Sunday, 28 April 2013

#9 Angkor Wat, Cambodia



Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Angkor Wat is a temple complex at Angkor, Cambodia, built by King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century as his state temple and capital city. As the best-preserved temple at the site, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious centre since its foundation – first Hindu, dedicated to the god Vishnu, then Buddhist. The temple is at the top of the high classical style of Khmer architecture. It has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its national flag, and it is the country’s prime attraction for visitors




This place is a must see!

Thursday, 25 April 2013

#10 Niagara Falls


Niagara Falls are located on the border of Canada, province of Ontario and USA, state of New York. Niagara Falls are a collective of three waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. Falls are not high, but very wide. In high fall, nearly 6 million cubic feet (168,000 cubic meters) of water falls on a crest line. 

The history of the falls brings us about 12,500 years back. That was a time after the Ice Age when the Niagara Peninsula became free from ice. The melted ice started to flow down creating Lake Ontario, Lake Erie and Niagara River, all the way down to the sea through St. Lawrence River. Later, about 10,000 years ago, Wisconsin glaciation formed the features that became Niagara Falls

If you decide to visit these amazing falls we recommend to take the 'Maid of Mist'. This is the most popular and also the oldest (it started in 1846) attraction to explore the full beauty and power of the falls. It operated from April/May to October each year. The boat takes you to the base of magnificent American and Horseshoe Falls...a really unforgettable experience! 


for more information visit: http://www.niagarafallstourism.com/play/

Tuesday, 23 April 2013

#11 Petra, Jordan


Petra, the fabled "rose red city, half as old as time" is a world wonder and is without a doubt Jordan's most valuable treasure and greatest tourist attraction.
These giant red mountains and vast mausoleums of a departed race have nothing in common with modern civilization, and ask nothing of it except to be appreciated at their true value- as one of the greatest wonders ever wrought by Nature and Man.

Entrance to this historical city is through the Siq, a narrow gorge over 1km in length which is engulfed by soaring 80m high cliffs. These cliffs alone are an amazing site due its interesting colors and rock formations. As you reach the end of the gorge, you will see your first glimpse of Al-Khazneh (Treasury).

This ancient tomb of an important Nabataean king is an awe- inspiring site with the tomb carved out of sheer, dusky pink rock-face and represents the engineering genius of this ancient civilization.

You would need at least four or five days to really explore this majestic land as the Treasury is merely one among many wonders that surround Petra.

 Tip #1: Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and a hate to protect you from the sun, and always carry plenty of drinking water.

Tip #2: The best time to see Petra, especially if your planning on taking photos, is either early to mid-morning  or late afternoon, when the angled sun highlights and enhances the amazing natural colors of the rocks.

Although much has been written about Petra, nothing really prepares you for this amazing place. It has to be seen to be believed.


Saturday, 20 April 2013

#12 Four Seasons Resort, Bora Bora, Motu Tehuto, French Polynesia

Four Seasons Resort, Bora Bora is a luxury resort located at Motu Tehotu on the Island of Bora Bora, in the Society Islands of French Polynesia.
The resort is home to a lagoon sanctuary and home to over 100 species of marine life. From the moment you arrive on the island of Bora Bora you'll experience the South Seas redefined.
The resort offers 121 spacious hideaways nestling around Bora Bora lagoon and its outer beaches. The over water bungalows perch on stilts above the lagoon! So those of you who want to experience real life living on water well this is it! So come experience the spirit of French Polynesia!

Thursday, 18 April 2013

#13 Palau, Pacific Ocean, East of the Philipines



Located in the Western Pacific Ocean, the islands of Palau are inimitable. 

Palau is an archipelago of about 300 islands only of which 9 are inhabited with a total population of 25,000 where it was even used as the set for one of the seasons on the hit TV series; SURVIVOR!!!

Visiting Palau, assumes you are ready to get wet! Most tourists who come here spend most of their time underwater, for Palau is among the world's most spectacular diving and snorkelling destinations. It features coral reefs, blue holes, hidden caves and an astonishing spectrum of coral and rare marine life!

But you don't have to get entirely get wet. On land the islands embraces the areas most richest flora and fauna; exotic birds flying around, crocodiles slipping through the mangroves and not to mention the capital
of Palau, KOROR!!!
Koror is home to restaurants, bars and shopping! Places like Pirates Cove for sushi and Indian at the Taj offer various styles of cuisine to suit everybody's taste buds.

Further down south of the capital are the Rock Islands!! A beautiful chain of 300 protected islands with white sand and white mud beaches!




When people go on vacation in Palau they usually take a week off from work and spend both weekends. In other words, ten days to two weeks. Plan on spending two days to get there (because of an overnight in Koror) and two days to get back (because of the international date line).

So without any further hesitation, add this destination to your bucket list,  bring your flip flops and your swimwear and prepare to be in awe! 

 

Wednesday, 17 April 2013

#14 Antelope Canyon, Navajo, Arizona, USA

Antelope Canyon consist of two sections: upper and lower. Upper in Navajo means "the place where water runs through rocks". The Lower part means "the spiral rock arches". Canyon was formed mainly due to flooding. Rainwater runs into basin above the canyon sections and then as it picks up speed and sand, it rushes into narrow passageway. That is making deep corridors and also smoothing the edges into 'flowing' shape.  

Upper Canyon is more popular because it is located on the ground level and doesn't require any climbing. Also, the sunlight beams are much more common. The beams start on 15th March and disappear on 7th October each year. 

Lower Canyon is few kilometers away and you have to climb through several installed stair cased to get there. It is longer, narrower and footing is not available in some areas. Despite those, Lower Canyon is still an attractive place for many photographers and tourists. 


Upper Antelope Canyon
Lower Antelope Canyon

#15 Taj Mahal, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India

"The Crown of Palaces" Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is widely considered one of the most beautiful buildings ever created. The exquisite marble structure in Agra, India is a mausoleum, an enduring monument to the love of a husband of his favorite wife. It is also a testament to the artistic and scientific accomplishments of a wealthy empire.

Whilst the arch and dome profile of clean and white marble has become iconic, other apparent beauties lie in the Taj Mahal's painstaking details:

  • Inlaid semiprecious stones and carvings
  • The Koranic verse in calligraphy create an enchanting interior space where the husband came to visit his wife's remains before he was eventually interred at her side.

How to get there:

Agra is a major city in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Around three million people visit the Taj Mahal each year. The city is accessible by bus, train and (limited) air service. The area also has a wide range of tourist amenities  Access to the Taj Mahal is quite complex by foot.