The city of Angkor, Cambodia

Angkor translates to mean 'Capital City' or 'Holy City'. The ruins of this holy city are the remnants of the Angkorian capitals and represent the pinnacle of the ancient Khmer architecture, art and civilization.

The Angkor Wat temples were built between 800AD to 1300AD. During this time over 27 kings ruled this large territory, about 400 Square kilometers (250 square miles) in north western Cambodia. The temples are thought to have been abandoned around the 15th century. They were built by the Khmer Empire which was one of the greatest powers in South-East Asia. The 'Khmer' refers to the dominant ethnic group in modern and ancient Cambodia. It is estimated that at its height of rule the population contained more than one million people. The temples are not only impressive because of the beauty. It is also amazing to marvel at the vast waterworks and military defenses that were put in place. They were quite advanced for their time.

Milford sound, New Zealand

The dramatic landscape of this unforgettable region was created thousands of years ago by glacial rivers – today this remarkable wilderness is preserved as part of the southwest world heritage area.

Due to the many tours operating here, this region's unforgettable scenery is easily accessible to all visitors. Experience one of New Zealand’s great walks such as the Routeburn, Milford or Kepler tracks. Go flight-seeing over Fiordland National Park, the ultimate way to appreciate the sheer scale of the landscape’s lakes, fiords and mountains. Cruise the fiords at a relaxing pace or kayak around the sheltered waters, encountering dolphins and seals along the way. Visit Milford Deep at Milford Sound to see an underwater landscape of black coral that’s every bit as unique as the landscape above the surface.

Victoria waterfalls, Zambia \ Zimbabwe

After traveling 1,000 miles from the north, the Zambezi River reaches the edge of one world and plummets 350 feet into another. Victoria Falls, between the borders of Zambia and Zimbabwe, is over a mile wide. No other waterfall in the world can match her scale.

The Zambezi is known as the “River of Life” across southern Africa, but surviving by the river near Victoria Falls is not always easy. During the rainy season the Zambezi has a fierceness and a power that is deadly to both animals and humans. At the peak of the rainy season, almost 300,000 gallons of water cascade over the falls every second.

During the dry season, life gravitates to the river by Victoria Falls. As the sun beats down and the water level lowers, grass-covered islands above the falls are exposed. Families of elephants from the surrounding savannah flock to the Zambezi to make the river crossing. Predator and prey rely on the river for water, and pairs of bee-eaters and pied kingfishers dig nests in the exposed muddy banks. Fish eagles raise their young and teach them to hunt, and hippos crowd the waters.

Life flourishes, for a while. And then, months later, clouds gather in the sky and rising waters force many animals to leave. It is the rainy season, and Victoria Falls becomes magnificent again – her voice rising from a whisper to thunder.

The great coral reef, Australia

World’s biggest single structure made by the living organisms, also known as The Great Barrier Reef of Australia (Queensland) and acclaimed world wide as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is a “hot spot for thrill seekers”. Endowed with richness of biodiversity, covering around 900 islands, like Palm Island, Havannah Island etc, stretching over a distance of more than 3,000 kilometers this place is an ideal location for the various fun activities like boat tours and cruises from a single day trip to the longer voyages with boat sizes ranging from dinghies to super yachts, the glass bottomed boats and underwater observatories along with Helicopter flights and the best of them all “Scuba Diving”.

Due to vast range and very rich biodiversity, warm clear waters and accessibility from the guest houses named as ‘live aboards’ the Reef is a favored destination for these activities. Also, several continental and coral islands have been turned into attractive resorts for example the pristine resort island of Lady Elliot Island. These coupled with the proper management of the concerned authorities are good enough to convert a good experience into a memorable one.

The Bora-Bora island, French Polynesia

For those who love the beach, the cool breeze under palm trees, diving and tranquility, a paradise never imagined is waiting on the beaches of French Polynesia. French Polynesia is an archipelago of small volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean. The inhabitants are friendly; its connection with the world is null, and its beaches … a dream.

Caribbean beaches are beautiful, Hawaii beaches too, but these small Pacific islands apart from being isolated from the world they have volcanic landscapes with coral reefs and colorful bays that provide a unique marine life difficult to see elsewhere in the world.

Tourism in French Polynesia is very exclusive. This expensive destination asserts its charm. Within the group of “Society Islands” stands Thaiti Island, where the capital of French Polynesia is located. This paradise has several first-class hotels offering luxurious services on its shores. However, Thaiti is not the most impressive island. Among the best beaches in French Polynesia include the island of Moorea, with a stunning scenery, clear waters and rich marine life, but without doubt the most shocking island is Bora Bora.

Kremlin and St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow, Russia

The Moscow Kremlin is the most famous kremlin in all of Russia. Pictures of the Kremlin show a red-walled fortress-like enclosure that holds cathedrals, palaces, government buildings, and some surprising, oversized remnants of the past.

The Kremlin, as in centuries past, is the center of government in Russia. But it's also a historic heart of Moscow and one of the city's most important and most visited sights. Visiting the Kremlin should be on every Moscow traveler's list of things to do. There, you can explore the Kremlin's grounds, take photos, view cathedral interiors, and be amazed by museums treasures.

Just outside the Kremlin Gates is St. Basil's Cathedral, also called the Cathedral of the Protection of the Mother of God. St. Basil's Cathedral is a carnival of painted onion domes in the most expressive of Russo-Byzantine traditions. St. Basil's was built between 1554 and 1560 and reflects the renewed interest in traditional Russian styles during the reign of Ivan IV (the Terrible).

Ivan IV built St. Basil's Cathedral to honor Russia's victory over the Tatars at Kazan. It is said that Ivan the Terrible had the architects blinded so that they could never again design a building so beautiful.

The Kremlin and St. Basil's Cathedral were finalists in a campaign to choose New 7 Wonders of the World.

The Grand Canyon of Colorado, USA

Grand Canyon attracts the attention of the world for many reasons, but perhaps its greatest significance lies in the geologic record preserved and exposed here. The rocks at Grand Canyon are not inherently unique. Similar rocks are found throughout the world. What is unique about the geologic record at Grand Canyon is the variety of rocks present, the clarity with which they are exposed, and the complex geologic story they tell.

The Grand Canyon is stretched out in an area of 277 miles (446 kilometers) length, 18 miles (29 kilometers) wide and 1.83 kilometers (6000 feet) deep. John Wesley Powel who was an American Explorer, teacher, geologist and also a war veteran has described the Grand Canyon thus, "The glories and beauties of form, color, and sound unite in the Grand Canyon – forms unrivaled even by the mountains, colors that vie with sunsets and sounds that span the diapason from tempest to tinkling raindrop, from cataract to bubbling fountain."

How old is the canyon itself? The early history and evolution of the Colorado River (of which Grand Canyon is only a part) is the most complex aspect of Grand Canyon geology. We know that the erosion which has shaped the canyon has occurred only in the past five to six million years. This is only yesterday, considering the age of the rocks through which the river has carved.

Grand Canyon continues to grow and change. As long as rain and snow continue to fall in northern Arizona, the forces of erosion will continue to shape Grand Canyon.

Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

The Pyramids of Giza are the most famous monuments of ancient Egypt. These massive stone structures were built around 4500 years ago on a rocky desert plateau close to the Nile. But the intriguing Egyptian pyramids were more than just tombs for kings. The mysteries surrounding their symbolism, design and purpose have inspired passionate debate. It is likely that many of these mysteries will never be solved... so... enjoy the pics... as always.

Seven Wonders Part 7: Taj Mahal, India

The history of Taj Mahal doesn't only speak of the creative magnificence but also delivers a story of love. The Splendor monument of Taj Mahal Agra have the very unique history. The facts and historic information of Taj Mahal shows that it is created by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife.

Taj Mahal stands as a radiant example of love of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaj Mahal. She was a Muslim Persian and earlier recognized as Arjumand Banu Begum. At the tender age of fourteen Shah Jahan was blessed with love for Mumtaj Mahal and in 1612 they both got married.

The constructions of Taj Mahal started in 1631. To make Taj Mahal best of the best's stonecutters, curvers, masons, inlayers, dome builders, calligraphers and other artificers were called from the whole of the realm and from Iran and Central Asia. Garnets were brought from Bundlekhand region, Coral from Arabia, Red sandstone from Fatehpur Sikri, Jade and Crystal from China, Jasper from Punjab, Sapphire and Lapis Lazuli from Sri Lanka. Twenty two thousand laborers and one thousand elephants were engaged to create one of the seven greatest wonder of the world. White marble of Taj Mahal symbolizes purity, transparency and innocence, and has been the perfect match to describe the relationship that Shah Jahan and Mumtaj shared. The white marbles were brought from central Asia and all over India. The profundity of Indo ? Islamic antiquity has been well exhibited in the architectural grandeur of Taj Mahal. Taj Mahal, the epitome of love, finally got completed in the year of 1653 with the expenditure of around thirty two million rupees.

Seven Wonders Part 6: Roman Colosseum, Italy

This post is very special to me, I was fortunate to be able to see the Colosseum of Rome live. this happened when I was studying Italian language and made a study trip.

The Colosseum, (the Flavian Amphitheatre) is one of Rome's most famous buildings and enduring monuments to the culture of the ancient Romans. Construction was initiated by the Emperor Vespasian around 72 AD.

The huge theater was originally built encompassing four floors. The first three had arched entrances, while the fourth floor utilized rectangular doorways. The floors each measured between 10,5-13,9 meters (32-42 feet) in height. The total height of the construction was approximately 48 meters (144 feet). The arena measured 79 x 45 meters (237-135 feet), and consisted of wood and sand. (The word "arena" is derived from the Latin arena, which means "sand.") Nets along the sides protected the audience.

The Colosseum had a total spectator capacity of 45,000-55,000. The Amphitheater is built of travertine outside, and of tufa and brick in the interior. The main pedestals were built of marble blocks weighing 5 metric tons (11,000 pounds.) Initially the huge marble blocks were held together by metal-pins. However, the pins were soon carried off by thieves, and had to be replaced by mortar.

The audience, upon entering, climbed sloping ramps to their seats, according to gender and social class. A wooden floor covered subterranean chambers where the gladiators and animals were kept waiting to perform. There is some debate over the idea that the Colosseum was occasionally flooded for mock naval battles. There were canals in place that could have been used for this purpose but the brick used in construction was not the same type of material that they normally used in water resistant materials.

The Colosseum was the Empire's primary stage for gladiatorial combat for nearly 4 centuries. In a show of Rome's wealth and extravagance, during the opening ceremonies in 80 AD, 100 days of the games were held.