There are over a thousand UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the planet, and most people are traipsing through the most famous ones such as the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the Great Wall of China and the Machu Picchu in Peru. While these are fascinating destinations, there is more to see beyond the highlights of tourist guides. Travelers who enjoy adventures off the beaten path can take a break from the crowds and visit these lesser-known but just as wonderful sites from all over the world.

Tusi Sites (China)

A report from Business Insider revealed that one of the recently named World Heritage Site is the Tusi Sites in China. According to UNESCO, the Tusi Sites feature the remains of several tribal domains whose chiefs were appointed "Tusi" or hereditary rulers from the 13th to the early 20thcentury. This system was in place since the 3rd century BCE to unite the national administration and allow the ethnic groups to flourish at the same time.

Plitvice Lakes National Park (Croatia)

One of the most stunning spots in beautiful Croatia is the UNESCO-recognized Plitvice Lakes National Park. It's an idyllic paradise with 16 glittering lakes of varying hues of blue, according to a report from CNN.

"The waters flowing over the limestone and chalk have, over thousands of years, deposited travertine barriers, creating natural dams which in turn have created a series of beautiful lakes, caves and waterfalls," UNESCO said in the official website.

Okavango Delta (Botswana)

South Africa is a region with the most incredible wildlife and landscapes. Botswana's Okavango Delta is no different. In the UNESCO website, it was revealed that the dry season brings annual flooding from the River Okavango and the plants and animals in the area have synchronized biological cycles with the seasons. Some of the species found in the site are cheetahs, white rhinoceroses, black rhinoceroses, African wild dogs and lions.

Mammoth Cave National Park (Kentucky, U.S.)

UNESCO said that the Kentucky park "has the world's largest network of natural caves and underground passageways, which are characteristic examples of limestone formations." There are over 456 kilometers of surveyed cave passageways with a wide assortment of flora and fauna in the park. A report from SlideShare revealed that while regular cave tours are available, some parts of the caves are still being explored.

Tsingy de Bamaraha Strict Nature Reserve (Madagascar)

Jagged limestone cliffs rising up to meet the sky make the Madagascar site an awe-inspiring sight from the first get go. UNESCO described the site in their official website saying, "Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve comprises karstic landscapes and limestone uplands cut into impressive 'tsingy' peaks and a 'forest' of limestone needles, the spectacular canyon of the Manambolo river, rolling hills and high peaks."