10 UNESCO sites worth getting on a plane for

UNESCO World Heritage Sites mark some of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth…even those that don’t typically make the front page of guidebooks.

Our experts at Enchanting Travels have spent years exploring some of the world’s lesser-known—but no less breathtaking—wonders, and now we’re excited to share their favorites with you.

1

India: The Lost City of Hampi

UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986

Wandering through the boulder-strewn landscape of Hampi feels almost otherworldly. Scattered across the banks of the Tungabhadra River in Karnataka are thousands of ancient structures—forts, temples, and royal complexes—that tell the story of a mighty empire.

Between the 14th and 16th centuries, Hampi was the heart of the last great Hindu kingdom in South India and one of the largest cities in the medieval world. Walking a little over a mile along the river will take you past the intricate stone carvings of Vittala Temple, as well as Virupaksha Temple which was built in the 7th century and still serves as a prayer site today.

Be sure to time your visit with the sunset. Just a short walk from Virupaksha Temple, you’ll find that Sunset Point on Hemakuta Hill offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape. Bathed in warm, golden light, it’s a moment that is nothing short of magical.

2

Brazil: The Pantanal Wetland

UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000

Covering an area nearly half the size of Germany, the Pantanal is one of the world’s largest inland wetlands. And while that may not sound very attractive, it’s a natural paradise teeming with biodiversity. Jaguars, caimans, howler monkeys, giant otters, and more than 650 different types of birds call it home.

In fact, sightings here can be even more frequent and intimate than on many African safaris. For photographers and wildlife lovers alike, the Pantanal offers unforgettable encounters in one of the planet’s richest ecosystems.

3

France: Mont-Saint-Michel & Its Bay

UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979

Rising from tidal flats off the Normandy coast, Mont-Saint-Michel looks like something out of a fairytale. Crowned by a soaring Gothic abbey overlooking a bay, this tiny island village is one of France’s most enchanting and best-preserved landmarks.

As you wander its cobbled lanes, past stone houses and quiet courtyards, it’s…