Being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is no joke. It takes some serious remarkable features and incredible history to gain a reputation and become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are a total of 1, 121 UNESCO World Heritage Sites across the globe presently that have been chosen either for their cultural significance, impressive history, breathtaking beauty, or combination of all. Almost every other country in this world is home to a few numbers of world heritage sites that draw visitors every year. Of all the existing heritage sites, some of them are extremely popular worldwide and have a reputation to draw millions of visitors each year. While every world heritage site is unique and remarkable in its own way, the most hyped ones always manage to steal the limelight, leaving some sites undiscovered and unexplored.
There’s so much more to these UNESCO World Heritage Sites than just Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Taj Mahal in India. If you dive deeper into your research, you will find so many other fascinating world heritage sites in the world that need to be explored right away.
We have listed a few underrated UNESCO World Heritage Sites that you might consider visiting during your next vacation.
Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles
Aldabra Atoll is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Seychelles, but when it comes to visiting it as a UNESCO world heritage site, the numbers won’t be the same. Not only it is the second-largest atoll in the world but it is also home to millions of tortoises and the largest population of reptiles. The atoll comprises of several islands that make this place ideal for island hopping as well. This site remains strictly protected and follows inflexible regulations to protect it from any mankind disturbance.
Antequera Dolmens Site, Spain
Antequera Dolmens Site is a cultural heritage situated in the heart of Andalusia in Southern Spain. The site features three megalithic monuments aka tomb and two natural landmarks. Everything about this site is quite remarkable and impressive. The three incredible tombs- the Menga, Viera Dolmens, and Tholos of El Romeral are the most notable highlights of this wonderful site. El Torcal and the La Pena de los Enamorados might be the first two natural landmarks you’ll come across, but here, these three megalithic tombs steal the limelight.
Historic Centre of Bukhara, Uzbekistan
Once you visit this simply stunning incredible site, you would certainly be left in awe of its breathtaking architecture. This 2000 years old city-museum situated on the Silk Road comprises of around 140 architectural monuments. It still remains largely intact and unspoiled, giving the visitors a perfect chance to explore one of the best well preserved Islamic cities. The Muslim architecture is really impressive and the Magoki Attori mosque, Ismail Samani tomb are some of its best examples.
Huascaran National Park, Peru
While Machu Picchu is possibly the best highlight in Peru, you certainly cannot overlook other attractions in the area. After making an obligatory visit to Machu Picchu, take a trip to the northwest and visit the spectacular Huascaran national park. It is one of the most gorgeous places you will ever come across in Peru. The national park boasts of the stunning view of Cordillera Blanca (the highest tropical mountain range in the world), glacial-fed lakes, diverse vegetation, and snow-covered mountains towering amongst tropical glaciers. This place is full of natural beauty and with all the amazingness going around it; you certainly cannot miss out on exploring this place.
Kakadu National Park, Australia
Kakadu National Park is a place in Australia that is both of cultural significance and also the largest national park on the continent. The park boasts of a diverse and exemplary ecosystem which comprises of mangroves, monsoon forests, and floodplains. It also once used to be home to aboriginal people who have inhabited this place for more than 50,000 years. You can also check out some of the cave paintings and rock carvings in the region that are done by the aboriginals themselves.