Top 6 International Borders Known For Their Ceremonies And Scenic Beauty

Whenever someone mentions borders (the political divide that separates one country from another), barbed wires, guard walls, and security forces come to mind. While that may be true in most cases, did you know that some international borders are marked by spectacular landscapes? Some have interesting ceremonies to mark the official closure of gates. Here is our pick of the 6 international borders known for their ceremonies and scenic beauty.

India-Pakistan

Due to its unique and symbolic daily ceremony, the Wagah border is often highlighted as one of the top 6 international borders, showcasing rivalry and cooperation between India and Pakistan. Demarcating the Indian states and Pakistani provinces, the long border between the two nations is one of the most tense across the globe and a site of numerous conflicts over the years. But at Wagah, a small village in Punjab, a pleasant ceremony occurs between the two nations, which has become a tourist attraction. The ceremony occurs before sunset every evening, with a parade by the soldiers from both sides (Indian Border Security Forces and Pakistan Rangers), eventually leading to a perfectly coordinated lowering of the flags of both countries.

Getting There

The Wagah Border is closest to Amritsar. From Delhi, you can either drive, which can take up to 8 hours, or take a flight, which will take an hour and a half. You can sit and watch the ceremony after 4 PM. There is no entry fee, so we advise you to be there as early as possible.

China-Nepal

One of the most difficult international divides is owing to the high mountain terrain running through the Himalayas. Hard to travel, but if you can, you will be rewarded with spectacular scenic beauty. According to various official sources, the 1389km long border starts west at the western tripoint with India near the Tinkar Pass in Sudurpashchim Province and terminates at the eastern tripoint with India on Jongsong Peak; in between, the line cuts across mountain crests, passes, rivers, etc.

Getting There

Check with authorised travel agents in Nepal about tours to the border region.

Argentina-Brazil

The stunning Iguazu Waterfalls connect the two South American powerhouses, Argentina and Brazil. Legends say that a deity planned to marry a woman named Napi, who fled with her mortal lover in a boat. In a rage, the deity sliced the river, creating a waterfall and thus condemning the lovers to an eternal fall. While the Iguazu River flows mainly through Brazil, the waterfalls lie mostly in Argentina. The border between the two countries lies below the confluence of the Iguazu and the San Antonio rivers.

Getting There

The waterfalls may be approached from both countries. There are direct flights to Iguazu International Airport (Mayor Carlos Eduardo Krause Airport, Misiones Province, Argentina) from Buenos Aires in Argentina and several cities in Brazil.

Vatican City-Italy

The Vatican is an independent city enclaved within the Italian capital, Rome. You may not feel like entering a different country as you walk through the gates. Opening onto St. Peter's Square, an ancient Egyptian obelisk and the St. Peter's Basilica make the first glimpse of the Vatican a sight to behold.

Getting There

Vatican City is inside Rome. Hence, if you are in the Italian capital, the road to this sacred city is pretty straightforward.

South Africa-Lesotho

A border quite unique from the rest simply because Lesotho is surrounded by South Africa. Lesotho's majestic mountainous landscape blends harmoniously with South Africa's lower elevation, creating one of the most breathtaking natural borders in the world. A series of rivers and cliffs bring serenity to this incredible location.

Getting There

The Sani Pass from Durban is about a four hour ride. There are several connecting flights to Durban provided by airlines like Emirates and Lufthansa.

Dominican Republic-Haiti

The Dominican Republic and Haiti border tells a story of two nations poles apart. Stretching from coast to coast and cutting through a mountainous landscape, the physical partition between two nations has very few times been this evident. On one side, you see a deforested area, which happens to be Haiti, and, on the other, a lush green forest welcomes you into the Dominican Republic—a perfect juxtaposition in the position of these two nations of the Hispaniola Peninsula.

Getting There

Unfortunately, owing to the political situation in the region, the land and sea borders between the two countries are closed and roadblocks are frequent.