Or exploring one of the largest caves in the world, with biodiversity that promises to be a microcosm in itself. Such were some of the stunning additions in the 46th session of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage Committee, held for the first time in India in July.
For the sites, earning the UNESCO recognition is much more than a tag, it is a near-guarantee of protection against being ravaged by human greed or exploitation which is evident all around the world.
Among the 24 newly inscribed properties are 20 cultural properties, four natural properties and one mixed site. The newly included natural sites join the 271 sites already inscribed for their natural values as areas of stunning natural beauty, which not only harbour unique ecosystems, biodiversity and rare species but also reflect a collective commitment to safeguarding the planet’s most precious places for future generations.
Here is a quick look at the latest members of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park in Brazil
Imagine undulating expanses of white coastal dunes interlaced with jade lagoons all around. This is Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, the latest addition to the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Brazil. This aesthetic treat is set amidst Maranhão state in northeastern Brazil, in what falls under a transition zone between the three Brazilian biomes of Cerrado, Caatinga and Amazon.
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park becomes the 24th addition to the list of UNESCO sites in biodiversity-rich Brazil. Along its 80 km coastline are beaches lined by plains, where winds shape the dunes into long chains of barchans.
While mesmerising year-round, arrestingly beautiful are the rainy seasons that fill up the lagoons in various colours, shapes, sizes and depths, creating rare beauty when the lagoons reach their maximum volume.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
La Mamounia is an oasis for travellers
In order to cement its foothold in the Indian market, Moroccan luxury resort La Mamounia, located in the picturesque town of Marrakech, recently organised a visit to Mumbai and Delhi, engaging with top-tier travel industry partners from India. General Manager Pierre Jochem tells India Outbound that the resort, which recently completed 100 years, is targetting the Indian visitors seeking to explore Morrocan art, culture and heritage, besides its captivating beauty.
Africa has come a long way as travel destination for Indians
The perception of Africa as a tourism destination has come a long way in India as travellers from India have gone beyond safaris to discover other elements that make travel to Africa attractive. The change is not just amongst Indian tourists, but destinations have also learnt more about their Indian clients and are taking steps to customise their offer to the Indian visitors, writes Alpa Jani, Founder, Ace Connect, a tourism marketing company.
ASCENIC RAIL TRIP ACROSS BALKANS
A rail journey through the Western Balkans, from Serbia's vibrant capital Belgrade to the culturally rich Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a more tranquil, scenic way to explore the region's breathtaking mountains, lakes and historical towns at a leisurely pace.
Shahnaz Husain's cool tips for skincare during travel
Celebrity beautician and hair care expert Shahnaz Husain tells India Outbound on her secrets for skin-care and hair-care while travelling.
Plovdiv: Timeless jewel in Bulgarian crown
With a history spanning over two millennia, Plovdiv is not only one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, but also a vibrant conduit linking Bulgaria's past and its present.
Navigating Natural Wonders of UNESCO World Heritage Sites
For us city dwellers, even the sound of a cuckoo might seem exotic. So now imagine discovering a vastness filled with shifting dunes and interlaced emerald lagoons.
Explore the Jewel of Southern Spain, Seville
Home to one of the largest historic centres of Europe and three world heritage sites, the stunning city of Seville, located by the picturesque Guadalquivir River in southern Spain, offers tourists an experience rich in history, culture, art, gastronomy and much more.
UPI IN INTERNATIONAL MARKETS A GAME CHANGER FOR INDIAN TRAVELLERS
Having revolutionised digital transactions in India, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is now expanding globally. After tepid beginnings in the immediate neighbourhood, UPI is gaining acceptance in many countries making a win-win for Indian tourists and businesses overseas that are increasingly eager to tap the burgeoning Indian outbound travel market.
Debuting at COP29, can tourism lead march towards curbing carbon emissions?
Tourism will make its debut in global climate change negotiations in the next round of discussions, COP29, that opens in Baku later this month. So far, the discussions have spectacularly failed to produce any notable outcome, besides platitudes and numerous missed commitments. The global tourism industry has a golden opportunity to lead the way and show the world the true path to curbing carbon emissions. But the sector's own record in this aspect is hardly blemishless.
Bintan Island: SEESE
A haven of nature, with thriving flora and fauna, the Indonesian island of Bintan, that is barely an hour away from Singapore by ferry and comes with easy visa regimes, is an ideal extension for any Indian visitor to Singapore, looking to add a touch of wilderness to the experience.
