From majestic peaks to man-made wonders and beyond — our beautiful planet offers plenty of reasons to explore its every corner. And while listing down all of them could take a lifetime, we think these 8 breathtaking places deserve to be bumped right to the top of your travel bucket list.

So here we begin.

1. Visit The Awe-Inspiring Grand Canyon (USA)

The Grand Canyon is a large National Park in the U.S. state of Arizona and is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The incredible site showcases millions of years of geological history with its layered bands of red rock. It has been featured in countless television and film productions over the years and enjoys a special place in American culture. There are several ways to view this one-of-a-kind landmark that includes options like helicopter tours, hiking, bike tours, and the scenic boat ride on the Colorado River flowing down below.

2. Take A Dip In The Thermal Springs At Pamukkale (Turkey)

One look at Pamukkale’s mineral pools graced by icy white snow and frozen waterfalls will tell you why it literally translates to “cotton castle.” Situated in Turkey’s southwest region, it sits abound with hot springs cradling blue waters and have attracted visitors since ancient times. The combination of mineral forests, waterfalls and terraced basins nestled in a surreal landscape has earned Pamukkale the tag of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travellers visiting, can take a dip in the calcium-rich travertines, go for a trek up the Pamukkale Castle, and explore the Roman ruins of Laodikeia.

3. Feel Royal At The Grand Palace (Thailand)

The dazzling Grand Palace in Bangkok is a must-visit for anyone who admires traditional architecture and houses some of the most noteworthy temples in Thailand. Built-in 1782, the palace served as home to the royalty, and continues to be one of the most famous landmarks in south-east Asia. Its intricate design pays homage to the craftsmanship of the Thai people and is considered the spiritual heart of the Kingdom. Owing to this legacy, it is advised to dress politely when visiting the Palace as entry can be denied to those that disregard the local culture.

4. Take A Walk On The Great Wall of China (China)

Symbolizing ancient Chinese civilization’s greatest architectural feat, the Great Wall of China is one of the most magnificent man-made structures in the world. The 6000-km long wall built over 2000 years ago has stood the test of time and is even visible from space. It has been listed as a UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage site and attracts tourists from all across the globe. A must-visit for history buffs and architecture lovers, you can choose from the many Great Wall tour packages and cover various sections of the wall, interspersed with mountains that used to act as a defence from the invading armies in the past.

5. Trek Your Way To The Top of Mount Batur (Indonesia)

Each day hundreds of visitors begin their hike in the dark, underneath the glittering Balinese moonlight to trek up the 1,700-meter summit of Mount Batur. Upon reaching the top, they are rewarded with a breathtaking sunrise over the lush mosaic of mist-shrouded mountains. Situated in Kintamani District in Bali’s central highlands, a visit to this sacred volcano is a must-add to your travel bucket list. The hike along the trail takes about two to three hours. Guided treks usually include breakfast with eggs cooked on the steam rising from the active volcano (don’t worry, it’s perfectly safe). Another great way to make the most of this trip is to combine it with a visit to the nearby Pura Ulun Danu Batur temple to soak in the hot springs at the enchanting village of Toya Bungkah.

6. Have An Adventure At Interlaken (Switzerland)

Switzerland is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, especially in the summertime. It offers magical views of the glistening mountains and the equally beautiful turquoise lakes — counted amongst the cleanest in the world. Nestled between two lakes, Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, Interlaken is surrounded with dense forests, alpine meadows and glaciers — making it a mecca for adventure lovers. Here you can go for numerous hiking and skiing trails along with adventure activities such as paragliding and skydiving over some of the most beautiful parts of the country. Thrill-seekers can also hop on a speedboat for a ride across one of the lakes that will have your heart racing.

7. Go Whale Watching In The Indian Ocean (Sri Lanka)

Can you imagine the sight of giant blue whales leaping acrobatically in the high seas? Well, you don’t have to, as the island nation of Sri Lanka is where you can watch this mesmerizing view for real. The country’s southern tip is where the mighty blue whales love to swim around to feed on squid and krill. The water here is incredible, owing to several Sri Lankan rivers that merge with the ocean here. Trust us, there’s no other spot in the world that can guarantee a sighting of the largest creature in the world other than the Indian ocean. The best jumping-off point for this would be Mirissa, a tiny tourist town in Sri Lanka’s southern coast, popular for surfing and whale watching. The ideal time to visit is between November and April, as, during the rest of the year, the waters get too rough thanks to Monsoon.

8. Watch A Game On The World’s Largest Floating Football Stadium (Singapore)

Yes, you read that right! The Float at Marina Bay, Singapore is home to the world’s largest floating football stadium and is typically a big tourist attraction for football fanatics. Located on a reservoir near the famous Raffles Avenue, the stadium has been built on a floating platform. When not busy hosting football games, it is used to host a variety of high-profile entertainment events. This outdoor venue holds the record for being the world’s largest floating stage and can host up to 30,000 people in its seating gallery.


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