famous national parks. Reserve of France Port-Cros. Komodo National Park in Indonesia

Such parks can cover vast areas with impenetrable forests, islands, coastal waters, and even mountain ranges and volcanoes. Unlike nature reserves and reserves, the protection regime in natural parks the least strict. And these parks are a great opportunity for tourists to get acquainted with natural resources country or region. And here is a list of the most beautiful and impressive national parks in the world.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Japan

The park, located southwest of Tokyo, is one of Japan's most popular parks. Within the park is active volcano Fuji with its five lakes, the Izu Peninsula and the islands around it, as well as waterfalls, hot springs and ancient temples. Especially beautiful is the volcano of the most symmetrical shape, wrapped in clouds in spring and summer - its greatness is immortalized in the works of many poets and artists.

Grand Canyon National Park, USA

This is probably the most famous national park in the world, and, as a result, the most photographed. The Grand Canyon in Arizona achieved national park status in 1919, three years after the founding of the US National Park Service. About five million people visit this park every year to see with their own eyes the amazing beauty of the canyon, which the Colorado River has carved for millions of years. South edge The canyon is the most visited, the most numerous observation platforms are located here. On the northern edge of the canyon, located 300 meters higher, there are much fewer people, but it is good for its wild flowering meadows, spruce forests and aspen groves. The rest of the canyon is remote and difficult to access, although some areas can be reached by foot. hiking trails and country roads.

Guilin National Park, China

Located in southeast China, the park is famous for its karst and limestone natural formations and beautiful hills with colorful names like "Elephant's Trunk" and "Dragon's Head". The nature of the park inspired many Chinese poets and artists, and some parts of the park were even depicted on local banknotes. To see all the beauty of Guilin, it is best to take a 50-kilometer cruise on the Lijiang River, from Guilin to Yangshuo.

Banff National Park, Canada

This is the oldest national park in Canada, created in 1885 in Canadian rocky mountains. Lonely Planet describes Banff like this: “Mountains, high mountains, mountains everywhere. Fast rivers carry their waters between beautiful hills. Huge glaciers slide down from the peaks and practically touch the ground. Lakes with turquoise water shimmer in the sun - so saturated that it seems as if the water has been tinted.

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

The oldest and most popular national park in Tanzania is a World Heritage Site. The Serengeti is world famous for its annual migration of hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles, and buffaloes, elephants, giraffes, swamps, impalas, lions and leopards run between amazing acacias. And here, probably, the most enchanting sunsets in the world.

Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

It is considered by many to be the most spectacular national park in South America. Located on the edge of the continent, the park is known for its granite peaks and emerald forests, shining blue glaciers and azure lakes. Many tourists come here for walks and hikes.

Swiss National Park, Switzerland

Founded in 1914, the Swiss National Park is the oldest national park in the Alps and central Europe, and the only national park in the country. It is famous for its unique alpine plants - in particular, edelweiss, which grows only high in the mountains. And in this park there are alpine animals - chamois, deer and marmots. Through the park, an 80-kilometer network of trails is laid, which turns these areas into a paradise for hikers.

Lake District National Park, England

The land that inspired artist William Turner and writer Beatrix Potter became a national park in 1951. The park is a valley with granite boulders and 16 amazing beautiful lakes resting in the lowlands. These places are chosen by cyclists and lovers of water sports - windsurfing, kayaking and fishing.

Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

Located on the South Island, the park is the largest national park in the country. It spans rugged mountain ranges, 14 magnificent fjords and a world famous waterfalls. Two of the park's most famous attractions are Milford Sound Fjord, which Rudyard Kipling called "the eighth wonder of the world" and Doubtful Sound Fjord, which can only be reached by water. People come to the national park for bird watching, boating, kayaking, mountain biking and hiking.

Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica

The first national park in the world today is one of the smallest national parks in Costa Rica. But, despite its size, it shows the world a chic nature - lush rainforests, beaches and rocky headlands. There are sloths, iguanas and squirrel monkeys in the jungle, colorful fish swim in the waters, bright butterflies flutter in the air - a real idyll!

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 beautiful nature reserves of the world to choose the most-most, perhaps, it is impossible. But we tried, took a chance - and in 2013 Holiday M presents 13 the most picturesque National Parks of the planet!

13. national park Tikal national park), Guatemala

Tikal- the strongest Mayan city in Guatemala and one of the most mystical and mysterious places 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 the hilltops.

The protected area is famous for its high mountain ranges and unique caves. One of the most beautiful of them - unique cave Huanglong (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 compares to the splendor wildlife Africa, and 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 gem framed UNESCO: in 1981 the park was included in the worldwide network of biosphere reserves.

Despite 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...

8. Kakadu National Park, Australia

The uniqueness of this Australian natural wonder give the rocks and ledges surrounding it from 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 is in Northern Territory 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 has two caves, the walls of which are decorated with ancient rock art, dated around the 16th millennium BC.

snowdonia 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!

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 called "the city in the sky" or "the city among the clouds", but more often - " lost city Inca ". 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 center of the rainforest. To support tourism, a railway was built from Cusco to neighboring city 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.
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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 South America- waterfalls on the Iguazu River, surrounded by subtropical jungle.

Iguaçu in the language of the Tupi Guarani Indians - 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 size, depth and multicolor layers of nudes rocks 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 annually to the Grand Canyon National Park. 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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To date, there are a large number of reserves and parks, where everyone has the opportunity to admire the untouched nature. As well as rare plants and animals.

We present to your attention the 10 most unusual national park areas.

yellowstone

The park is one of the world's five geyser fields, but it is in nm that their main part is concentrated, including the largest geyser called "Steamboat". flows it hot water break out to a height that exceeds 40 meters. In addition, half of the world's geothermal sources are located here. Here you can meet more than 2,000 diverse representatives of the flora and hundreds of species of rare animals, including the puma and the grizzly bear. It is not surprising that this international reserve is under the protection of UNESCO.

The park is well suited for visiting tourists. They have hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails, several motorized roads, campsites, museums, hotels and shops.

Cockatoo

Insect lovers will not remain indifferent to their diversity. Fans of animals, birds and reptiles will also have a lot of fun - because the cockatoo is rich in a huge number of rare fauna.

Due to the fact that the reserve is surrounded by high rocky mountains, favorable natural conditions are preserved here. A huge area: 2000 m long and 1000 m wide allows all the inhabitants of the park to feel as comfortable as possible.

Galapagos Islands

Since 1990, the park has become an official whale and shark sanctuary. It is here that you can watch these marine inhabitants in natural conditions their habitats. The islands are home to eight hundred different types of molluscs, more than 140 of which are unique and found nowhere else. This also applies to 17% of all existing species of Galapagos fish, as well as up to 13 species of finches that live only in the archipelago. Visitors to the reserve can also see the only flightless cormorant on the planet.

Serengeti

The main outstanding feature of the Serengeti is its unusual and richest world animals. The largest population of lions in the world lives here, as well as more than 500 species of birds and about ‎3 million representatives of a large fauna. Antelopes, elephants, cheetahs, rhinos, zebras, giraffes - this is not a complete list of animals that can be observed at arm's length.

Due to the vast territory, animals have the opportunity of natural annual migration, fleeing from drought.

Plitvice lakes

Color is added by more than 100 waterfalls, the number of which is growing every year, and twenty natural caves.

On the territory of the reserve you can walk only on foot, it is forbidden to travel by transport here.

Komodo

In addition, Komodo is rich in rare species of fish, as well as unusual coral reefs. No wonder divers from all over the world seek to admire the beauty of this place.

The territory of the reserve, included in the UNESCO heritage, includes a water plateau and three large islands, surrounded by countless small islands.

Canaima

The peculiarity of the reserve is its complete isolation from civilization due to high mountains. Only a few footpaths connect it with the outside world. It is not possible to get to the park by car. You have to use a boat, an airplane, or your feet. But on the territory you will be met by equipped comfortable hotels that offer luxurious relaxation after long excursions.

Canaima is home to Angel Falls, the highest in the world. Another interesting feature is the Pemon Indians who live on the territory of the reserve.

All this allowed UNESCO to include Canaima among the world heritage sites.

fiordland

There are mountains with a height of more than 27 km, deep lakes, fast-flowing rivers and huge waterfalls. And the inflow of the park called Milford Sound, which stretches for 16 km, according to the writer Kipling, is the eighth wonder of the world.

Fiordland is rich in rare species of fauna and flora. Here you can meet the bottlenose dolphin and the cockatoo parrot.

banff

In the center of the park at an altitude of about 14 km is the city of Banff, which is the highest locality Canada. Every year thousands of tourists come here to admire the beauty of nature, glaciers, high mountains and coniferous forests.

Grand Canyon

Of course, it is simply impossible to list all the extraordinary parks of our planet. However, even visiting several of them makes it possible to feel all the beauty and power of wild nature, and understand how much this beauty requires our protection.

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.

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 no one lives here, only the 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. Vegetable world 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 the largest nature reserve America, which is located in Alaska, is 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-covered 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. Length - 340 km, total area- 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 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 wildebeest, 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, he is known for his geothermal springs, geysers and eruptions. Nearly 3 million tourists visit Yellowstone every year. different countries Fortunately, all conditions have been created for this.

On huge area In 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 ...

The next reserve on the list is located in the north of Wales. Named after the most high place Wales - Snowdon Mountains (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.