There are so many beautiful places on Earth where you really want and need to visit at least once! National parks can be called the pinnacle of the joint creativity of God and man: nature has created - but people have not spoiled and continue to protect these incredible beauty corners of the planet.
Of the hundreds of the most beautiful natural reserves in the world, it is perhaps impossible to choose the most-most. But we tried, took a chance - and in 2013 Holiday M presents 13 the most picturesque National Parks of the planet!
13. Tikal National Park, Guatemala
Tikal- the strongest Mayan city in Guatemala and one of the most mystical and mysterious places on earth.
Name Tikal in the Mayan language means "a place where the voices of spirits are heard." Indeed, to this day in one of the largest settlements Mayan, the capital of the Mutul kingdom, to this day the voices of the inhabitants who left the city at the end of the 10th century are heard.
The park is hidden deep in the jungle from prying eyes. The fantastic ruins of a Mayan settlement, which date back to around 250 - 900 AD, are full of unique architecture: ritual sites, temples, palaces, castles and various wild animals. By the way, it was the ruins of Tikal Park that were used as a backdrop, as the base of the rebels in Hollywood Star Wars.
12. Zhangjiajie National Park and Huanglong Yellow Dragon Cave (Yellow Dragon Scenic Area), China
Zhangjiajie- the oldest of the national parks in China and, perhaps, the most remarkable. Opened in 1982, ten years later it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Yellow Dragon Conservation Area is located in the northwest of Sichuan in the highlands. Huanglong Scenic Area is an ecosystem with waterfalls, hot springs, mountain gorges, blue lakes, virgin forests and snow on hilltops.
The protected area is famous for its high mountain ranges and unique caves. One of the most beautiful of them - Unique Huanglong Cave (Yellow Dragon Cave) in the Soshiiu Nature Reserve. A four-tiered cave 15 km long. included a lake, two rivers, 13 halls and about 96 galleries cluttered with stalactites and stalagmites of striking shapes and sizes. So one of them, with a diameter of 10 cm, reaches 19.2 m in height!
11. Kruger National Park, South Africa
Nothing can compare with the magnificence of the wild nature of Africa, and this is a vivid confirmation of this.
In 1884, Transvaal President Paul Kruger took the initiative to create a conservation area in the lowveld. And on May 31, 1926, on the basis of the Sabi and Shingwedzi hunting reserves, the Kruger Park was created, which became the first national park in South Africa. Hardly any other national park compares to Kruger Park for its pristine countryside, wildlife and vastness.
The Kruger National Park provides the best safari in the world. In one place you can see the largest mammals, a large number of birds and large predators.
The park is considered the most profitable national park in the world with about 1 million tourists visiting it every year.
As part of the Kruger to the Canyons Biosphere Reserve, formed in 2001, it is included in.
10. Lake Manyara National Park (Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania
In the Great Rift Valley, in northern Tanzania, at an altitude of 950 m above sea level, around an unusually beautiful lakes Manyara, in the heart of the green forest, between the rocks is located National a park Manyara.
The park is located on northern Tanzania, an hour and a half drive west of Arusha.
Manyara Lake Reserve- picturesque gemstone in setting UNESCO: in 1981 the park was included in the worldwide network of biosphere reserves.
9. Swiss National Park, SwitzerlandDespite the fact that Switzerland is known for its magical Alps, it has only one national park to offer tourists. But what!
It is located in the east of Switzerland, in the region of the Engadine valley, including the vast territory of the Alps.
The park is considered one of the oldest in Central Europe - it was created in 1914. In 1979 it was included in the list of biosphere reserves. UNESCO along with the adjacent Italian national park Stelvio.
The history of the park is interesting and instructive. By 1909, in the course of "industrialization", the resources of this forest and mineral rich territory were completely destroyed by man. Then, in 1914, it was decided to ban economic activity in this area and trace the ability of nature to self-healing, and no nature restoration activities were carried out in the park. However, now it is one of the most beautiful reserves in the world, which is visited by about 150 thousand people a year.
Mountain rivers, snowy peaks, picturesque valleys, rich flora and fauna beckon tourists to enjoy the beauties of alpine nature at its best...
Is this not a silent call: "People, take care of me!"
8. Kakadu National Park, Australia
The uniqueness of this Australian natural wonder is given by the rocks and ledges surrounding it on all sides, protecting the park itself from the outside world and the outside world from it. In addition, since 1981, the park has also been under protection. UNESCO.
National Kakdu park located in the Northern Territory of Australia. He did not get his name in honor of everyone's favorite crested parrot. It is named after the Kakadu Aboriginal tribe that lives here to this day. In addition to an abundance of plants, insects, reptiles, birds, animals and fish, Kakadu National Park also contains two caves, the walls of which are decorated with ancient rock art dating back to about the 16th millennium BC.
7. Snowdonia National Park(Snowdonia), UK, Walessnowdonia national park was established in 1951 and became one of the first three national parks of England and Wales. In just over 60 years, Snowdonia has earned a reputation as one of the most beautiful national parks in the world!
These are mountain landscapes of indescribable beauty and wide sandy beaches, monasteries and ancient castles, dense forests and crystal clear lakes. Untouched nature, unique Celtic culture and developed tourist infrastructure coexist surprisingly harmoniously here.
6. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park,Australia
Not far from Uluru is the rocky formation of Kata Tjuta (which means "many heads"). And together they are one of the most beautiful National Parks in the world, the symbol and heart of Australia.
In 1987 Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park was included in UNESCO World Heritage List. In 1995 he received Picasso's gold medal - the highest award of UNESCO,for the preservation of the nature and culture of the Anangu aborigines. Today, many of them work in the park as guides and tour guides for tourist groups.
5. Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary, Peru
The secrets of the mystical Inca Empire excite the minds of historians, explorers and adventurers from all over the world. Machu-Picchu, especially after receiving the status UNESCO World Heritage became a center of mass tourism - per day this ancient city is visited by 2000 tourists!
Machu Picchu is sometimes referred to as "the city in the sky" or "the city among the clouds", but more commonly as the "lost city of the Incas". The majestic Machu Picchu is located in remote places of the mountainous regions of Peru: at an altitude of 2430 m above sea level, in the middle of a tropical forest. To support tourism, a railroad was built from Cusco to the nearby city of Aguas Calientes. Through Ollantaytambo, along the most picturesque route, there are more than ten trains a day.
More about one of the New Wonders of the World - historical sanctuary of Machu Picchu, you can find out
(Everglades National Park), Florida, USA
"There are no majestic peaks rushing to the sky, no mighty glaciers or seething streams ... This place has a special serene beauty ... thanks to the richness of the local nature, we can see here the richness of the flora and fauna that distinguishes this corner of nature from all others in our country." - said President Harry Truman at the ceremony in honor of the opening of the park. And in 1979 the organizing committee UNESCO supported his words by adding Everglades to the list objects World heritage.
3. (Anza-Borrego Desert State Park), California, USA
Anza-Borrego is a huge nature reserve, the largest park in the state of California.
during the gold rush of 1849. tens of thousands of gold miners passed through the Anza-Borrego desert. Today, the flowering desert delights visitors with virgin nature, where you can get acquainted with the unique ecology, its steep gorges and barren, eroded, rugged terrain.
Every year, in March-April, thousands of tourists come here to look at the miraculous transformation of a lifeless desert into a blooming paradise.
Read more
2. Iguazu National Park (Spanish: Parque Nacional Iguazú), South America
National a parkIguazu is located in the ecological region "Atlantic Forests of Parana" and invariably delights tourists with an incredible variety of flora and fauna. But the main task of the park, created in 1934, was and remains the preservation of one of the most beautiful places in South America - the waterfalls on the Iguazu River, surrounded by subtropical jungle.
Iguaçu in the Tupi Guarani language means big water. The park partially contains one of the natural monuments of South America and one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world - Iguazu Falls.
waterfalls are on the border Argentine and Brazilian national parks « Iguazu". Both parks were declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1984 and 1986, respectively.
), Arizona, USA
The most grandiose, and, perhaps, one of the most interesting and unique corners of the Earth - USA national parkGrand Canyon.
The park covers an area of about 5 thousand square meters. km. was founded in 1908 to protect a unique natural formation - the gorge of the Colorado River, which is located in its middle course. The Grand Canyon is one of the most unusual places on our planet, which represents as many as 4 geological eras of the Earth!
In fact, the Grand Canyon is neither the largest nor the deepest in the world - it is valued primarily for its harmonious combination of size, depth and multi-colored rock outcrops formed over millions of years of erosion and weathering.
Now it is one of the main tourist destinations in the United States - the grandiose scale of the canyon and its bizarre remnants of the most fantastic forms attract more than 2 million people to the Grand Canyon National Park every year. And of course it is one of the most amazing observation decks of the world !
Walks are especially popular among tourists. over the Grand Canyon by helicopter. During the fascinating three-hour excursion you will fly by helicopter above Grandee-Canyon, enjoying stunning landscapes and wonderful views.
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My publication is a response to the topic "25 photos of amazing places worth seeing at least once in a lifetime".
Lord! Love your country first! Study its history, nature, get acquainted with unique, inimitable beauties and protect them!.
I did not set myself the task of showing and describing the famous national parks and reserves of Russia. It is impossible, and it is not necessary here on the site. But to remind, to acquaint with some of them, to interest, attract attention, I would like, and then you yourself ...
GO...
In Russia, there are a little more than a hundred nature reserves and national parks. This is hardly enough for such a vast territory as Russia, as some species of plants and animals continue to disappear. To draw attention to the problem, 2013 was declared the year of environmental protection in Russia. As part of the program, it was planned to equip about two dozen more nature protection zones.
Each Russian region, from Kaliningrad (Curonian Spit with a dancing forest) to Kamchatka (hills and volcanoes), has something to surprise.
Studying the nature of Russia is a very exciting activity. Eh, we practically don’t know anything about our Motherland, and at school something little attention is paid to our unique nature. It is unlikely that anyone will set out to visit all the national parks of Russia, but when traveling around the country, it is worth looking into these natural corners. Delving into geography, you can find out that “Manpupuner” is, it turns out, not an overseas curse, but a wonder of the world in the Komi Republic, Tanais is a disappeared trading city in the Rostov region, Krasnoyarsk and Lena pillars are not pillars at all, but amazing rocks. And many more discoveries await those who want to learn more about the amazing nature of our country.
The Zabaikalsky National Park is one of the few national parks in Russia that fully meet the UNESCO recommendations for this category of specially protected natural areas.
The Zabaikalsky National Park is located within a typical mountain-taiga region. The relief is mountainous. Within the boundaries of the park, large orographic units are distinguished: the Svyatonossky Range, the Barguzinsky Range, the Chivyrkuisky Isthmus and the Ushkany Islands.
Two mountain ranges stretch across the territory of the park in the direction from northeast to southwest: the Barguzinsky Range - gradually lowering from the Barguzinsky Reserve to Lake. Barmashovoe (the highest elevation of the ridge within the park is 2376 m above sea level) and the Sredinny Ridge of the Svyatoi Nos Peninsula (the highest elevation approximately in the middle part of 1877 m), gradually lowering to the north and south. The Chivyrkui Isthmus connects the Svyatoy Nos Peninsula with the eastern shore of Lake Baikal. The Ushkany Islands (Bolshoy Ushkany Island and Small Ushkany Islands) are the peaks of the Academic Ridge, which divides the Baikal depression into two basins - northern and southern.
Altai Reserve has been a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site since 1998. Included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves of the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Program (MAB) - May 26, 2009. Included in the list of "Global-200" (WWF) - virgin or little changed ecoregions of the world, in which 90% of the planet's biodiversity is concentrated.
The territory occupied by the Altai Reserve includes five physiographic regions of three natural provinces. In the spectrum of altitudinal zonality, almost all natural belts of the Altai Mountains are distinguished: taiga low and middle mountains, subalpine and alpine meadow middle and high mountains, tundra-steppe high mountains, tundra middle and high mountains, glacial-nival high mountains. Forests occupy 34% of the total area of the main zone. They are located in the lower and middle parts of the mountains, on the steep slopes of the valleys, as well as on the lower parts of the sloping crests. The lower border of the forest begins at the level of 436 meters (the level of Lake Teletskoye), and the upper one is different in different parts. So, if in the southeast it is at an altitude of 2000–2200 m above sea level, then in the northwest it drops to a level of 1800–2000 m.
Of particular value to the protected area is a unique grove of relic yew pointed on about. Petrov, thickets of endemic microbiota of a cross-pair population of such rare animals as the Amur goral, the Amur tiger, the Ussuri spotted deer.
The Lazovsky Reserve is located on the southern spurs of the Sikhote-Alin, between the rivers Kievka and Chernaya. Ridge Zapovedny divides the territory of the reserve into two parts - northern continental and southern coastal. The average height of the mountains is 500–700 m, some peaks reach 1200–1400 m above sea level. The slopes of the mountains have different steepness, on average 20-25 degrees, their crests are narrow but flat. Significant areas are occupied by stony placers. The height of the spurs decreases in the east towards the sea, the watershed ridges pass into small hilly ridges up to 100 m high.
The territory of the reserve includes two small islands - Petrova and Beltsova, located at the southern border of the reserve. The islands are covered with forest.
The very first reserve in the Far East and one of the oldest reserves in Russia, formed to preserve and study the undisturbed liana coniferous-deciduous forests of Southern Primorye, unique for Russia, characterized by a high proportion of rare and endemic species of flora and fauna. The reserve and its environs is the only place in Russia where the Far Eastern leopard lives.
In 2004, the Kedrovaya Pad Nature Reserve received the status of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
The most valuable are black fir-broad-leaved forests or black fir forests, the Far Eastern leopard, on Mount Chalban plants are common that are very rare in other places of the Far East - currant bloater, Komarov's currant. In the reserve, for the first time, a rocky primrose was found (on Mount Chalban) and species new to science were described - the Far Eastern violet and the Ussuri corydalis. The Kedrovaya River flows on the territory of the reserve - its length does not exceed 25 kilometers. It is she who is the ideal of a clean river for scientists all over the world.
The Samarskaya Luka National Park was created in 1984 by decision of the Council of Ministers of the RSFSR, and is one of the first three national parks in Russia.
Samarskaya Luka is a unique area formed by the bend of the largest European river Volga in its middle course and the Usinsky Bay of the Kuibyshev reservoir. The Volga in this place makes a large arc facing east, and then turns to the southwest. Its length is more than 200 km. Highly elevated ancient carbonate rocks here form a semblance of an island.
Unique landforms, a peculiar microclimate, amazing beauty of the mountains, the blue necklace of the Volga framing them, unique flora and fauna have earned Zhiguli and Samarskaya Luka as a whole world fame.
There is an unusually high concentration of monuments of almost all cultures of the European forest-steppe known to science, from the Bronze Age and Early Iron Age to the present. There are about 200 natural and historical monuments on the territory of Samarskaya Luka. It is also rich in archaeological finds.
The Smolenskoye Poozerye National Park was established on the territory of the Demidovsky and Dukhovshchinsky districts of the Smolensk region in 1992 "to preserve natural complexes for recreational, educational, scientific and cultural purposes." In November 2002, it was awarded the status of a biosphere reserve of the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) program. The name "Smolenskoye Poozerye" is due to 35 large and small glacial lakes located in the park. Each of these lakes is beautiful and unique in its own way.
By configuration, the territory of the park is almost a regular rhombus. The maximum distance from west to east is 55 km, from north to south - 50 km. The geographical center of the park is located in the area of the village. Przhevalskoye. The total area of the park within the boundaries approved by state acts is 146,237 hectares. The security zone is 500 m of territory adjacent to the border of the park.
The Curonian Spit National Park is located in the Kaliningrad region bordering Lithuania on a narrow strip of land between the salty Baltic Sea and the freshwater Curonian Lagoon. The northern borders of the park run along the Russian-Lithuanian border.
The natural uniqueness of the territory of the national park is that it is the largest sand bar in the world. The dune landscapes of the spit are distinguished by their exceptional beauty and aesthetic impact on humans and represent a unique object for the development of ecological tourism.
The Curonian Spit was regarded as “an exceptional example of a landscape consisting of sand dunes and under constant threat from natural forces such as wind and water. After the destructive intervention of a man who threatened the existence of the spit, it was restored through stabilization and protection work begun in the 19th century and continuing to this day. Currently, the territory of the Curonian Spit is officially under the protection of the UNESCO Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage.
The Valdaisky National Park was established to preserve the unique lake-forest complex of the Valdai Upland and create conditions for the development of organized recreation in this area. The basis for the creation of the park was the unique combination and richness of natural components, the degree of their preservation and the ability to maintain ecological balance, the huge aesthetic impact of natural landscapes. A differentiated regime of special protection has been established on the territory of the park, taking into account its natural, historical and cultural features. In accordance with this, the following functional zones have been identified: reserved, specially protected, recreational, regulated use zone around lakes and rivers, as well as a visitor service zone.
The national park is located in the northern part of the Valdai Upland, its length from north to south is 105 km, from west to east - 45 km. The boundaries of the Park approximately correspond to the boundaries of the watersheds of lakes Borovno, Valdaiskoye, Velye, Seliger and the upper reaches of the Polomet River.
The Baikal-Lensky State Nature Reserve is located on an area of 659.9 thousand hectares. It is located on the territory of the Kachugsky and Olkhonsky districts of the Irkutsk region. The reserve stretches from south to north along the western coast of Lake Baikal for about 120 km with an average width of 65 km.
The total length of the coastline of the Federal State Budgetary Institution "Zapovednoe Pribaikalye" is about 590 km and covers the western coast of Lake Baikal from the village of Kultuk in the south to Cape Elokhin in the north. In December 1996, the Baikal-Lena Reserve (along with Barguzinsky and Baikalsky) was included in the list of UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Sites.
At present, the process of merging the Baikal-Lena Reserve and the Pribaikalsky National Park into a single nature protection, scientific and tourist complex has been completed: the Federal State Budgetary Institution "Reserved Pribaikalye".
One of the oldest reserves in Russia, established in 1920 to preserve unique mineral deposits. Since 1935, it has been transformed into a complex reserve for the conservation and study of mineral wealth, flora and fauna of the eastern macroslope of the Southern Urals. In 1991, the historical and archaeological branch "Arkaim" (currently the forestry "Stepnoe") was attached to the reserve to preserve and study the unique monument of the early urban civilization of the Bronze Age - the settlement "Arkaim" and the archaeological complex in the Bolshekaraganskaya valley. The reserve is the only mineralogical reserve in the country and one of the few mineralogical reserves in the world.
Karadag Reserve
Not far from Feodosia, there is an amazing nature reserve, with which many legends are associated. Kara-Dag ("Black Mountain") is a volcanic massif, the last eruption of which occurred 150 million years ago. The Karadag nature reserve itself, occupying an area of more than 2870 hectares, was founded in 1979. Moreover, part of its area falls on the Black Sea.
Wonderful landscapes of Kara-Dag attracted tourists in ancient times. So that the unique nature would not be destroyed, it was decided to establish a nature reserve. Walking in this zone is allowed only if accompanied by employees strictly along the "ecological path".
Since its founding, the fauna and flora of the Karadag Reserve have been restored to a large extent. 125 species of animals living on the slopes of the mountain range, 79 species of plants are listed in the Red Book.
According to the legends, in one of the underwater caves near Kara-Dag, a giant Karadag monster resembling a snake lives.
Alien views of Kara-Dag are the result of the work of sea waves, sun, wind and time. The symbol of the reserve is recognized as a rock in the form of an arch, born directly from the water. She is called Shaitan-Kapu, which means "Devil's mouth." Other rocky ledges also deserve unusual names - "Dragon", "Ivan the Robber", "King" and others.
Manpupuner
The Ural Mountains... more than 200 million years ago, they stood proudly on the young planet Earth and witnessed many grandiose events. Over long millennia, water and wind gradually destroyed them. And today the Ural Mountains are one of the lowest in the world. But there were places in the Urals where nature could not cope with the stone. One of them is known to us under the name Manpupuner.
First of all, under the influence of the environment, soft rocks were destroyed, and stronger ones were able to reach our days. Geologists call them remnants. On Manpupuner, the remains are huge stone pillars 30 to 42 m high.
This place is truly mystical, because the Pillars of weathering, as the remnants are also called, are so ancient that even the Mansi worshiped them during the pagan period, and in translation from their language Manpupuner means “small mountain of idols”. Mansi, unlike geologists, know the true origin of stone pillars.
Russian North Park
Vologda Region.
Located in the north of the Russian plain, the "Russian North" became one of the first national parks to appear on the territory of the Russian Federation completely officially.
The peculiarity of this protected area is that in a relatively small area in this area of the Russian Plain, it was possible to simultaneously collect the most complete "collection" of plants and trees, comfortably accommodate a huge number of mammals, fish and birds, many of which have long been listed as endangered species. not only on the territory of the Russian Federation, but also on a global scale.
As for historical and architectural monuments, their number in the Russian North National Park cannot but amaze. First of all, among other buildings, several monasteries built during the 14th-15th centuries of Russian history are of particular importance.
Barguzinsky Reserve
The oldest in Russia, the Barguzinsky Nature Reserve is located on the northeastern coast of Lake Baikal, on the western slopes of the Barguzinsky Range. His task was to preserve and study the sable. 39 species of mammals and 243 species of birds are known in the reserve. Permanent inhabitants of the reserve: sable, Siberian weasel, lynx, fox, wolf, bear, reindeer, elk, squirrel, hazel grouse, capercaillie nutcracker, Baikal seal.
Here you can see all the high-altitude belts of the Barguzinsky Range, trace the change of vegetation from the shore of Lake Baikal to high-mountain lakes.
Great Arctic Reserve
The reserve is located beyond the Arctic Circle - on the Taimyr Peninsula and small islands, where there is permafrost, which can only be reached by air, and even then in summer weather. But the impressions even from one trip will definitely be enough for you for a lifetime.
In the Great Arctic Reserve, a relatively new type of ecological tourism for Russia is gaining popularity - birdwatching, bird watching.
Reserve "Ubsunur Hollow"
The unique state natural biosphere reserve "Ubsunur Hollow" is one of the key areas of the Altai-Sayan Ecoregion. Which, in turn, is included in the Global 200 list - a list of virgin or little changed ecoregions of the world, in which more than 90% of the planet's biodiversity is concentrated. Simply put, this is one of the few places on the planet where you can feel like 500-1000 (or even more) years ago.
The Ubsunur basin is characterized by the rarest combination of different elements of the fauna; 83 species of mammals are found here. The red wolf, snow leopard (irbis), Altai mountain sheep (argali) and gazelle are included in the Red Book of Russia and the reserve. In 2003, the basin was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Caucasian State Biosphere Reserve
Organized in 1924, one of the largest not only in the Krasnodar Territory, but also in Russia. A reserve has been established to protect the unique natural complex of the Russian subtropics, to restore the number of animals and birds living on its territory. Many species of southern plants grow in the reserve, including fruit trees; above 1900-2000 m above sea level there are subalpine meadows, characterized by a large number of flowers that make this area especially beautiful. The most valuable species of animals, birds and plants living in the reserve are listed in the Red Book. Any human economic activity on the territory of the reserve is prohibited.
Kivach
The nature reserve Kivach is one of the oldest in Russia, founded in 1931. It is formed around the waterfall of the same name, which is its main attraction. A visit to the reserve and the waterfall is included in almost all excursions in Karelia.
Derzhavin, the first governor of Olonets and an outstanding poet, wrote the famous ode "Waterfall", after which Kivach took a prominent place in the work of many poets, artists, prose writers. The waterfall is beautiful at any time of the year: the waters of the river compressed by basalt rocks. Suns from an eight-meter height fall down in heavy cast streams, forming a powerful whirlpool in shreds of foam and producing an impressive noise. The most famous visitor to the waterfall is Emperor Alexander II. On the occasion of his arrival in 1868, a good road was laid to Kivach, a gazebo was built on the right bank and a house for the night on the left, and below the waterfall - a bridge across the Suna River.
Klyuchevskiy Natural Park
Klyuchevskoy natural park (Kamchatka region) is located on the territory of the forest fund of Klyuchevskoy forestry. The territory of the natural park is unique in its relief and has no analogues in the whole world: on an insignificant territory there are 13 volcanic structures of different ages, among which stands the most active volcano in the world and the highest active volcano in Asia, Klyuchevskoy with an absolute mark of about 4800 meters above sea level. Its height, due to frequent eruptions, is constantly changing due to the solidifying lava flows.
Krasnoyarsk pillars
Krasnoyarsk pillars is a state natural reserve located in the spurs of the Eastern Sayan Mountains, on the right bank of the Yenisei. Local rocks are called pillars because of their shape. They are tall - from 60 to 600 meters - and narrow. The age of the pillars is worthy of respect: according to various sources, from 450 to 600 million years have passed since the day they appeared. According to scientists, the pillars were formed due to the powerful pressure of magma, which could not break through to the surface of the earth. And their bizarre outlines were formed due to the influence of wind and precipitation.
The reserve has about a hundred pillars of gray-pink granite, each of which has its own name. Names were assigned not by chance, but depending on what or to whom this or that stone looks like. One of the most famous is the Grandfather pillar, as it resembles a formidable old man with a huge thick beard. Next to him are his relatives - Great-grandfather, Granddaughter, Grandmother, Gemini. There are animals, birds and everything in general. For example, the Chinese Wall, Feathers, Lion's Gate, Tusk.
National Park "Call of the Tiger"
Located in Primorsky Krai.
The national park was established in 2007 in the southeastern part of Primorsky Krai, and the main goal of its creation was to preserve the endangered Amur tiger population. Of course, other rare animals also live here - the Far Eastern forest cat, spotted deer, goral, roe deer, red deer, Himalayan and brown bears.
its landscape is mountains and valleys, so that the elevation difference can reach more than 1700 km. There are more than 50 mountains alone, more than a kilometer high, on the territory and on the borders. Due to the difference in height, an amazing diversity of the flora of the park is achieved, which has no equal in the whole world. Here you can see many plants listed in the Red Book, dense spruce and tundra forests, as well as relic plants. Lianas (schizandra, wild grapes) that wrap around coniferous trees give a unique look to the landscapes of the park. Here you can also find many medicinal plants and flowers: lilies, peonies, slippers and so on.
About 250 different species of birds and more than fifty mammals live in the Call of the Tiger park. There is nothing else like it in Russia.
The real paradises of our planet - national parks, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, protected and protected by man - are an integral part of the wealth of the natural world. Striking with their relief beauty, they have a large range of plants and animals living in their own territory. Huge areas with picturesque landscapes are open to tourists and travelers who want to leave in their memory positive emotions and impressions from visiting these amazing places. The most beautiful national parks in the world presented later in the article.
1. Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park(Yosemite) - a reserve with an area of 3081 km², located on the western Sierra Nevada mountain range in California, USA. The wide and abundant composition of natural attractions, as well as a large number of hiking trails and routes, make it the second most visited park in the country.
Mighty granite rocks, vast valleys and meadows are combined with fast rivers and blue lakes. Gorgeous waterfalls, dense groves and forests are an ideal find for lovers of natural beauty. More than 250 species of vertebrates live in the park, the most famous of them are: baribal bear, gray fox, black-tailed deer, red lynx. Among the vegetation, coniferous trees predominate in large numbers: fir, sequoia, various pine families.
Yosemite Park's most intimate and fabulous view attracts tourists on winter days, when frozen rivers and waterfalls, along with snowy mountain ranges and forests, give an unforgettable sense of delight and tranquility.
In the US state of Arizona, this is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful national parks in the world. Since 1979 it has been a center of beauty, peace and scenic grandeur. The asymmetric shapes of the park's exposed ancient rocks are one of the clearest examples of soil erosion. The area of the Grand Canyon is 4927 km².
The nature of the park is quite diverse, it includes forests and stone peaks of cliffs, overgrown with small shrubs. Single leaf pine, Utah juniper, and mountain oak are the dominant trees. The warm, sunny spots of the canyon are home to desert plants such as bananas, yuccas, and cacti. Adapted to favorable living conditions, many species of animals have a wide composition characteristic of the area. The most common mammals are black-tailed deer, bighorn sheep, lynxes, coyotes, beavers, ground squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits and bats.
With its dividing Colorado River, the Grand Canyon is unrivaled for its panoramic views, impressive rock formations, and unique landscapes. The rocks consist of a strata of rocks of different ages, are perfectly preserved and clearly stand out in the walls of the canyon.
3. Banff Park
The very first and oldest national park in Canada is the reserve banff, having an area of 6641 km² and founded in 1885 in the province of Alberta.
The park is located on the slopes of the Rocky Mountains, which inspire travelers and tourists from all over the world with their mighty snowy peaks. Stone cliffs, clean mountain air, waterfalls, dense coniferous forests with crystal-clear lakes Louise, Pate, Bow and Moraine truly beckon with their beauty and grandeur. In some places there are several hot springs with mineral water, which are used by visitors for preventive and therapeutic procedures.
For wild animals such as bears, wolverines, goats and chipmunks, forest and mountainous areas have become a permanent habitat. The flora is represented mainly by evergreen trees and shrubs.
The city of Banff itself annually receives a huge number of lovers of outdoor activities and extreme sports. The Rocky Mountains are literally dotted with trails, slopes and roads for snowboarders, skiers, quads, sleds and snowmobiles.
4. Los Glaciares Park
Beautiful in Argentina Los Glaciares National Park known for its eternal ice blocks and massifs, occupying almost a third of the entire territory. The park has existed since 1937, was founded in the province of Santa Cruz and is located along the border with Chile and the southern part of the mountain range from Argentina.
The picturesque and harsh ice region covers an area of 4459 km² with complex relief cliffs up to 3.5 km. The name of the park comes from a huge ice cap, which is represented by 47 glaciers sliding from the Andes mountains to the Atlantic coast. Glacial margins usually end in small and large lakes.
The vegetation of Los Glaciares is represented by a variety of herbs, shrubs and trees that have the ability to tolerate fairly low temperatures. The largest population among animals is represented by herbivorous species: llama, Andean deer, guanaco, chinchillas. The mountain cougar is considered the main predator here.
Tourists can visit the main sites of the park all year round, such as Mount Fitz Roy, the lakes of Lago Argentino and Viedma, as well as the great Patagonian Ice Sheet.
5. Goreme Park
The top ten most beautiful natural reserves in the world included - a historical and unique place in the Turkish province of Cappadocia, which covers an area of 300 km² and is famous for its original landscapes with pointed rock formations resembling stone cones. The Goreme valleys, formed as a result of volcanic eruptions and the influence of natural elements, have amazing and bizarre relief forms. The most famous valleys of Love, Red, Pink and Blue deserve special attention as well as the local shrines of the park. Randomly scattered small rocks and peaks are made of tuff - a material of volcanic rock that can be easily processed.
The combination of churches and monasteries is an open-air museum with a centuries-old history and culture. All religious institutions are accessible to visitors and are comfortable havens for all Christians.
For many years, residents of other countries who fled from state oppression built many caves with winding passages in high tuff hills, which later turned into a real city. Small villages and cave structures with their ancient past attract tourists from all over the world.
6. Namib Naukluft Park
Namib Naukluft National Park- the fourth largest nature reserve in the world, located in the heart of the African Namib Desert. The territory of the park is about 50,000 km², located between the central high plateau and a vast plain.
The landscaping is represented by Naukluft granite rocks with sparse vegetation, gypsum and quartz plains, as well as sand dunes and shallow canyons.
Due to the hot climate and lack of rain, which can last for several decades, the plant world has a small population. However, some endemic species, such as the Welwitschia tree, have adapted well to the dry terrain. Among animals, the most popular are large mammals: elephants, lions, rhinos and ungulates. Reptiles, birds and insects also predominate in large numbers.
The main attractions of the park are: the Sossusvlei clay plateau, the Sesrim Canyon, the Welwitschia Plains and the Dead Valley with the skeletons of dried trees. The desert region of Namib-Naukluft attracts little tourists, as difficult and long routes are combined with lifeless places and adverse conditions.
7. Swiss National Park
The most beautiful nature reserves are swiss national park. It was founded on August 1, 1914 in the canton of Grisons, is a protected site with strict rules for visiting tourists. It covers an area of 172.4 km², which is located at an altitude of 1400 to 3175 meters above sea level. The only nature reserve in Switzerland and the first park in Central Europe is located in the foothills of the Alps and the Engadine valley.
Wide alpine meadows, snowy peaks, clear lakes and pine forests lure nature lovers from all over the world with their magnificence. There are 21 hiking trails in the reserve up to about 80 km long each. Tourist routes provide an opportunity to see many species of various animals and a rich flora. Among mammals there are brown bears, mountain goats, lynx, martens, marmots. The fauna is represented by deciduous and evergreen forests, wild flowers and herbs, which have favorable conditions for life in the alpine area.
Visiting the park at any time of the year is wonderful in its own way, and walking in the fresh mountain air gives an unforgettable dose of positive for any visitor.
8. Torres del Paine Park
Known for its spectacular landscapes, forests, rocky peaks and a scattering of waterways, the most beautiful Torres del Paine National Park deserves the attention of every traveler who comes to southern Patagonia. Located on the mountain ranges of Torres del Paine and Cuernos del Paine, the park occupies 2420 km² of territory in southern Chile and is a biosphere reserve.
Granite snow-capped cliffs, part of the sprawling Andes range, are dotted with glaciers, waterfalls, fast-flowing rivers and lakes with iridescent colors from the bright sunlight. The most unique features of the park are the Glacier Gray Glacier, the Horns, the French Valley and the Tower Mountains.
Amazing landscapes with stone deserts, grassy tundras and plains, as well as an extensive composition of flora and fauna, give a combination of perfect beauty and harmony.
Among the wild animals in the reserve, the most common are cougars, skunks, foxes, guanacos and the Chilean deer, which is depicted on the coat of arms of the country. The park is home to many birds, including birds of prey: hawks, condors, owls.
The vegetation here, as an adornment of any area, is represented by numerous mosses, shrubs, evergreen trees and colorful flowers and herbs.
For tourists, excellent conditions have been created for a wonderful pastime in the reserve. Convenient routes and small wooden houses for rest provide comfort and coziness during long trips through the park.
9. Jasper Park
Picturesque jasper national park, founded in 1907, is located in the Canadian province of Alberta. Occupying a total area of more than 10,878 km², the park combines the mountain landscapes of the Main and Front Ranges, as well as the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
The main natural resources of the park are snow-capped mountains, river valleys, glaciers, noisy waterfalls, clear lakes and meadows. A glacier and a waterfall collectively called Athabasca together complete a colorful picture among the main attractions of the park.
Favorable climatic conditions in the Jasper Reserve have created a permanent habitat for a large composition of flora and fauna. Extensive forests have varieties of evergreen trees quite common for these places, such as larch, yellow and Weymouth pines, Engelman and Douglas spruce, juniper.
Among animals, grizzly bears, wolves, elks, beavers, wolverines, deer, Canada lynxes have the largest population.
The largest natural site in Canada pleases its visitors with the opportunity to organize various activities - fishing, sports games, extreme sports, hiking and horseback riding, cycling and canoeing, rafting, as well as many other recreational options, depending on the choice of visiting guests.
10. Zhangjiajie Park
Zhangjiajie is one of the most beautiful national parks in China. It is located in the picturesque area of Wulingyuan and is the first national forest reserve in China, founded in 1982. The park has become world famous for its landscapes with lush subtropical forests, clear mountain streams, caves and more than 3,000 quartzite rocks resembling high stone pillars up to 200 m high.
The area of Zhangjiajie is about 479.15 km². Due to the humid climate and vegetation, the quartzite rocks scattered throughout the park are the result of centuries of erosion.
Difficult topography, deep ravines, as well as heavy rains and dense forests, provide an excellent habitat for animals and plants. The park has 116 species of vertebrates, about 720 species of plants and trees, as well as 30 rare endemic representatives of flora and fauna.
There are more than a hundred large and small karst caves in the mountain ranges. There are convenient walking paths for tourists, as well as a glass bridge on Tianmen Mountain at an altitude of 1430 m. The park has unique natural attractions, such as Tianzi Mountain and Heaven's Gate, Suoxi Valley, Golden Whip Stream and Yellow Dragon Cave.
There are enough amazing places on our planet that have preserved their original beauty for centuries, despite all human attempts to destroy it.
Almost every country has its own examples of reserves and national parks, but only a few of them can boast of being listed as the largest on earth.
Greenland National Park
The largest national park in the world is located closest to all its competitors from the North Pole. Its territory is 972 thousand km². As an example, one hundred and sixty-three countries of the world have a smaller area than this reserve.
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It was founded in 1974. Ordinary people do not live here, only staff. It is inhabited by about 10,000 musk oxen - at least 40% of the total world population. In addition, here you can meet walrus and polar bear, reindeer, ermines, arctic hare, etc. The flora of the area is represented mainly by lichens and mosses. In some places there are even birches and dwarf willows.
Wrangell St. Elias (USA)
Continues the list of the largest reserve in America, which is located in Alaska, protected by UNESCO. It occupies 53 thousand km² - 9 states could be located on the lands of St. Elias.
Formed in 1980. Here are nine of the sixteen highest mountain peaks in the United States, and the 2nd highest mountain in Canada. Wrangell St. Elias is visited by 60,000 tourists a year. They are attracted by spacious plains, snow-capped mountain peaks, glaciers, of which there are more than one hundred and fifty.
Limpopo Transboundary Park
The territory covers the lands of several African countries (Zimbabwe, Mozambique, South Africa) and consists of ten different zones that form one of the largest national parks in the world (37,000 km²). To date, the territory of the reserve has not yet been fully established, the 2nd phase of its development involves expanding to 100 thousand km².
The Limpopo Transfrontier Park was created relatively recently, in 2000. And representatives of the fauna began to appear here a year later. Here you can see leopards, giraffes, African elephants, spotted hyenas, cheetahs and other equally exotic animals.
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Kruger (South Africa)
The Kruger National Park is a typical example of African wildlife. One of the most beloved nature reserves among travelers (a million guests a year) brings a very good profit. Founded in 1898, it is the oldest in South Africa, located in the northeastern part of the country. The length is 340 km, the total area is 19 thousand km². It is formed from three parts located between the rivers Sabie and Olifants. Included in the UNESCO heritage list.
The Kruger Reserve boasts an interesting variation of the African "unarmed" safari. Most of the animals can be seen in the central part of the huge national park. Here you can meet hippos, giraffes, elephants, leopards, crocodiles, white rhinos, as many as 17 species of antelopes, more than 400 different birds.
Serengeti (Tanzania)
One of the most famous and largest national parks in the world is considered an example of perhaps the most complete ecosystem on the planet. Africa's oldest nature reserve was established in 1929. The territory is almost 15,000 km².
It is home to 3 million large animals and almost 500 species of birds. The Serengeti is also famous for the annual migrations of a million wildebeests, two hundred thousand gazelles and zebras - during the resettlement, animals overcome over 3,000 km.
Yellowstone (USA)
The next of the largest and oldest national parks in the world was founded back in 1872 in the American Rocky Mountains. First of all, it is known for its geothermal springs, geysers and eruptions. About 3 million tourists from different countries visit Yellowstone every year, since all conditions have been created for this.
On the vast area of the reserve you can see rivers, waterfalls, lakes, caves, mountains, canyons, and even a volcano. Almost 2000 different plants grow here. The local fauna is no less diverse: 311 species of birds, almost 60 examples of mammals, including pronghorns, elk, deer, grizzly bears, bison ...
Snowdonia (UK)
The next reserve on the list is located in the north of Wales. It is named after the highest place in Wales - Mount Snowdon (1085 meters). Created in 1951. The area is over 2,000 km². Snowdonia has a population of 26,000 and is visited by 6 million tourists every year.
One of the largest national parks in the world has more than 2,000 km of open hiking trails, as well as 260 km of trails for hiking and horseback riding. The summit of Mount Snowdon can be reached both by funicular and by a 13 km long hiking trail. Several historic rail routes run through Snowdonia.
Bwindi (Uganda)
The area of the reserve is 331 km², it is the “smallest” of the list of the largest national parks in the world. It is located in the jungle in the southwest of the country. It can only be traveled on foot. Consists of forests located in the mountains and on the plains. Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
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This reserve is the largest example of an African ecosystem. About 340 gorillas live here (almost half of their population), 120 species of mammals, 346 different birds. Bwindi is famous for exotic butterflies, of which there are over 200 varieties. The fauna is also multifaceted - 163 types of trees and more than a hundred species of ferns grow on the local land.
Nature has created natural corners where peace and complete balance reign. There are many such places on Earth and all of them are beautiful and interesting in their own way. Anyone who can feel this beauty and harmony has the right to consider himself truly happy. It is becoming increasingly difficult to preserve the integrity of nature and leave it untouched. Man and his economic activity disturb this balance. Those corners that have remained untouched are protected and are called reserves. The most beautiful nature reserves in the world are presented in this article.
yellowstone nature reserve
This place on Earth can be called one of the most beautiful. The Yellowstone Preserve is located in the United States. For a long time, the existence of such a corner on the planet could not be believed. At that time, the lands of North America had not yet been fully explored. This reserve includes 3000 geysers of incredible beauty and height. These are two thirds of all sources in the world. There are also about 300 waterfalls, the height of which exceeds 4.5 meters.
The reserve is located among two huge canyons. Here you can find a large number of representatives of flora and fauna. Such parks and reserves of the world are included in the list of natural sites of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This unique park is striking in its beauty. Rivers, ravines, waterfalls, rocky mountains, thermal springs - all this together is a magnificent ensemble created by nature. Here is the largest geyser, which is called Steamboat. One of the springs, the Old Faithful, is notable for the regularity of its eruptions. The height of the pillar reaches 40 meters. The most beautiful waterfall of the Lower Reserve has a height of 94 meters, which is twice as high as Niagara. The largest lake has an area of 350 square meters. Its depth exceeds 115 meters.
Karst lakes in Croatia
The natural reserves of the world are places of unusual and amazing beauty. Plitvice is one of the unique corners of the planet created by nature. It consists of a huge forest area with 16 interconnected lakes. The park is located in the karst mountainous region of Croatia. The territory of the reserve is 297 square kilometers. Lakes are located on the Plitvice plateau between two mountains.
Lakes are two groups that are interconnected by runoff. The total area of the lakes is 2 square kilometers. Between the lakes there are dams created by nature. Plants and bacteria accumulate to form barriers. These natural barriers are growing at a rate of 1 centimeter per year. The lakes have an unusual color, from azure to blue. Their color may change depending on the incidence of sunlight and the activity of microorganisms. Like many nature reserves in the world, this park is included in the World Heritage List.
snowdonia
Snowdonia National Park UK is an amazing corner of our planet. On its territory, with an area of 2 square kilometers, is the highest mountain in Wales - Snowdon. Unique in their beauty places do not leave indifferent any tourist. There are 2381 kilometers of trails in the park. 264 kilometers of them are for hiking, horse riding and cycling. The fauna and flora of the reserve is striking in its diversity. Very rare birds and animals are found here.
Serengeti National Park
The area is home to the Serengeti National Park. It is located between two attractions: Lake Victoria and Mount Kilimanjaro. All things considered, the Serengeti is the most beautiful pearl in this necklace.
The uniqueness of this park lies in the fact that a large number of animal species are represented here, including unique ones. It is considered a great rarity if a buffalo, a lion, a giraffe, an elephant and a leopard are found on the territory. During the rainy season, herds of hundreds of thousands of zebras and wildebeests gather in the savannas in the east of the park. in search of water and food in such quantities is an unforgettable and majestic sight. The landscape in the park is also varied, from desert lands to green hills and wooded areas. The reserves of Africa are among the most ancient on Earth.
Canadian Park Canada
Canada's Banff National Park is one of the most beautiful places on earth. There is everything here: rocky mountains, eternal glaciers, picturesque landscapes, turbulent rivers with crystal clear water, coniferous forests, mountain lakes, and many representatives of flora and fauna. Nature here is virgin and untouched by man. Therefore, animals here feel free and safe. The park is located in the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains.
This is the largest nature reserve in the Americas. Its area is about 6.6 thousand kilometers. Rocky mountains of various origins alternate with deep valleys that are covered with glacial formations. Three climatic zones are subdivided here: forest mountain, alpine and subalpine. In every corner of this park, beautiful landscapes open up that delight the gaze of the tourist. All nature reserves in the world can be called unique in their own way. These are corners untouched by man, in which their own laws and rules reign.
