Here is a list of the Top 10 Places which you should definitely add to your bucket list and visit! From temples to natural wonders, these places will leave you in awe. One of the best reasons to consider adding them to your list is that each of these places are relatively safe due to the amount of tourists which visit on a yearly basis. You may need to consider planning your visit during low season though to avoid the crowds. The surrounding areas are also very beautiful so I recommend that you find some time and research what these amazing places offer; I guarantee that you will not regret it.
Dedicating a full day (or two) should be more than enough for each site. I suggest exploring the area on the first day and on day two capture some beautiful photographs accompanied by some great memories!
Temples of Angkor, Cambodia
Located in Asia, Cambodia has many gems however the Temples of Angkor have always ranked as one of the top places to visit. Needless to say the temples are on the World Heritage list and it boasts an area of around 500 acres. It is one of the largest religious monuments which we can visit today. Due to the large influx of tourist visits, the temples are in constant need of care and multiple efforts have been launched throughout the years to try and restore parts of the temple complex. There are numerous archaeological sites in the surrounding area and you will need to dedicate at least half a day to enjoy the place, especially if you are into temples that lie in a forested area.
Iguazú Falls, Brazil-Argentina
Breathtaking to say the least, Iguazú Falls are natural waterfalls that lie in the river Iguazú which divide the river into the lower and the upper Iguazú. The falls border between Brazil and Argentina and the vast amount of cascades make it one of the most spectacular waterfalls to see anywhere in the world! Due to its location, the surrounding area may present other natural wildlife-seeing opportunities as the falls are located in the subtropical rainforest. Good luck trying to find a Panthera onca – the jaguar!
Machu Picchu, Peru
This place needs no introduction but here goes. Located in the Andes Mountains in the South American country known as Peru, Machu Picchu was built around the 15th century. Left abandoned it was later found on the 24th of July 1911 by an American archaeologist called Hiram Bingham who was lucky to stumble upon this ancient Inca settlement which is considered to be one of the main reasons why people visit Peru. There are basically two ways to get to Machu Picchu – the first being the ‘more-convenient’ way, via transport or you may opt for the Indiana Jones version and trek it through one of the 6 alternate routes. A trip may last between four to around 13 days and for some people the trek may not be an easy goal to accomplish. On the other hand, finishing the trek will give you the ultimate feeling of accomplishment. Unfortunately (for good reasons), you cannot do the trek solo; you will need to join a trekking group. The government has also limited access to the site via permits, so book well in advance to avoid any disappointments.
Great Wall of China
Another site located in the Asian continent, the Great Wall can be described as a huge fortification structure that measures around 21,000 kilometers. Built across grasslands, plateaus, mountains and deserts, the wall appears to be shaped like a dragon due to its winding features. It is believed to have been built between 476BC – 221BC. Apart for military reasons, the wall was built as a form of border control and to monitor goods transported across the Silk Road. You should definitely check out any itineraries to this magnificent site.
Colosseum, Italy
An awesome site to visit when in the European capital of Italy, Rome, the Colosseum has somewhat of a dark history. This oval amphitheatre, greatly known for having some of the best engineering and architectural features, was basically used for entertainment – namely to entertain around 80,000 or so spectators. This site was used for the re-enactments of famous battles, public spectacles, dramas, venatio (the hunting of animals) and obviously the very bloody gladiatorial contests. Trust me, you are going to want to skip the queue so don’t waste time waiting in the scorching heat and buy yourself the Roman Archaeology card which will allow you to bypass the massive queue to the Colosseum and other beautiful sites in Rome.
Alhambra, Spain
Located in the south of Spain, the Alhambra is a fortress complex and a palace which was built around 889 and occupied by Arab aristocrats during the Nasrid dynasty. Another UNESCO World Heritage site, the Alhambra can be found in the medieval part of Granada. The palace is remarkably rich in Moorish architecture and this can be clearly seen when you visit its courtyard known as the Court of the Lions (shown in the photo below). Known as “the red one” due to the reddish colour which can be seen today, the Alhambra is the perfect place to capture photographs. Coloured tiles, enamelled blue and gold borders, marble columns and perfect symmetry are some features which make the Alhambra a great place to visit.
Hagia Sophia, Turkey
The Hagia Sophia’s history is incredibly rich. It was built initially as a Greek Orthodox cathedral until 1204, after which it was converted to a Roman Catholic cathedral under the Latin Empire. It is believed that the structure had some of the greatest treasures in the city during that period. Between 1453 – 1931, the cathedral was pillaged and converted into an Imperial Mosque after Constantinople was taken by the Ottomans. Decorated perfectly with pillars made from marble and mosaics, the Hagia Sophia is one of the best examples of Byzantine architecture still standing. In 1935, the then Turkish President converted the building to a museum and it remained that way till this very day.
Taj Mahal, India
Many people do not know that the Taj Mahal was built as a mausoleum by an emperor who wanted to house a tomb for one of his wives – the favourite one obviously. Made out of white marble, the mausoleum is a wonder of the world and naturally attracts a ridiculous amount of locals and tourists to the site yearly. It is located on the southern bank of the Yamuna River in the city of Agra found in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. A feature which immediately hits you is the perfect symmetry which can be seen on all four sides of the building. Apart from the exterior and interior being uniquely detailed and intricate, a large Persian inspired garden can be found outside of the Taj Mahal which includes a raised marble water tank which reflects the mausoleum.
Bagan, Myanmar
You loved the Cambodian temple complex but you hated the crowds. Look no further. Bagan, like Temples of Angkor reflects an ancient city which can be found in the Mandalay Region of Myanmar, now Burma. Between the 9th – 13th centuries, Bagan was the capital of the then Kingdom of Pagan. A twelve mile oval of paved roads connects the what few call a network of trails, dirt roads and possible treks. You may reach Bagan via Myanmar Railways which boards a daily overnighter between Yangon and Bagan – a trip of around 18 hours. Bagan’s plains are beautiful and you can get around via a number of different modes of transport including a hot air balloon ride, a horse cart, a taxi, walking around the complex or renting a bicycle. Pack water, you will need it.
Grand Canyon, United States
The Grand Canyon is located in the United States and it was carved by the Colorado River. Around 446 kilometers long, you will be amazed by the unimaginable size of it. Many tourists seek out activities such as rafting, running, camping, hiking and trekking. Going round the canyon with a helicopter is also another option. Certain areas also contain native American carvings and buildings which can still be seen today. The Grand Canyon National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is made up of two main public areas known as the North and south Rims of the Grand Canyon. Although some of the places within the park are accessible for trekking via foot paths, a vast majority of the land is actually extremely remote and potentially very dangerous if you have no experience whatsoever in survival techniques.
