With all and sundry coming up with their version of the ‘authentic’ wonders of the world – ranging from stunning to strange – it is time someone told you which world wonders to visit right away. These 6 handpicked ‘not-to-miss’ wonders not only have some of the most jaw dropping human and natural structures, but are also storehouses of culture and history.
Let’s begin our list with the structure that continues to act as a remainder of human being’s architectural acumen and sheer willpower – the Great Wall of China.
The Great Wall of China:
While the world has seen countless fortifications and barricades, there is perhaps very few that can be compared to the Great Wall of China – that was aimed at keeping the invading armies out of the reach of ancient China. Started during the Qin Dynasty, the Wall, as we know today, exists thanks to the efforts of the Han, the Sui and more importantly the Ming Dynasty. Running along huge green topped mountains, the Wall is complete with square lookout towers and wooden gates. Although some sections of the wall are eroding quickly, and at some places extensive renovation has taken place; however, the Wall is a wonder that you need to visit ASAP. Visit with silkroadtours.co.uk
The Grand Canyon:
From a humungous man-made construction to a spellbinding natural structure, the world is full of stunning places to visit. The Grand Canyon has been a constant favorite with travel magazines for quite a few years now. Running nearly 227 miles long, this wonder of the world took approximately 17 million years in the making! While the exact timing of the formation of the Grand Canyon is still under debate, it can safely be said that the Colorado River along with its many tributaries chiseled its way through the heavy rocks while forming the canyon as we know it today. While visiting the Canyon doesn’t test your adrenaline limits, a walk on the glass Canyon walkway certainly does. Last heard, the visuals from the 4000 feet high skywalk are quite stunning!
The Acropolis of Athens:
Standing as a monument to human civilization, the Acropolis of Athens is a world heritage site. Sitting on a rocky outcrop above the city of Athens, the Acropolis is an ancient architectural structure that houses some of the most prominent monuments extolling Greek civilization – the Parthenon, the Erechtheum, the Propylaea and the Temple of Athena Nike. These historical structures symbolize the culture, history and the value system of the Greek Civilization. Although some of the structures were ruined by various conquests, pollution, misguided restoration works and simple neglect, efforts to restore the Acropolis to its ancient glory has yielded great results.
Machu Picchu:
A true testament to the architectural genius and aesthetic appeal of the Incans, the Machu Picchu is a truly mysterious and mystical place to visit. The majestic city of Machu Picchu sits about 2000 feet above the thundering Urubamba River below. Tucked away neatly into the Andean Mountain Range, making it virtually impossible to detect from below, this ancient city is believed to have been used by the Incans as a sacred ceremonial site and for astronomical purposes. Being secluded, the Machu Picchu had almost everything within itself – agricultural terraces, baths, temples, houses, storage tents, and was also fed by a number of natural springs. This Lost City is a truly a world wonder – a hidden gem that should be on everyone’s must-visit list Go on holidays to Peru with Go Andes.
The Great Barrier Reef:
As the largest living structure on the face of the planet, the Great Barrier Reef is a sight to behold. This natural beauty is vast, thriving and throws up a cacophony of colors against the beautiful blue ocean. Stretching for nearly 1,400 miles, Great Barrier Reef is in the Coral Sea near the coast of Queensland, Australia. Contrary to popular belief, the Reef is not a single structure – it is made of millions of small organisms. Supporting a wide variety of marine ecosystem, the Reef is constantly threatened by pollution, climatic changes and human interference. With nearly 2 million people visiting the Reef each year, it is high time you put on your scuba diving suits and enjoyed the colorful marine life of the Reef.
Petra:
Exquisitely carved directly into the sandstone face of the hills, the city of Petra, once a thriving center for trade, is now in ruins. This Jordanian city was the capital of the Nabataeans, who not only were experts in rock cut architecture, but also were adept in water conservation, storage and transportation. Thought to have been established sometime during 312 BC, the city is flanked by mountain ranges making it almost a fortress. In addition to the most iconic structure of this Rose City – the Treasury, the desert city of Petra also houses a ruined amphitheater, several tombs, temples, monasteries, and caves.
Since some of the structures might not be around for too long, it is a good idea to visit them ASAP.
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