the-most-popular-unesco-world-heritage-sites
Spread the love

Planning to visit the most popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites?

The list of most searched UNESCO World Heritage Sites is a useful tool when planning a trip: it allows travellers to identify the must-see spots for an itinerary. But some of these spots generate more curiosity and daydreams than others, starting with the Taj Mahal.

UNESCO’s World Heritage list features 1,154 cultural, natural and mixed properties — a host of ideas providing inspiration when it comes to planning a future trip. The country that is home to the site most often searched for online by holidaymakers is India: according to data collected by the Zitango Travel website, the Taj Mahal is the most popular destination for travellers seeking online inspiration over the month of March.

The pristine mausoleum generated no less than 1.4 million searches in a month. The monument created by a Mughal emperor of Muslim faith as a tribute to his wife is one of the most beautiful proofs of love, so it’s no surprise that it generates such fascination and interest among travelers.

Taj Mahal, India
The Taj Mahal. Image credit: Rowan Heuvel on Unsplash

Would-be adventurers are also interested in ancient civilisations and so it makes perfect sense that the majestic Machu Picchu, in Peru, sparks curiosity. The ancient Inca city tallied 1.1 million searches during the studied period. Travellers are attracted by such sites built by ancient societies or mystical groups whose customs and rites still hold many mysteries, such as Stonehenge in the United Kingdom (782, 000 searches), the Nabataean city of Petra in Jordan (575,000 searches) and Chichen Itza in Mexico (445,000 searches).

As the world’s leading tourist destination, France has not failed to make its mark with the presence of the palace of Versailles, which attracts 464,000 searches per month.

Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park. Image credit: Dan Meyers on Unsplash

Here is the ranking of the most searched UNESCO World Heritage sites : 

1. Taj Mahal (1,400,000) – India

2. Machu Picchu (1,100,000) – Peru

3. Rio de Janeiro (824,000) – Brazil

4. Yellowstone National Park (793,000) – United States

5. Stonehenge (782,000) – United Kingdom

6. Statue of Liberty (757, 000) – United States

7. Petra (575,000) – Jordan

8. Cinque Terre (550,000) – Italy

9. Palace of Versailles (464,000) – France

10. Chichen Itza (445,000) – Mexico

The story is published via AFP Relaxnews. Hero and feature images by Alex Vasey on Unsplash

The post The most popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites appeared first on Prestige Online – Singapore.