What with all the travel deal search engines and the number of travel blogs that abound, one might think all the unknown exotic places are commonplace already. Not these 12 – we’ve put together THE list of the most beautiful locales you’ve not heard of that have not been explored to death.
Namje, Nepal
- Location: Nepalese village at the foot of the Himalayas, no transport after Biratnagar except walking
- Sights: The world’s fifth-tallest peak, Mount Makalu and the ancient spiritual traditions of Namje
- Lodging And Food: Nearby Hotel Himalaya and local hospitality.
- Activities: A visit to the ancient burial ground at Thumki Hill, trekking the footpaths between villages, viewing fabulous views, sunrises and sunsets.
- Noted For: Remoteness, extreme beauty, cultural and technological isolation.
Tusheti, Georgia
- Location: High in the hills of the Caucasus Mountains in Georgia, Russia.
- Sights: Picturesque villages precariously placed on steep slopes, old defensive towers, stone shrines, mountaintop castles, stone-hewn hamlets and churches and houses decorated with lacy wood balconies.
- Lodging and Food: Old castles now serve as hotels for lodging and food.
- Activities: Exploring rolling grasslands, glacial lakes, white-water gorges and ridged peaks on foot or horseback, drinking local drinks such as chacha out of a ram's horn.
- Noted For: Beauty, quaintness, historical intrigue and the old culture.
Iles De La Madeline, Senegal
- Location: Two spiky outcroppings 2.5 miles off the Darkar coast in Senegal.
- Sights: High cliffs, hidden lagoons and much to explore and watch.
- Lodging and Food: No place for food and lodging, except at La Cabane du Pêcheur on the mainland.
- Activities: Cliff climbing, swimming, boating, snorkeling, scuba diving, watching birds such as cormorants and red-billed tropic birds that nest in dwarf baobab trees.
- Noted For: Rare birds, unique geography, remoteness and natural beauty.
Ohrid, Macedonia
- Location: Located near Lake Ohrid, west of Resen and Bitola, near Albania.
- Sights: Sveti Naum, a 10th-century monastery complex; 365 church chapels, great stretches of blue green water, a beautiful frescoed church
- Lodging and Food: There are several hotels in Ohrid where travelers can stay.
- Activities: Swimming, water activities on Lake Ohrid, exploring ancient churches and chapels
- Noted For: Listed as a Cultural and Natural World Heritage site by UNESCO.
Sigulda, Latvia
- Location: Located in the Vidzeme Region, close to Riga, capital city
- Sights: Picturesque scenery, clear air, ski slopes, lovely castles and much more.
- Activities: Skiing in the premier cross-country and downhill ski resort, bobsledding, balloon riding, cave exploring, bungee jumping and so on.
- Lodging and Food: Popular tourist spot; lodging and food are available
- Noted For: Beautiful ski slopes, year-around beauty. Sigulda is considered the Switzerland of Vidzeme.
Budva, Montenegro
- Location: Budva is a coastal town in Montenegro
- Sights: Beautiful beaches such as the Mogren beach nestled amidst 500 meter high cliffs, intriguing architecture and remnants of a 3500 year old history.
- Activities: Cliff climbing, exploring, water sports, beach lounging and much more.
- Lodging and Food: Notable town hotels are the Sveti Stefan and Miločer
- Noted For: Mediterranean architecture, sandy beaches and exciting, diverse nightlife
Utrecht, Holland
- Location: Located in Holland, capital city of the Netherlands
- Sights: Early Middle Age structures, old churches, museums and cultural monuments.
- Lodging and Food: Utrecht is a vibrant city, like Amsterdam; lodging and world cuisines are available.
- Activities: Active cultural and nightlife, theaters, musical festivals, opera and art galleries
- Noted For: The UNESCO world heritage site, the 1924 Rietveld Schröder House
Bruges, Belgium
- Location: Bruges is the capital city of Flemish Belgium
- Sights: 122.3 meter tall Church of Our Lady, Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child sculpture, 13th-century belfry with 48 bells.
- Food and Lodgings: Plenty of hotels, resorts, bars, cafes and restaurants
- Activities: City exploration, music concerts, theatre, museums
- Noted For: City center listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its historical value.
Grotte Di Frasassi, Italy
- Location: The Frasassi Caves are located in Genga, Ancona Province, Italy.
- Sights: Beautiful karst cave system full of beautiful stalactites and stalagmites
- Lodging and Food: Hotels in the civil parish of San Vittore a few miles away
- Activities: Guided tours to the karst caves, rock climbing and trekking.
- Noted For: Centuries old natural karst formations
Tallinn, Estonia
- Location: Tallinn is Estonia’s capital city, located near the Gulf of Finland
- Sights: Lower Town and Toompea for historical value and the Estonian Open Air Museum
- Food and Lodging: Tallinn is a tourist spot now, food and lodging are available.
- Activities: City exploration, viewing architectural marvels, participating in the local culture.
- Noted For: Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Wuppertal, South Africa
- Location: Located deep in the Cedarberg Mountains, South Africa
- Sights: Hidden water holes, fabulous scenery, cottage homes on high terraces, and miles of open wilderness.
- Lodging and Food: Several town cottages are available plus the Algeria Campground on the Rondegat River.
- Activities: Wildlife spotting, trekking, exploring, hill climbing and so on.
- Noted For: Sheer natural beauty, laid back local lifestyle
Lord Howe Island, Australia
- Location: Located at a distance of two hours by air from Brisbane and Sydney, part of New South Wales,.
- Sights: Crystal clear waters, coral reef border, colorful tropical and subtropical fish, turtles and other marine life.
- Lodging And Food: There are many luxury lodges and fine dining establishments here.
- Activities: Group and kids’ activities, tough hikes on Mt. Gower, bushwalks, scuba diving and much more.
- Noted For: UNESCO World Heritage site, listed for extreme beauty and heritage value
Teena is a writer for Adrenalin - an adventure gift idea company with more than 2,000 gifts for men across Australia and New Zealand.
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