Top 10 places you must see before you die June 18, 2008

The world is becoming a global village with each passing day, thereby offering better scopes of traveling to the exotic destinations located in the faraway lands. It was not only Christopher Columbus who was smitten by the traveling bug, rather it holds meaning for many of us who love to travel and visit places that offer characteristics of the distinct genres. While some may want to feast on the history, some others may find the different world cultures interesting, yet a third group may want to visit the world wonders. Therefore for all those who are passionate about traveling, we have compiled a list of top 10 places you must see before you die…

To begin with the list of top 10 places you must see before you die, it is very important to understand that the list has been compiled keeping in mind the varied tastes and preferences of the travelers. These places are endowed with distinct qualities that make them so very special. While some are architectural ruins, others are relatively modern wonders… so browse through the destinations and the attractions and enjoy…

- The Pyramids of Egypt

Millions of visitors every year throng to see the Pyramids of Egypt that have been built as tombs for the various kings. The ones worth mentioning are the pyramids of Giza with a special mention reserved for the pyramid of Khufu. It is an essential part of the list of ancient wonders and continues to mesmerize the spectators even today.

- Great Wall of China

The Great wall of China is a man made wonder dating back to the 3rd century BC. It expands over an area of 6700 km covering the various characteristics of the geographical diversities of the country. The original wall was built to safeguard the border from the external intrusions and is today one of the top 10 places you must see before you die. This UNESCO World Heritage Site reflects the construction expertise of various people and materials involved in the project.

- Taj Mahal

This is the most classic example of love of an Emperor for his wife! Built in the Indian city of Agra, the Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan in the loving memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. This man made wonder displays immaculate Mughal, Persian, Turkish as well as Indian art and architecture. The mesmerizing beauty of the Taj has no wonder inspired many poets and philosophers to admit that the world actually belongs to two kinds of people, one who have seen the Taj Mahal and the others who haven’t. Therefore this place ranks high on the list of top 10 places you must see before you die.

- The Great Barrier Reef

If you are a water baby and would love to feast on some under water adventure and thrill, then head straight to the Great Barrier Reef that houses the world’s largest Coral Reef system. Located in Australia, the Great Barrier Reef welcomes you to understand and appreciate the splendid beauty of the underwater elements and the 3,44,400 sq km area of the Reef is simply breathtaking.

- The Aurora Borealis

If you are interested in nature and its wonders, then a visit to the Polar Regions to watch the northern lights becomes imperative. The scientific explanation of the Aurora Borealis is very interesting and hints towards the fact that nature reigns supreme! While on your visit to Canada, Alaska, northern coast of Siberia and the Scandinavian islands, do make it a point to watch the natural phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis as one of the top 10 places you must see before you die.

- Leaning Tower of Pisa

The Leaning tower of Pisa is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world. This 183.27 ft tower continues to mesmerize the onlookers with its unconventional construction. The tower is an extra ordinary piece of art and architecture with 294 steps till the 7th floor and leaning at an angle of 3.97 degrees.

- Stonehenge

Interested in visiting age-old wonders dating back to the Neolithic and Bronze Age? Then Stonehenge in Salisbury Plain in England is the place to be for you with its majestic stone monuments and extensive vast grasslands. Research reveals that roman settlers inhabited the area since 8000 BC! Truly one of the top 10 places you must see before you die…

- The Hanging Gardens of Babylon

Another historical place that depicts the undying love and concern of a husband for his wife are the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. The Emperor Nebuchadnezzar II built them for his wife Amytis who missed the lush greenery of her home, here in Babylon. This particular place reflects high architectural talents of the ruler and the advanced mechanisms used in constructing the gardens.

- Porcelain tower of Nanjing

Built as a Buddhist pagoda, the Porcelain tower of Nanjing is a must visit place for all who wish to witness an ancient wonder. It was built in the 15th century and has gone through reconstruction later. The Chinese Emperor Yongle designed it with 260 ft height across 9 stories and a golden sphere marks its roof. The fine construction of the Porcelain Tower mirrors the rays of the sun during the day and the beautiful Buddhist images carved on the walls lend it a distinct charisma.

- Machu Picchu

The majestic Andes Mountain in Peru is synonymous to magic. One of the classic examples of the fact being Machu Pichu that is an ancient city lost to the times. Built and occupied by the Incas, Machu Pichu is considered a part of the 8 wonders of the world. The various features of the place like the residences, temples and fountains that are still standing testimony to this ancient city invite you all to come and feast on its magnificence.

Thus, these are the top 10 places you must see before you die… So whether you are a die-hard traveler, a professional or a retired citizen, a visit to the above listed places is a must that is sure to enthrall you with its magic… Come and surrender to their spell!

References…

World Travel Destinations
Popular Holiday Destinations
Travel Guides

What’s the best thing about India? June 18, 2008

Owing to the multifaceted nature and characteristics of India, it means differently to different people. While for some it is still the traditional society with its cultural values, to some others it may mean the urban nature and the developing spirit of a contemporary society, yet to some others it may mean a country that is home to numerous wonders and architectural masterpieces with the Taj Mahal being ranked on the top of the list. Depending on the tastes and preferences, India is a destination for all.

What’s the best thing about India? This question may come to the mind of several visitors; travelers and guests in the country who may be on their first visit here or may have even visited the place many times earlier. This question is significant from the perspective that all the features that India displays are equally impressive and it is indeed a very difficult task to fathom what could possibly be the best thing about India! To ease out one in a situation like this, we have gathered for you the most spectacular facets of the country and compiled for you characteristics that would help you to realize exactly what’s the best thing about India.

History of India
The history of India is replete with tales of brave warriors, chivalrous kings and daring women leaders who have set examples for all Indians to follow, on a number of occasions. The History of India mentions the sagas of how valiantly the Indians fought against the external invasions and managed to retain the Indian-ness despite all odds. Therefore read about the history of India to comprehend the features that will explain that it is definitely one of the best things about India.

Culture and religion of India
The cultural repertoire of India is comprised of uncountable hues. Hues, that have been a contribution of the different religions, distinct beliefs and traditions and customs as per the different geographical regions of the country. In spite of being home to many faiths and religions, India still manages to offer a happy coexistence for all. This is no wonder one of the best things about India that despite being such a huge country with more than 1500 dialects and numerous religions, every culture and every community has its own place and is greatly revered by all.

Sightseeing in India
With 28 states and 7 Union territories spread across a wide geographical area, what else could one expect other than a roller coaster ride of sightseeing in India? Spectacular wildlife areas, mesmerizing beaches, rugged desert lands, majestic mountains and hill stations and lovely plains, ancient architectural wonders like palaces and grand forts… India is blessed with all. If one were to ask what’s the best thing about India to the global traveler, he/ she would unmistakably say it is the sightseeing opportunities in India.

Hospitality in India
India is a land where the guest is regarded as the God. Hospitality in India is displayed through warmth and affection towards all. Be it in the luxury hotels or the small motels and inns, the amiability of the Indians attracts one and all. A traveler coming to India, because of this warmth and hospitality, desires to come back to the country, times and again.

People of India
People of India belong to the 5 major racial types – Australoid, Mongoloid, Europoid, Caucasian and Negroid. Therefore people across the various geographical regions, display different physical appearances, different costumes, different language/ dialect and follow different traditions and customs. However, despite the physical dissimilarities, it is interesting to know that the people of India together showcase a common bond and that rules the roost while talking of the best thing about India!

Cuisine of India
For all coming to India, it is strongly recommended that he/she explore the various nuances of the cuisine of the country. Relish on the mouth-watering delicacies that are peculiar to the various regions and learn about the traditional way of cooking and serving meals in India. From the tangy tastes to the spicy flavors, cuisine of India definitely offers a wide spread and is one of the very best things about India!