World's most striking World Heritage sites

(Source: msn)

A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place (such as a forest, mountain, lake, island, desert, monument, building, complex, or city) that is listed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as of special cultural or physical significance (see list of World Heritage Sites).These are some World's most striking World Heritage sites.
 

The Rideau Canal, Canada

Over 124 miles in length, this waterway joins the Canadian cities of Ottawa, on the Ottawa River, and Kingston, on Lake Ontario. Operated by Parks Canada, the canal encompasses sections of the Rideau and Cataraqui rivers, along with a few lakes. Originally built with military purposes in mind, today it is mainly used for boating and was designated as a World Heritage Site in 2007.


Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls, Zambia and Zimbabwe

Located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, the Mosi-oa-Tunya are regarded among the most spectacular waterfalls in the world. Part of Zambezi River, the 354-foot falls produce the largest curtain of falling water anywhere on the planet and were declared a World Heritage Site in 1989.


 

Iguazú National Park, Argentina

Iguazú National Park is surrounded by the subtropical forest and is centered around the mighty Iguazú Falls, whose name is derived from the local language meaning "big water." The falls are composed of 275 individual drops, running nearly two miles along the border of Brazil and Argentina. The park was declared a World Heritage Site in 1984.


 

Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina

At over 2,700 square miles, Los Glaciares National Park is situated in the southern Argentinian Andes. This park is exceptionally beautiful with mountains, lakes and woods. After Antarctica and Greenland, the park plays host to the planet's third largest ice cap. TIt was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1981.


Timbuktu, Mali

A major spiritual center for the propagation of Islam in Africa during the 15th and 16th centuries, this site contains three globally renowned mosques, Sidi Yahia, Djingareyber and Sankore. It was declared as a World Heritage Site in 1988.


Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu is the unique testimony of the urban Inca Empires power and achievement from the middle of the 15th century. Situated almost 8,000 feet above sea level, the terraces and ruins of this once-great city look over the mountain forest below and is considered to be the most beautiful locations in the Peruvian Andes. This was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1983.


Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

Situated nearly 600 miles off the west coast of Ecuador, the Galápagos are an archipelago of 18 major volcanic islands that are host to a unique collection of flora and fauna. Central to the studies of the naturalist Charles Darwin, the Galápagos and the waters that surround them are now part of a national park. This spectacular location was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1978.


Hampi, India

Lying 217 miles from Bangalore, Hampi is situated amid the ruins of Vijayanagar, the former capital of the Vijayanagar Empire. Believed to have been the second most-populous city on Earth around 1500 AD, Vijayanagar plays host to numerous monuments to the city's former glory, the best-known of which is Virupaksha Temple. The ruins have been listed as a World Heritage Site since 1986.


Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Featuring 400 types of coral, 4,000 types of mollusk and 1,500 species of fish, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest reef system on earth. It was made a World Heritage Site in 1981 and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia.


Goreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia, Turkey

Nestled among the fairy chimney rock formations, with dwellings (dating back to the 4th century AD) carved directly into the rock faces, the historic Turkish town of Cappadocia is famed for its early Christian churches and Byzantine art. It was declared as a World Heritage Site in 1985.

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