UNESCO World Heritage Sites are places of outstanding cultural or natural importance to humanity. These sites, ranging from ancient ruins and historic city centres to spectacular natural landscapes, are recognised for their universal value and are protected under the UNESCO World Heritage Convention. Countries with large numbers of such sites draw millions of tourists every year and play a key role in preserving global history and biodiversity.

Following is a list of the top five countries that have a maximum number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

Italy – 60 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Italy has the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites across the globe, 60 in total. This remarkable count reflects Italy’s extraordinary historic depth, from ancient Rome and the Renaissance to medieval cities and stunning landscapes. When in Italy, one can’t ignore the Historic center of Rome, Venice along with its lagoon, Pompeii and Herculaneum, the majestic Dolomites, the Historic center of Siena, among other wonderful UNESCO world heritage sights in the country.

China – 59 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

China ranks second globally with 59 World Heritage Sites. China’s heritage list reflects its long and influential civilisation. The sites include major imperial and historic landmarks, ancient engineering marvels and natural wonders. Some of the most famous ones include the Great Wall of China, one of the most recognisable heritage sites in the world, the Forbidden City (China’s imperial palace complex in Beijing), the Terracotta Army in Xi’an, Mount Huangshan scenic region, and Jiuzhaigou Valley national park. Have you seen these places up close?

Germany – 54 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Germany holds third place with 54 World Heritage Sites to its name. The country’s list captures a wide range of heritage, from medieval cathedrals and castles to modern architectural achievements and culturally significant industrial landscapes. Love history? Then you will find these sights fascinating: Cologne Cathedral, Würzburg Residence, Palaces of King Ludwig II in Bavaria, Speicherstadt and Kontorhaus District in Hamburg, and Berlin Museum Island.

France – 53 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

France is next with 53 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, showcasing its cultural, historical and natural richness. From prehistoric cave art to Gothic cathedrals and monumental royal palaces, France’s sites reflect its influence on art, science and civilisation. For those interested in history, a trip to the famous Palace of Versailles is a must. The palace is a symbol of French monarchy and Renaissance art. Mont-Saint-Michel, a tidal island with medieval architecture, is an adventure one would remember for a long time. The Historic Centre of Lyon, and the prehistoric sites and decorated caves of the Vézère Valley should be on every explorer’s wishlist.

Spain – 50 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Spain ranks fifth with 50 World Heritage Sites on the global list. The country’s sites reflect centuries of cultural influence, from ancient Roman and Moorish civilisations to its Golden Age heritage and artistic innovations. For tourists visiting Spain for the first time, the Spain-itinerary must include Alhambra and Generalife in Granada, the Historic City of Toledo, works of Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona (including the iconic Sagrada Família), and Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route among many others.

From the icy expanses of Antarctica to the sunny beaches of South Africa, penguins inhabit a remarkable range of environments.

The internet has recently been amused and slightly unsettled by the viral “nihilist penguin” clip on Instagram, showing a lone Adélie penguin trudging away from its colony into the icy unknown. While that video sparked philosophical musings about life and purpose, not every penguin sighting has to be tinged with existential dread. In fact, few wildlife encounters are as joyful as watching penguins waddle across beaches, dive into icy waters, or huddle together in bustling colonies. For travelers, there are several destinations around the world where these charismatic birds can be seen in their natural habitats.

Antarctica: The southernmost continent is the ultimate destination for penguin lovers. Home to species such as the Emperor and Adélie penguins, Antarctica offers dramatic landscapes of ice shelves and glaciers where vast colonies thrive. Expedition cruises often take visitors to sites like Cape Royds or Snow Hill Island, where the sight of thousands of penguins gathered together is nothing short of breathtaking.

Falkland Islands: Located in the South Atlantic, the Falkland Islands are a penguin paradise. With more penguins than people, the islands host five species, including Gentoo, King, Rockhopper, Macaroni, and Magellanic penguins. Volunteer Point is particularly famous for its large King penguin colony, offering close encounters in a relatively accessible setting compared to Antarctica.

South Georgia: This remote island is often included in Antarctic cruise itineraries and is renowned for its staggering wildlife. South Georgia’s beaches are lined with tens of thousands of King penguins, creating one of the most spectacular wildlife spectacles on Earth. The island also has a rich history tied to explorers like Ernest Shackleton, adding cultural depth to the natural wonder.

Galápagos Islands: Surprisingly, penguins can be found near the equator. The Galápagos penguin, one of the smallest species, thrives in the cool waters of the archipelago thanks to the Humboldt Current. Visitors can spot them while snorkeling or kayaking, making the experience uniquely intimate compared to the vast colonies of the southern latitudes.

South Africa: Boulders Beach near Cape Town is famous for its colony of African penguins. These charming birds can be seen waddling along sandy shores or swimming in the turquoise waters, often just a few feet away from visitors. The accessibility and warm climate make this one of the easiest and most family‑friendly penguin encounters in the world.

New Zealand: The Otago Peninsula and Stewart Island are prime locations to see the rare Yellow‑eyed penguin, one of the most endangered species. New Zealand also hosts Little Blue penguins, the smallest of all penguins, which can be observed returning to shore at dusk after a day of fishing.

Chile and Argentina: Along the coasts of Patagonia, particularly in Punta Tombo (Argentina) and Isla Magdalena (Chile), vast colonies of Magellanic penguins thrive. These sites are relatively easy to reach and provide opportunities to walk among thousands of birds, making them popular with travelers who want a more accessible penguin experience.

From towering rivers of ice cutting through mountains, to dazzling blue ice caves hidden in frozen ravines, there are few more awe-inspiring scenes in nature. Adventure travellers, in particular, have their fill of more than just breathtaking views: they have the chance to trek on ice, explore ice caves, sail over floating icebergs, and have the raw beauty of nature up-close. Though climate change is rapidly transforming many of them, a handful of glaciers continue to draw explorers from across the globe. Here are five of the world’s most famous glaciers that belong on every adventure traveller’s bucket list.

Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina

Located in one of the premier natural destinations, Los Glaciares National Park in Patagonia, Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the most stunning glaciers in the world, which can be viewed in all their glory due to their accessibility. The Perito Moreno Glacier stretches over 30 kilometers and rises almost 70 meters above Lake Argentino, with its most prominent attractions being its constant movements and ice calving, which produces a thunderous roar as large ice pieces crash into its waters. Visitors, especially adventure enthusiasts, can trek on it during their ice trekking tour. Crampons strapped to boots, they cross shimmering blue crevasses and frozen streams while learning about glacial formation and climate science.

Vatnajökull Glacier, Iceland

Covering nearly eight per cent of Iceland’s landmass, Vatnajökull is the largest glacier in Europe and one of its most diverse adventure playgrounds. Under this huge ice cap, there exist volcanoes. This unique phenomena, a union of ice and fire is why Iceland is called the Land of Fire and Ice. From this glacier, there is an awesome display of ice caves in the winters, which shine with an unearthly glow. Travellers visit Vatnajökull for glacier hikes, ice climbing and guided cave explorations. The surrounding national park also offers sweeping views of glacial lagoons, black-sand plains and distant mountain ranges.

Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand

Few glaciers in the world descend so close to sea level while being surrounded by lush temperate rainforest. Located on New Zealand’s South Island, Franz Josef Glacier flows down from the Southern Alps almost to the edge of green valleys filled with ferns and waterfalls. The peculiar environment makes it one of the most photographed glaciers in the world. The juxtaposition with the subtropical rain forest provides a surreal travelling experience found quite nowhere else in the world. Despite its dramatic retreat in recent decades, Franz Josef Glacier remains an icon in accessible glacier experiences.

Athabasca Glacier, Canada

Athabasca Glacier, a part of the huge ice field of the Canadian Rockies, is one of the most frequently accessed and researched glaciers in North America. Its location, cascading out of the summits along the Icefields Parkway, makes it surprisingly accessible, yet surprisingly raw. Visitors are actually able to walk right out onto the glacier via specially designed snow coaches or walking excursions. Athabasca represents a unique chance for visitors to experience an ice field without the necessity for mountain skills experience.

Khumbu Glacier, Nepal

​Nestled in the roof of the world, in the picturesque mountain range of the Himalayas, is the famous Khumbu Glacier, which is a part of the renowned trek route – the Everest Base Camp trek. This is considered one of the most important and highest glaciers in the world. Apart from the natural beauty of this glacier, this trek is undertaken by adventure-seekers seeking a trek through the picturesque Khambu Valley.

If you dream of Ladakh’s vast silence but not its tourist rush, these six offbeat experiences will help you find the region’s calmest corners.

Ladakh has quietly shifted from a slow, contemplative Himalayan destination to a bucket-list stopover with packed viewpoints and traffic jams at mountain passes. But step just a little away from the obvious circuits, and the region still offers vast silences, long empty roads and moments where the landscape feels untouched. For travellers who value space over spectacle and depth over checklists, Ladakh can still be deeply rewarding — if you choose your experiences carefully. From monasteries that see more monks than tourists to villages where evenings pass without Wi-Fi or noise, these are some of the best ways to experience Ladakh without the crowds.

Here’s What To Do In Ladakh For Travellers Who Hate Crowds

1. Spend Time In The Sham Valley Instead Of Nubra Or Pangong

Often called Ladakh’s “apricot belt”, the Sham Valley lies west of Leh and sees far fewer tourists than Nubra or Pangong. Villages like Alchi, Tingmosgang and Skurbuchan are connected by good roads but remain largely overlooked. The pace here is slower, landscapes are gentler, and monasteries like Alchi see quiet footfall even in peak season. It’s ideal for travellers who want walks through villages, riverside afternoons and heritage stays without convoy tourism or packed viewpoints. Check out @ud_chronicles’ Instagram post to know what it looks like.

2. Visit Monasteries During Early Morning Or Evening Hours

Ladakh’s monasteries are busiest between late morning and early afternoon. Visiting early morning or around evening prayer time changes the experience entirely. Monasteries such as Thiksey, Chemrey or Hemis feel more meditative when chants echo through near-empty halls. You’re more likely to witness daily rituals rather than tourist movement. For crowd-averse travellers, timing matters as much as location — and these hours offer a far more intimate connection to Ladakh’s spiritual rhythm.

3. Choose Hanle Over Pangong For Stargazing

While Pangong Lake attracts large crowds during the day and night, Hanle remains one of Ladakh’s quietest high-altitude villages. Home to the Indian Astronomical Observatory, Hanle offers some of the clearest night skies in the country with minimal light pollution. Evenings here are silent, vast and deeply immersive. Instead of shared bonfires and busy camps, you will experience solitude, cold desert skies and uninterrupted views of the Milky Way — without competing tripods.

4. Take Slow Village Walks In Less-Visited Settlements

Villages like Turtuk, Sumda Chun or Sakti reward travellers who enjoy walking without an agenda. Life unfolds slowly — locals tending fields, children walking home from school, prayer flags fluttering without interruption. There are no cafes or viewpoints demanding attention, just everyday Ladakhi life. For travellers who hate crowds, these unstructured walks often become the most memorable part of the trip, offering a sense of presence that fast-moving itineraries miss.

5. Travel During Shoulder Months Instead Of Peak Summer

Late May, early June, or September are ideal for avoiding peak-season crowds. Roads are open, weather is stable, but tourist numbers drop significantly. Landscapes remain dramatic without the summer rush, and accommodation options are easier to secure. Wildlife sightings improve, monasteries feel quieter, and roads are less congested. If solitude matters more than ticking off every landmark, shoulder-season Ladakh offers the best balance of access and calm.

6. Stay In Homestays Rather Than Tourist Camps

Large camps near popular attractions tend to attract crowds, noise and fixed schedules. Homestays in villages like Phyang, Likir, or Nyoma offer a completely different experience. Evenings revolve around shared meals, conversations and early nights rather than generators and group dinners. These stays allow travellers to experience Ladakh at a human pace, away from tourist circuits, and with fewer people around — exactly what crowd-averse travellers look for.

Responsible Travel Tips for Sensitive, Low‑Tourism Areas

Remote parts of Ladakh are breathtaking, but they are also fragile – culturally, ecologically and socially. Travelling responsibly ensures these quiet places remain quiet, and that your presence has a positive impact instead of strain.

1. Keep Noise and Behaviour Low-Key

Quiet villages and monasteries value calm. Avoid loud conversations, speakers, drones or anything that disrupts the natural silence or local rituals.

2. Stay on Marked Paths and Protect Fragile Terrain

High‑altitude landscapes are easily damaged. Stick to designated roads and trails, avoid off‑roading, and never cut across fields or soft desert ground.

3. Respect Local People, Customs And Photography Norms

Always ask before taking photos of people or religious spaces, dress modestly in traditional villages, and follow monastery etiquette like removing shoes and avoiding flash or intrusion.

4. Minimise Resource Use: Water, Electricity And Waste

Remote areas have limited resources. Take short showers, avoid unnecessary laundry, switch off lights, and carry your waste back to areas with proper disposal.

5. Support Local Communities Meaningfully

Choose homestays, eat at family-run kitchens, hire local guides, and buy authentic crafts. Your spending directly sustains villages that rely on low-volume, responsible tourism.

So, what are you waiting for? Plan a trip to Ladakh today!