Mesmerizing places I've visited.
Chateau de Versailles , Versailles France
“A spectacular palace filled with extraordinary beauty and centuries of history”
In this centuries old palace ,you will be impressed by the incredible view by the reflecting pools and the gardens that seem to go on forever. The art and history that you will find here is extraordinary. Look back through centuries of splendor and excess as you move from hall to hall and room to room with huge murals and other artwork ,but don't forget to look at the ceilings too. Everything is adorne
in the most ornate ways possible.
“A spectacular palace filled with extraordinary beauty and centuries of history”
In this centuries old palace ,you will be impressed by the incredible view by the reflecting pools and the gardens that seem to go on forever. The art and history that you will find here is extraordinary. Look back through centuries of splendor and excess as you move from hall to hall and room to room with huge murals and other artwork ,but don't forget to look at the ceilings too. Everything is adorne
in the most ornate ways possible.
The Taj Mahal _Agra , India
In 1631, Shah Jahan, emperor during the Mughal empire's period of greatest prosperity, was grief-stricken when his favorite of three wives and beloved companion, Mumtaz Mahal, a Persian princess, died during the birth of their 14th child, Gauhara Begum.The court chronicles of Shah Jahan's grief illustrate the love story traditionally held as an inspiration for Taj Mahal.
The Taj Mahal from Persian and Arabic, "crown of palaces", is a white marble mausoleum located on the southern bank of the Yamuna River in the Indian city of Agra. It was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan (reigned 1628–1658) to house the tomb of his favorite wife of three, Mumtaz Mahal.
The Taj Mahal from Persian and Arabic, "crown of palaces", is a white marble mausoleum located on the southern bank of the Yamuna River in the Indian city of Agra. It was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan (reigned 1628–1658) to house the tomb of his favorite wife of three, Mumtaz Mahal.
No words or review can describe the beauty of Taj Mahal. I am truly mesmerised by the flawless beauty.
The Great Pyramid of Giza _ Cairo ,Egypt
The Great Pyramid of Giza (also known as the Pyramid of Khufu or the Pyramid of Cheops) is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the Giza pyramid complex bordering what is now El Giza, Egypt. It is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the only one to remain largely intact.
The Colosseum_Rome , Italy
The Colosseum or Coliseum , also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre , is an oval amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome, Italy. Built of concrete and sand, it is the largest amphitheatre ever built and is considered one of the greatest works of architecture and engineering ever.
It was estimated that the coliseum can hold, between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators, having an average audience of some 65,000; it was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles such as mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on Classical mythology. The building ceased to be used for entertainment in the early medieval era. It was later reused for such purposes as housing, workshops, quarters for a religious order, a fortress, a quarry, and a Christian shrine.Some of the scenes in the famous movie, The Gladiator was filmed in this location.
It was estimated that the coliseum can hold, between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators, having an average audience of some 65,000; it was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles such as mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on Classical mythology. The building ceased to be used for entertainment in the early medieval era. It was later reused for such purposes as housing, workshops, quarters for a religious order, a fortress, a quarry, and a Christian shrine.Some of the scenes in the famous movie, The Gladiator was filmed in this location.
Leaning Tower of Pisa_Tuscany , Italy
The Leaning Tower of Pisa or simply the Tower of Pisa , is the freestanding bell tower, of the cathedral of the Italian city of Pisa, known worldwide for its unintended tilt.
It is situated behind the Cathedral and is the third oldest structure in Pisa's Cathedral Square (Piazza del Duomo) after the Cathedral and the Baptistery. The tower's tilt began during construction, caused by an inadequate foundation on ground too soft on one side to properly support the structure's weight. The tilt increased in the decades before the structure was completed, and gradually increased until the structure was stabilized (and the tilt partially corrected) by efforts in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
It is situated behind the Cathedral and is the third oldest structure in Pisa's Cathedral Square (Piazza del Duomo) after the Cathedral and the Baptistery. The tower's tilt began during construction, caused by an inadequate foundation on ground too soft on one side to properly support the structure's weight. The tilt increased in the decades before the structure was completed, and gradually increased until the structure was stabilized (and the tilt partially corrected) by efforts in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
Machu Picchu _ Cuzco , Peru
Machu Picchu or Machu Pikchu (Quechua machu old, old person, pikchu peak; mountain or prominence with a broad base which ends in sharp peaks, "old peak", pronunciation [ˈmɑtʃu ˈpixtʃu]) is a 15th-century Inca site located 2,430 metres (7,970 ft) above sea level. It is located in the Cusco Region, Urubamba Province, Machupicchu District in Peru.
It is situated on a mountain ridge above the Sacred Valley which is 80 kilometres (50 mi) northwest of Cuzco and through which the Urubamba River flows. Most archaeologists believe that Machu Picchu was built as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti (1438–1472). Often mistakenly referred to as the "Lost City of the Incas" (a title more accurately applied to Vilcabamba), it is the most familiar icon of Inca civilization.
It is situated on a mountain ridge above the Sacred Valley which is 80 kilometres (50 mi) northwest of Cuzco and through which the Urubamba River flows. Most archaeologists believe that Machu Picchu was built as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti (1438–1472). Often mistakenly referred to as the "Lost City of the Incas" (a title more accurately applied to Vilcabamba), it is the most familiar icon of Inca civilization.
Angkor Wat_ Cambodia
Angkor Wat is an Indianized temple complex in Cambodia and the largest religious monument in the world, with the site measuring 162.6 hectares (1,626,000 m2; 402 acres).[ It was originally constructed as a Hindu temple of god Vishnu for the Khmer Empire, gradually transforming into a Buddhist temple towards the end of the 12th century.It was built by the Khmer King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century in Yaśodharapura , the capital of the Khmer Empire, as his state temple and eventual mausoleum.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress_ Dambulla , Central Province of Sri lanka
Sigiriya (Lion Rock Sinhalese pronounced see-gi-ri-yə) is an ancient palace located in the central Matale District near the town of Dambulla in the Central Province, Sri Lanka. The name refers to a site of historical and archaeological significance that is dominated by a massive column of rock nearly 200 metres (660 ft) high. According to the ancient Sri Lankan chronicle the Culavamsa, this site was selected by King Kasyapa (477 – 495 CE) for his new capital. He built his palace on the top of this rock and decorated its sides with colourful frescoes. On a small plateau about halfway up the side of this rock he built a gateway in the form of an enormous lion. The name of this place is derived from this structure —Sīhāgiri, the Lion Rock. The capital and the royal palace was abandoned after the king's death. It was used as a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century.
Sigiriya today is a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site. It is one of the best preserved examples of ancient urban planning. It is the most visited historic site in Sri Lanka.(Wikipedia)
Sigiriya today is a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site. It is one of the best preserved examples of ancient urban planning. It is the most visited historic site in Sri Lanka.(Wikipedia)
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque_Abu-Dhabi , United Arab Emirates
. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is located in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates and is considered to be the key for worship in the country.It was initiated by the late president of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who wanted to establish a structure which unites the cultural diversity of Islamic world, the historical and modern values of architecture and art.His final resting place is located on the grounds beside the same mosque. The mosque was constructed from 1996 to 2007. It is the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates. The building complex measures approximately 290 m (960 ft) by 420 m (1,380 ft), covering an area of more than 12 hectares (30 acres), exclusive of exterior landscaping and vehicle parking
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has many special and unique elements: The carpet in the main prayer hall is considered to be the world's largest carpet made by Iran's Carpet Company and designed by Iranian artist Ali Khaliqi. This carpet measures 5,627 m2 (60,570 sq ft), and was made by around 1,200-1,300 carpet knotters. The weight of this carpet is 35 ton and is predominantly made from wool (originating from New Zealand and Iran). There are 2,268,000,000 knots within the carpet and it took approximately two years to complete.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has seven imported chandeliers from the company Faustig in Munich Germany that incorporate millions of Swarovski crystals. The largest chandelier is the second largest known chandelier inside a mosque, the third largest in the world and has a 10 m (33 ft) diameter and a 15 m (49 ft) height.(Wikipedia)
Non muslims or any other religion are allowed to enter the mosque but is required to wear their national dress,the Dishdash or Kandura for male and Guthra (headscarf),while the ladies or girls should wear an Abaya.These are available in the entrance free of charge.Notice in our pics that we're barefooted, that's an Arab custom when entering a mosque. It was a wonderful feeling when my family wore an Arab national dress.I've been to some mosques in the middle east as well but this mosque for me, I guess , was one of the grandest and elegant mosque I've ever been.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has many special and unique elements: The carpet in the main prayer hall is considered to be the world's largest carpet made by Iran's Carpet Company and designed by Iranian artist Ali Khaliqi. This carpet measures 5,627 m2 (60,570 sq ft), and was made by around 1,200-1,300 carpet knotters. The weight of this carpet is 35 ton and is predominantly made from wool (originating from New Zealand and Iran). There are 2,268,000,000 knots within the carpet and it took approximately two years to complete.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has seven imported chandeliers from the company Faustig in Munich Germany that incorporate millions of Swarovski crystals. The largest chandelier is the second largest known chandelier inside a mosque, the third largest in the world and has a 10 m (33 ft) diameter and a 15 m (49 ft) height.(Wikipedia)
Non muslims or any other religion are allowed to enter the mosque but is required to wear their national dress,the Dishdash or Kandura for male and Guthra (headscarf),while the ladies or girls should wear an Abaya.These are available in the entrance free of charge.Notice in our pics that we're barefooted, that's an Arab custom when entering a mosque. It was a wonderful feeling when my family wore an Arab national dress.I've been to some mosques in the middle east as well but this mosque for me, I guess , was one of the grandest and elegant mosque I've ever been.
The Ayuthhaya Historical Park , Ayuthhaya , Thailand
The Ayutthaya Historical Park, covers the ruins of the old city of Ayutthaya, Thailand. The city of Ayutthaya was founded by King Ramathibodi I in 1350. The city was captured by the Burmese in 1569, though not pillaged, it lost "many valuable and artistic objects."It was the capital of the country until its destruction by the Burmese army in 1767.
In 1969 the Fine Arts Department began with renovations of the ruins, which became more serious after it was declared a historical park in 1976. A part of the park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. Thirty-five kings ruled the Ayutthaya kingdom during its existence. King Narai (1656 CE to 1688 CE) not only held court in Ayutthaya but also from his palace in the nearby city of Lopburi, from where he ruled 8–9 months in the year. (Wikipedia)
In 1969 the Fine Arts Department began with renovations of the ruins, which became more serious after it was declared a historical park in 1976. A part of the park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. Thirty-five kings ruled the Ayutthaya kingdom during its existence. King Narai (1656 CE to 1688 CE) not only held court in Ayutthaya but also from his palace in the nearby city of Lopburi, from where he ruled 8–9 months in the year. (Wikipedia)
Other places of interests in Thailand:
Sagada and Rice Terraces _ Mountain Province_CAR , Philippines
Mountain Province is considered to be one of the most interesting places to explore , not only because of its spectacular sights but also because of the culture and tradition of its people which remained intact despite of Spanish and American influences. When you are in Mountain Province, you will have a clear and serene view of the mountains, smell the fresh air sweetly scented by pine trees, be captivated by the colourful woven native costumes and see one of the most sought after tourist attractions which is the hanging coffin.
Khareef Season_Salalah , Sultanate of Oman
Salalah is the capital city of Oman's southern Zufar and Dhofar region. It is often considered to be the "second city" of the Sultanate, although some of this designation is probably due to its distinction as Sultan Qaboos' birthplace.
Salalah is one of probably only two places in the Arabian peninsula (besides Yemen) that experiences a monsoon season, which is called Khareef and lasts from July to September. Khareef means “autumn” in Arabic but it refers to monsoon when describing Salalah. The word monsoon in English is derived from the Hindi word Mausam which means season or weather. During this time, the brown landscape of Salalah and its surroundings is completely transformed to a beautiful and lush green, and locals and tourists alike flock to Salalah.Some called it the Switzerland of the middle east.
There were few archaelogical sites in Salalah,which dates back to centuries old ,like the tomb of Job.the biblical character,the tomb of Bibi Miriam (the sister of Moses) and Al Baleed archaeological site, just to name a few.During Khareef season ,you will feel that you are not in the middle east due to lush and green environment.
Salalah is one of probably only two places in the Arabian peninsula (besides Yemen) that experiences a monsoon season, which is called Khareef and lasts from July to September. Khareef means “autumn” in Arabic but it refers to monsoon when describing Salalah. The word monsoon in English is derived from the Hindi word Mausam which means season or weather. During this time, the brown landscape of Salalah and its surroundings is completely transformed to a beautiful and lush green, and locals and tourists alike flock to Salalah.Some called it the Switzerland of the middle east.
There were few archaelogical sites in Salalah,which dates back to centuries old ,like the tomb of Job.the biblical character,the tomb of Bibi Miriam (the sister of Moses) and Al Baleed archaeological site, just to name a few.During Khareef season ,you will feel that you are not in the middle east due to lush and green environment.