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 Taj Mahal  (Agra)

Standing majestically on the banks of River Yamuna, the Taj Mahal is synonymous to love and romance. The name "Taj Mahal" was derived from the name of Shah Jahan's wife, Mumtaz Mahal, and means "Crown Palace". The purity of the white marble, the exquisite ornamentation, precious gemstones used and its picturesque location, all make a visit to the Taj Mahal gain a place amongst the most sought-after tours in the world. However, until you know the love story behind the construction of the Taj Mahal, the beauty of the same would not enliven in your heart and mind and instead would come up as just another beautiful building/monument. It is the love behind this outstanding monument that has given a life to this monument. Come and explore the visceral charisma that it emanates

At the brink of dawn when the first rays of the sun hits the dome of this epic monument, it radiates like a heavenly abode, cloaked in bright golden. And then at dusk, basking in the glory of moon, it shines like a perfectly carved diamond; appearing as if straight owwut of some magical tale, leaving the viewers awestruck by its sense of grandeur. Nothing short of an architectural marvel, no wonder it stands proud at being one of the Seven Wonders of the World. And the rich beauty of this visual spectacle turns visceral when one hears the story behind it. The story of Taj Mahal!



Taj Mahal, "the epitome of love", is "a monument of immeasurable beauty". The beauty of this magnificent monument is such that it is beyond the scope of words. The thoughts that come into the mind while watching the Taj Mahal of Agra is not just its phenomenal beauty, but the immense love which was the reason behind its construction. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan got this monument constructed in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, with whom he fell in love at the first sight. Ironically, the very first sight of the Taj Mahal, the epitome of love and romance, also leaves visitors mesmerized and perpetually enthralled.

Taj Mahal


 Eiffel Tower  (Parish)

You might think that the Eiffel Tower’s popularity makes it a “touristy” attraction, but it really is not. To me the word touristy implies something that lacks authenticity, is tacky and surrounded by people selling cheap junk. The Eiffel Tower is not like that at all.
First of all, it was built by a prominent French architect and engineer in celebration of an important time in France’s history- that’s keeping things pretty authentic. It is not surrounded by hordes of vendors trying to sell you souvenirs and the increased police presence since I was last there in 1998, meant that we didn’t see any obvious scam artists either.
Sure, it may be tempting to turn your nose up and think, “Look at all those silly tourists. Standing in line forever, taking the same picture that’s been taken thousands of times.” The bottom line is, certain sites are popular for a reason. There are some places, as cliché as it sounds, that are “must sees” when visiting a city. The Eiffel Tower is one of them.
Yes, the crowds can be horrendous at the Eiffel Tower and chances are you’ll be waiting in line to go up for quite a while. There might be impatient people who will try and cut in front of you, acting as if waiting another 30 seconds might mean the tower could spontaneously burst into a cloud of smoke and disappear forever (yes rude lady, I am talking about you!)
All that aside, we loved our visit to the Eiffel Tower! It’s an amazing structure that’s beautiful to look at night and day, near and far. Even though this was my second time seeing the tower, it still took my breath away when it first came into view. In fact, the first batch of photos I took of it are blurry because I was shaking from excitement!
Touristy or not, a visit to Paris would not be complete without feasting your eyes on the world’s most recognized structure.

Eiffel Tower



 Sydney Opera House  ( Australia)

One of the most beautiful modern cities in the world, Sydney is quite popular among tourists looking for a different experience. Located in Southern Hemisphere, the city is known for its beaches, wildlife, harbours and the iconic Sydney Opera House. There are a number of festivals and events (Mardi Gras, Sydney Film Festival) which make Sydney a bucket-list item for every adventurer and explorer. Add to that the local zoos, gardens, suburbs and restaurants, which all make Sydney a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
A multicultural city, Sydney is magical as well as beautiful and its famed Opera House is simply the icing on the cake. Read on to know everything about the stupendous Sydney Opera House.

One of the most beautiful modern cities in the world, Sydney is quite popular among tourists looking for a different experience. Located in Southern Hemisphere, the city is known for its beaches, wildlife, harbours and the iconic Sydney Opera House. There are a number of festivals and events (Mardi Gras, Sydney Film Festival) which make Sydney a bucket-list item for every adventurer and explorer. Add to that the local zoos, gardens, suburbs and restaurants, which all make Sydney a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
A multicultural city, Sydney is magical as well as beautiful and its famed Opera House is simply the icing on the cake. Read on to know everything about the stupendous Sydney Opera House.
There are six performance venues spread inside the beautiful building. On an average, around 2000 events are held every years at this performance centre. There is Concert Hall, which is the biggest venue of all. Joan Sutherland Theatre, Playhouse, Drama Theatre, Studio and Utzon Room (the smallest venue) host a varied range of performances – from rock music to seminars, you can find anything and everything in the catalogue of Sydney Opera House events and shows.

Sydney Opera House


 Christ the Redeemer  (Brazil)

Located in the Tijuca National Park overlooking the city of Rio-the statue is made of reinforced concrete and soapstone, and was constructed between 1922 and 1931. The creation of this Seven Wonder perfectly embodies the multi-cultural influences inherent within the city. Although built by the Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa, it was created by French sculptor Heitor da Silva Casta. Interestingly, the face of the stature was created by Romanian sculptor Gheorghe Leonaida.

Weekdays and high-seasons draw in large crowds, so try to go on a weekday if possible. Make sure the weather is good, being high above sea level in a rainforest, it is not uncommon to have zero visibility. Getting to this legendary figure can also be part of the adventure
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How to get to the top of Corcovado
Visitors can reach the statue in three different ways, by tram, by car, or by foot. Perhaps the most popular, accessible and exciting way to get there is the twenty-minute tram ride that winds through the Tijuca forest and up to the summit. Half way up, there will be men selling water bottles for hydration and it is not uncommon to spot Capuchi monkeys en-route.

Bus + Train: From Copacabana and Ipanema you can catch bus number 583 and from Largo do Mechado catch either the 422, 569 or 498 which all go to Cosme Velho from where the train departs. You can also buy the subway+bus integrated ticket that stops at the same stop. The train to the summit departs every 30 minutes between 8.30h-19.00h Monday to Sunday. Prices form the train (access to the statue) included is 51 R$ round trip Mon-Fi low season and 62 R$ high season plus all weekends and public holidays.


Taxi + Train: Same as above, only that you go by taxi to the train station at Cosme Velho. A lot faster if you live in Copacabana, Ipanema or Leblon, but more expensive.

Hiking: For active adventurers, from the lake close to Parque Lage there is a trail going from the top of Corcovado which takes a few hours to climb to the summit. Hikers must be warned however, that there have been occurrences of mugging and other petty theft on the trails so it may be a good idea to leave most valuables at home. Since 2011, hikers now have to pay an entrance fee at the top.

Once arrived, visitors can stand in awe of the monumental man, which has kept an eye on the Cidade Marvilhosa for the last 80 years since the inauguration in 1931. Receiving over two million eager visitors each year, this is an unmissable experience of Rio.


Christ the Redeemer


 Great Wall of China  (China)

The Great Wall of China length is around 6300 km. If the length can be measured from all the distinct segments of the wall, the distance is approx. 22000 km. In December 1987, The Great Wall of China turned into a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Wall has been constructed by over 1 million people.
The Ming Dynasty was the most important rebuilder of the walls. They completed it with fortifications, watchtowers, and cannons to much better shield their subjects from their invaders. The legend goes that a mythical dragon hunted down the course of the Great Wall of China for the workforce. In spite of general belief, the Great Wall of China can’t be seen from the moon without help.
There are various myths and truths about the Wall and certain misleading facts have led many to believe in the wrong statements. Here are a few interesting facts about the Great Wall of China that will enlighten you further to keep you general knowledge in check.

  • Even though it has been stated in the book, ‘Believe it or not!’ by Robert Ripley that it is possible to see the Great Wall of China from space or moon, sadly, it cannot be.
  • The Chinese folk call this wall as the ‘city wall’ or ‘Long City’ and no such mention of ‘Great’ is mentioned by them.
  • The Great Wall of China is only 2000 years old and not as much as many think.
  • The Wall doesn’t contain any bones or corpses of any labourer and this stays a rumour as probably told by the Chief Historian Sima Qian of Han dynasty.
  • The Wall is not a single wall and in fact, it is more than one and so, one cannot use ‘it’ to refer to the wall, ‘them’ has to be used as there are more than one walls present.

Great Wall of China


 Red Fort   (Delhi)

The red fort in Delhi is located in the old city of Delhi, the fort is situated across the famous Chandni Chowk area of old Delhi , the famous Jama masjid is just a walk of few minutes from the red fort. The palaces of the red fort overlook the ring road of Delhi with the memorials of Indian political stalwarts across the road. This area is the most congested area of Delhi city.

Red fort- In year 1638 ACE king Shah Jahan decided to make a fort on the banks of river Yamuna. This fort was completed in year 1648 at a cost of ten million Mughal Rupees. Aurangzeb son of Shahjahan ruled over India from this fort. 18th Century saw many Mughal kings being crowned and many scandals being hatched over here, In 1739 Nadir shah the Persian emperor looted peacock throne and many more valuable memorabilia from here. In 1752 the Marathas won the red fort, In 1783 the Sikh forces of Baba Baghel Singh Dhaliwal conquered Delhi. British East India gained control of red fort in 1803. After the revolt of 1857 the English again recaptured the red fort and last Mughal Bahadur Shah Zafar II was exiled to Rangoon. In 1947 India became independent nation and the Prime minister unfurls the national flag from the bastion of red fort every year on 15th August. In 2007 This fort was accorded the status of World heritage monument.




There are three gates in the red fort. The common tourists can seek entry through the Lahori Gate. The Lahore Gate is the iconic symbol of free India. Every year the prime minister of India hoists the National flag over here on 15th August the Independence Day of India. The Delhi gate is used as an entry and exit gate for the VIP persons. The third gate is no more into use. It’s known as the Khijri gate (waterfront gate). Huge wooden gates gilded with bronze guard the Lahori gate. You can sight some bullet marks probably from the war of 1857 on the doors. Very near to the entrance gate, you can buy the entrance tickets to seek entry to the red fort.



On one fine marble screen is written a famous Persian verse “Gar Firdaus Rue Zameen Ast. Hamien Ast Hamien Ast” Meaning if there is heaven on this earth then it’s over here and over here. The marble was excavated from makrana in Rajasthan and extensive “Pietre dura” work can be seen on the walls and the columns. The world-famous “Takhte Taus” or the Peacock throne was once situated in Dewan E Khaas, It was later looted by the Persian emperor Nadir Shah in the late 18th century. One side of Deewan E Khaas leads into Musamman Burj. This was the place from where King George V and Queen Mary made a public appearance during the Delhi Darbar and coronation ceremony in 1903.


Red Fort


 Colosseum  (Italy)

In the seventh century English scholar, Saint Bede wrote: “As long as the Colosseum stands, Rome shall stand; When the Colosseum falls, Rome shall fall; and when Rome falls, the world will end.”
The Colosseum has been the iconic symbol of the once powerful Roman empire since Emperor Vespasian commissioned its construction nearly two thousand years ago. in the years since, the giant amphitheatre has survived every catastrophe the world has thrown at it. Not even the fall of the Roman Empire, or the millions of tourists who now visit it every year has brought it down. 
Once a place frequented by Rome’s Emperors, Senators and Intellectuals, the Colosseum was a place where gladiators lived and died by the sword and where animals were brutally slaughtered for the enjoyment of the masses. 

Known as one of the finest Roman buildings ever constructed, the influence of the Colosseum’s design and architecture is immeasurable. The engineering skill and know-how that it took to complete a structure of its size and has allowed it to survive for as long as it has is a feat that cannot be understated.
Today the Colosseum is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations and every year more than four million people walk through the gates to marvel at the sight of one of the ancient world’s most spectacular creations.

Construction on the Colosseum commenced in AD 72 under Emperor Vespasian who commissioned it as a ‘gift to the people.’ It was completed eight years later under Vespasian’s successor Emperor Titus who officially celebrated its completion with 100 days of games.
The land where the Colosseum was constructed was previously part of Emperor Nero’s grand palace known as ‘Domus Aurea’ which burnt down in AD 64. Nero, the last emperor of the Julio-Claudian dynasty is remembered as a tyrant who lived a life of extravagance at the expense of the people and the land where his palace was built was taken from the people of Rome.  
The latter years of Nero's rule were marred by civil war which saw almost all of his supporters turn against him. With seemingly no other option, Nero commit suicide in AD 68 which started a power vacuum and a chaotic period known as the ‘Year of the Four Emperors’.

Colosseum

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