza and San Juan National Historic Site in Puerto Rico
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Statue of Liberty
Yosemite National Park
Chaco Culture
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Monticello and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville
Pueblo de Taos
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Waterton Glacier International Peace Park
Papahanaumokuakea

Uruguay
Historic Quarter of the City of Colonia del Sacramento

Uzbekistan
Itchan Kala
Historic Centre of Bukhara
Historic Centre of Shakhrisyabz
Samarkand – Crossroads of Cultures

Vanuatu
Chief Roi Mata’s Domain

Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of)
Coro and its Port
Canaima National Park
Ciudad Universitaria de Caracas

Viet Nam
Complex of Hué Monuments
Ha Long Bay
Hoi An Ancient Town
My Son Sanctuary
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long - Hanoi

Yemen
Old Walled City of Shibam
Old City of Sana'a
Historic Town of Zabid
Socotra Archipelago

Zambia
Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls

Zimbabwe
Mana Pools National Park, Sapi and Chewore Safari Areas
Great Zimbabwe National Monument
Khami Ruins National Monument
Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls
Matobo Hills