16 January 2014

Here are some of the fascinating natural and man made structures to make it to UNESCO's World Heritage List.


Honghe Hani Rice Terraces, China:- For the past 1,300 years the people of Hani have designed a complex water systems to channel water from the top of the Ailao Mountains to their rice terraces below. The 41,000 acres of terrace also features an integrated farming system comprising of cattle, hens, eels, fish and buffalo that support the primary crop of red rice. The Hani still live in thatched houses, much like they have for centuries and worship the mountains, sun, rivers and the wildlife.


Namib Sand Sea, Namibia: - Sprawling 1,200 miles and covering almost 10 million acres of desert, the surreal Namib is the oldest desert in the world. The region is totally uninhabited but sees some solo travelers who come to experience the brilliant sandstorms that sweep through the area.


Hill Forts of Rajasthan, India: - The six forts are set among the rocky outcrops of the Aravalli Mountains in the “land of the kings” and stand as a testament to the raw power of the Rajput dynasty. The massive walls that rises 12 miles all around was ingeniously created utilizing natural defenses like deserts, hills and rivers. If you are planning a visit, do check out the budget hotels on travel portals before you do online hotel booking in India.


University of Coimbra–Alta and Sofia, Portugal: - This quirky university founded in 1920, has its own court of law and prison for students. One of the oldest operating universities in the world, the Coimbra evolved for more than 700 years within the quaint town and includes a 12th century Cathedral of Santa Cruz and the Royal Palace of Alcáçova.


Wooden Tserkvas, Poland and Ukraine: - More than 1000 years ago, Poland & Ukraine were two countries that came under the influence of rival Christian centers of Rome and Constantinople. However there are some overlapping traditions like the tserkvas seen in the Carpathian region.  These wooden Greek Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches were built during 16-19th century and are constructed in three parts to honor the holy trinity.

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