UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan

In Japan, UNESCO World Heritage Sites are extremely popular and there is even a weekly travel show dedicated to showcasing sites from all over the world. The United Nation’s Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) aims (among an incredibly long list of other duties) to designate and help to protect cultural or natural sites that show “outstanding universal value.” “Sekai isan” or World Heritage Sites, are so popular that Japanese tour companies do a steady business developing mass tours all around the world as well as within Japan itself.

While many people of heard about World Heritage Sites, I was shocked to discover while researching for this article that despite the large sums of money invested to win World Heritage status, and then the vasts amounts of sums needed to protect and maintain those sites (with of course some funds made available from UNESCO) that there is very little interest on the internet for Heritage Sites in Japan.

As little as 170 people per month, GLOBALLY, actively search for information in English on Japan’s World Heritage Sites. While the marketing value of making the list seems to be quite high, there does not seem to be a subsequent push by the ordinary tourist to find information on them over the internet. Compare this low search level with “Japan Sex” which comes in at 201,000/month and you see what the heritage of the world is up against. Yes, I somehow was able to weave “sex” into a World Heritage post ;)

Despite the lack of knowledge on World Heritage Sites, Japan is filled with them (relative to other countries) and boasts some impressive and incredibly preserved sites.

Travel to Japan’s World Heritage Sites

If you are planning a visit to Japan, you can hardly go wrong by including a few of Japan’s 16 World Heritage Sites in your itinerary. To help you out, and because I know you are not going to search for them on your own, here they are. I have been to over half of these and can’t wait to visit the rest. They are grouped by region starting north to south and include the 2 new additions that were just added in June 2011!

Cultural UNESCO Sites

Hiraizumi – Temples, Gardens and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land

Winter at Chuson-ji Temple Japan: New to the list in 2011, Hiraizumi, in Iwate Prefecture boasts a long history of beautiful temples that rivaled the size of Kyoto back in the 12th Century. The area comprises five sites, including the sacred Mount Kinkeisan. The sites boast the remnants of government offices dating from the 11th and 12th centuries when Hiraizumi was the administrative center of the northern realm of Japan. The realm was based on the cosmology of Pure Land Buddhism, which spread to Japan in the 8th century. It represented the pure land of Buddha that people aspire to after death, a type of enlightened realm. The highlights of the area include Chuson-ji Temple, with its spectacular Konjikido golden hall, Motsu-ji Temple, and the former garden of Kanjizaio-in Temple which is representative of a combination of indigenous Japanese nature worship and Shintoism and Pure Land Buddhism that developed a type of garden design unique to Japan.

Shrines and Temples of Nikko

Changing leaves in Nikko Japan: The shrines and temples of Nikko have long been associated with the wealth and power of the Tokugawa Shogunate, and together with the beautiful surrounding nature illustrate the architectural style of the Edo period. The mountains of Nikko were first worshiped as a sacred Shinto area and in the 8th century the first Buddhist building was built. The area highlights the unique nature of Japanese religious centers blending nature worship with adapted Buddhist principles. One of the main highlights is Shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu’s grand, elaborately (gaudy?) decorated mausoleum – the Toshogu – that was built in the mid 17th century. Watch out for the monkeys that are known to terrorize the town and the visitors alike.

Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama

Autumn colors at Shirakawa-go in Japan: Located in a mountainous regions in Gifu Prefecture (Shirakawa-go) and Toyama Prefecture (Gokayama) are cut off from the rest of Japan. These villages have Gassho-style houses with their steeply pitched thatched roofs that were designed to protect from the massive amounts of snow dumped on the area each winter by moisture extending from the Sea of Japan and are the only examples of their kind in Japan. The resident lived off of the cultivation of mulberry trees and the rearing of silkworms. It is difficult to find a more rural traditional lifestyle in Japan.

Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)

Yes, this is three cities in one and the monuments are shared between Kyoto Prefecture and my former home Shiga Prefecture. With so many amazing historical temples and shrines in the area it would have been impossible to grant them all UNESCO status individually. If you manage to hit all of these temples and shrines then you are way ahead of the most tourists who spend a few days seeing just a few of these sites. The full list includes:

Kinkakuji Golden Temple in winterKamigamo Shrine (Kamowakeikazuchi-jinja)
Shimogamo Shrine (Kamomioya-jinja)
To-ji Temple (Kyouougokoku-ji), Minami-ku Kyoto-city
Kiyomizu Temple (Kiyomizu-dera)
Enryaku-ji Temple, Otsu-city
Daigo-ji Temple, Fushimi-ku Kyoto-city
Ninna-ji Temple, Ukyo-ku Kyoto-city
Byodoin Temple, Uji-city
Ujigami-jinja Shrine, Uji-city
Kozan-ji Temple, Ukyo-ku Kyoto-city
Saiho-ji Temple, Sakyo-ku Kyoto-city
Tenryu-ji Temple, Ukyo-ku Kyoto-city
Kinkaku-ji Temple (Rokuon-ji), Kita-ku Kyoto-city
Ginkaku-ji Temple (Jisho-ji), Sakyo-ku Kyoto-city
Ryouan-ji Temple, Ukyo-ku Kyoto-city
Hongan-ji Temple, Shimogyo-ku Kyoto-city
Nijojo Castle, Kyoto-city

Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area, Nara Prefecture

Horyu-ji Temple in NaraWith around 48 Buddhist monuments in the Horyu-ji area, in Nara Prefecture, you could spend a whole day taking photographs. A number of them date from the late 7th or early 8th century, including the Hyoru-ji gate, main hall and pagoda, making them the oldest surviving wooden buildings in the world. These masterpieces of wooden architecture illustrate the adaptation of Chinese Buddhist architecture and layout to Japanese culture, as well as the with the introduction of Buddhism to Japan from China through the Korean peninsula.

Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara

todaiji great BuddhaLike Kyoto, there are so many sites in Ancient Nara that one can spend a few days trying to discover all of the UNESCO sites. Japan’s capital from 710-784, it is a classic site that every visitor should see. Stop to pet the free roaming deer located throughout the city and the park, visit Todai-ji the world’s largest wooden building housing Japan’s largest statue of the Buddha, or marvel at Kofuku-ji’s 5 story pagoda. Don’t forget to walk along the paths in the surrounding hills and discover centuries of stone statues and Buddhist symbols.

Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range

Set in the remote and dense forests of the Kii Mountains three ancient sacred sites- Yoshino and Omine, Kumano Sanzan, and Koyasan, reflect the inter-linkages between the native nature based worship of Shinto, and Buddhism which arrived from China and Korea. The sites are linked to the ancient capitals of Nara and Kyoto along pilgrimage routes that are still used today for hiking and ascetic disciple. The natural landscapes and the sites themselves have a long and well documented tradition of use and pilgrimage for over 1,200 years. The rugged mountains raising from 1,000-2,000 meters and the natural beauty of the area, which was once thought to have been the origin of the Japanese Shinto Gods, are still visited by millions of people each year. Each of the sites are worth a visit but are spread out quite a bit. Koyasan is the headquarters of Shingon Buddhism, a form of esoteric Buddhism and its founder Kobodaishi is one of the great Japanese historical figures. He is also the founder of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.

Kumano Sanzan on Kii Peninsula in Japan

Approaching a small Shinto Shrine in the Kii Mountains

Yoshino and Omine is the northern-most site near to Nara. The Yoshino or northern part of the site was the most important sacred mountain in Japan by the 10th century and was the object of mountain worship, Shinto, in the 7th and 8th centuries. Later in the 8th century it became one of the prime sacred places for the Shugen sect of ascetic Buddhism, and the Omine in the southern part of the site was also known for its harsh mountain ascetic rituals and particular fusion of Shinto and Buddhism.

Kumano Sanzan is the furthest south and has three main shrines, and two temples, connected by a pilgrims’ route. The site also reflects the Shinto and Shugen sect of Shinto-Buddhism and the wooden architecture is considered some of the best in Japan.

Himeji-jo

Himeji Castle, Japan: This is possibly Japan’s best preserved and most beautiful castle. The castle site includes 83 buildings with highly developed systems of defense and and creative means of protection dating from the beginning of the Shogun period. The original castle was built in the 14th century and the existing castle was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1580. It was further enlarged 30 years later by Ikeda Terumasa. This is one of those sites that is a must see for any visitor to Japan.

Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and its Cultural Landscape

Inside Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine: The Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine in Shimane Prefecture in the south east of Japan’s main island, Honshu, is a mountainous area reaching 600 meters cut through by deep river valleys featuring the archaeological remains of large-scale mines, smelting and refining sites and mining settlements worked between the 16th and 20th centuries. The mines produced most of silver and gold in south-east Asia in the 16th and 17th centuries with shipping routes to China and the Korean peninsula. The site includes fortresses, a number of temples that catered to the short life expectancy of silver miners of the time, and three port towns Tomogaura, Okidomari and Yunotsu, from where the ore was shipped.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome)

Hiroshima Genbaku Dome: This used to be the Industrial Promotion Hall, but after being at the hypocenter of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945 the partially standing remains are now a reminder of the world’s first atomic attack. It was the only building in the area to survive the blast and has been kept in its original state by the city of Hiroshima. Each year on August 6th, services are held at the dome in remembrance and a moment of silence is observed. The Dome stands opposite of the Peace Memorial Park.

Itsukushima Shinto Shrine

Miyajima and Itsukushima Shrine: The island of Itsukushima, in the Seto inland sea, has been a sacred place for Shintoism since the earliest times. The shrines main torii gates, better know as the “floating shrine,” rises out of the the ocean during high tide and is one of the enduring images of Japan. The first shrine buildings were around the 6th century with the present shrine being erected in the 12th century. The shrine plays on the contrasts in color and form between mountains and sea and is a remarkable illustration of Japan’s sense of beauty which highlights the balance between nature and humans.

Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu, Okinawa Prefecture

The Ryukyu Kingdom in Okinawa served as the economic and cultural hub between Japan, China, Korea and the rest of south-east Asia for several centuries. The area is dotted with fortresses and castles with the main attraction being Shuri-jo a castle with a particularly Chinese flavor to it. The castle was the seat of power in the area from the 15th century to 1879 when Okinawa was taken under full control by the Japanese government. Unfortunately the castle was almost fully destroyed during WWII and the current building is a reconstruction.

Natural UNESCO Sites

Shiretoko

Shiretoko Hokkaido's Oshinkoshin Waterfall: If Hokkaido is often refereed to as the most American area in Japan with it’s wide open spaces then Shiretoko must be the Alaska of Japan.The Shiretoko Peninsula in north eastern Hokkaido is a remote, untouched wilderness accessible only by boat or a long trekking expedition. The Peninsula is 65 km long and 25 km wide, houses a number of rare plant and animal life and is home to the world’s highest number of brown bears. The site is globally important for threatened seabirds and migratory birds and for marine mammals including Steller’s sea lion. Good luck getting there!

Shirakami-Sanchi

Lake in Shirakami Beech Forest : Located in Akita Prefecture in northern Honshu the area consists mainly of virgin Siebold’s beech forests that once spread all over Northern Japan. Black bears inhabit the area and a traditional faith ceremony and traditional bear hunting still takes place from time to time. The beech forest is almost entirely undisturbed with few access trails or man-made facilities. There is occasional use by bear hunters but in general the area is protected and has a buffer zone around it.

Ogasawara Islands

Ogasawara Isands Japan: One of two new Heritage sites listed in 2011 the beautiful topical islands of Ogasawara are technically a part of Tokyo but are located over 1,000 km to the south and consist of over 30 islands. Often call the Galapagos of Asia the islands have never physically been attached to any other part of Japan leaving the flora and fauna millions of the years to evolve into distinct species, including the Bonin Flying Fox. About 2,500 residents live on the islands which can only be reach by a 25 1/2 hour ferry ride from Tokyo. The surrounding ocean is home to an abundance of sea life and is an ideal place to watch Humpback and Sperm whales.

Yakushima

Yakushima Island Japan : This island located just to the South of Kyushu, Japan’s southern most main island, is a wonderland of ancient cedar trees and an abundance of plant species with over 1,900 recorded. The massive Yaku-sugi, are endemic to the island transforming the island into enchanting land. Combined with the monkeys, and sparking blue waters around the island it is impossible not feel in awe of the natural wonders.

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

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.

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."

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.

Some of the World Heritage Sites in Sweden

The modernized European country Sweden is a land of rich natural resources and cherished prehistoric treasure. Today’s Sweden is celebrated for the co-existence of old heritage and new fortunes. Swedish people have magnificently preserved their cultural heritages and historical buildings. A trip to Sweden by cheap flights to Sweden can not be complete without tour to the World Heritage Sites in the country. Sweden is home to about 12 World Heritage Sites.



Royal Domain of Drottningholm is placed on an island close to Lake Malar in the premises of Stockholm. The imperial residence includes a castle, theater, Chinese pergola and gardens. The enthusiast tourists taking the flights to Sweden frequently visit the place.

Gulf of Bothnia is a northern annex of the Baltic Sea positioned on the west shore of the country. The High coast is shaped because of the run away of glacier and elevating of land from the sea. The last run away occurred here for more than 9,600 years ago.

The Rock Carvings in Tanum portray various sketches including humans, animals, weapons and various features of human life. However, some of them are unreadable. Various researchers and archaeologists take the cheap flights to Sweden to make futher research on these artistic carvings. The rock carvings are found to date back to the Bronze Age.

Moreover, the tourists get in through the flights to Sweden in the exploratory voyage of World Heritage Sites must also visit Church Village of Gammelstad, Lulea. Gammelstad, is the best-conserved example of a ‘church village’. Church villages are such an amazing type of villages formerly found throughout the region.

The archaeological location of Birka displays the architectural remains from the 9th and 10th centuries. Several bold and risky adventurers book the cheap flights to Sweden from varied countries in the world to the countryside of Oland Island to guarantee an unmatched thrill. In fact the island and the Baltic Sea are featured by a huge limestone plateau. The area surrounds the proof of human settlement and 5000 years ago.

Naval Port of Karlskrona is a striking model of 17th-century European planned city. Engelsberg Ironworks is one of the superlative conserved sites where higher quality of iron was produced in the 17th and 18th centuries. The travelers of flights to Sweden on World Heritage Sites Tours also stop over Skogskyrko garden, the Stockholm cemetery; Hanseatic Town of Visby, past residence of the Vikings and the Varberg Radio Station at Grimeton in southern Sweden.

India Tour - A Journey To Uncultivated India

India a sanctuary of tourism delights, a civilization to tour through. Number of tourists visiting India is rising at an alarming rate. Tourists come to India for its wealth of sights, cultural exuberance, diversity of terrain and in search of that special something, an extra punch that only India promises and delivers. It is not wrong to say that tour to India can be organized for various purposes either for exploring natural beauty or for paying a holy visit to various pilgrimage centers, etc.

If you really want to discover the captivating splendor of India tourism, then places like Taj Mahal, Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Forts and Palaces of Rajasthan, Kerala are the best choices. Similarly, sacred destinations like Golden Temple, Konark temple, Khajuraho etc are the most sought after destinations for those tourists who want to make a holy visit in India.

India tourism is not classified to pilgrimage centre or heritage sites, even the animal lovers can have a whale of the time while roving around the famous Kaziranga, Jim Corbett, Ranthambore, etc., national parks which are real treasure of diverse flora and fauna of India. Experience & Uncover the enchanting splendor of India tourism by various tour Packages as like : heritage tours, adventure tour, wildlife tour, pilgrimage tour packages and many other tour packages.

These packages are tailor-made and can be further customized as per the needs and requirements of the tourists. Although, India is one such a destination which is visited by numerous tourists throughout the year round, yet tourists prefer visiting India during festive season of Holi, Diwali, Christmas, Christmas, etc. to get a glimpse of high-spirited celebrations made by Indian people during these colorful festivals. It is not wrong to say that by availing these tour packages, one can surely get a brief insight of the eternal Indian tourism of which it boasts for.

London

London is the capital of both England and the United Kingdom. It has been an influential city for two millennia, and its history goes back to its founding by the Romans, then named Londinium. London's core, the ancient City of London, the 'square mile', retains its medieval boundaries. However, since at least the nineteenth century, the name "London" has also referred to the whole metropolis that has developed around it. Today, the bulk of this conurbation forms the London region and the Greater London administrative area, with its own elected mayor and assembly.



London is a preeminent global city and one of the world's largest financial centres.Central London is home to the headquarters of more than half of the UK's top 100 listed companies and more than 100 of Europe's 500 largest. London's influence in politics, education, entertainment, media, fashion, the arts and culture in general contributes to its global position. It is a major tourist destination for both domestic and overseas visitors. London hosted the 1908 and 1948 Summer Olympics and will host the 2012 Summer Olympics.

London contains four World Heritage Sites: the Tower of London; the historic settlement of Greenwich; the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; and the site comprising the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey and St. Margaret's Church.

London has a wide range of peoples, cultures, and religions, and more than 300 languages are spoken within its boundaries. In July 2007, it had an official population of 7,556,900 within the boundaries of Greater London, making it the most populous municipality in the European Union. The Greater London Urban Area (the second largest in the EU) has a population of 8,278,251. while the metropolitan area (the largest in the EU) has an estimated total population of between 12 million and 14 million. The public transport network, administered by Transport for London, is the most extensive in the world, London Heathrow Airport is the world's busiest airport by number of international passengers and the airspace is the busiest of any urban centre in the world.

The etymology of London remains a mystery. The earliest etymological explanation can be attributed to Geoffrey of Monmouth in Historia Regum Britanniae. The name is described as originating from King Lud, who had allegedly taken over the city and named it Kaerlud. This would have had a derivational form Kaerludein, which, by aphaeresis, eventually developed as London. Many other theories have been advanced over the centuries, most of them deriving the name from the Welsh or British languages. It is also believed the name "London" comes from the celtic word "Lyndon", which means "shadowy waters", referring to the Thames River.

Although there is evidence of scattered Brythonic settlements in the area, the first major settlement was founded by the Romans in 43 AD as Londinium, following the Roman conquest of Britain. This Londinium lasted for just seventeen years. Around 61, the Iceni tribe led by Queen Boudica stormed this first London, burning it to the ground. The next, heavily planned incarnation of the city prospered and superseded Colchester as the capital of the Roman province of Britannia in 100. At its height in the 2nd century, Roman London had a population of around 60,000.