If you ask me what is the most beautiful place on earth, my answer would be that this planet earth as a whole is beyond gorgeous to me! A place inhabited by billions of humans, millions of species of flora and fauna, a variety of wildlife and it boasting of endless picturesque sights your breath would race for, there cannot be just a handful of places making it to the list of the most wonderful spots to visit. However, to make it doable for the keen travellers to choose from some of the magnificent must-visit locations, we have attempted to club in 30 world famous destinations(in no particular hierarchy) from across the globe. So, have a look and choose for yourself.
- Giza, Egypt
Not to be excluded from the list of an ardent traveller, a historical wonder that is home to the Great Sphinx and the famous Great Pyramid of Giza, this city remained Egypt’s capital during the first pharaohs’ reign and is a treat of sights for the seeking eyes.
- Shark Bay, Australia
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and an extreme west point on mainland Australia, Shark Bay originated before Captain Cook located land at Botany Bay, with Dutch explorers landing the spot in17th century. The site is a mix of different things ranging from a beach showcasing tiny white shells and stromatolites on the Hamelin Pool share to the salt mine at Useless Loop that gives the finest and purest form of salt ever known.
- Iguazú Falls, Argentina
Native legend denotes that a significant deity who was dismissed by his mortal lover cut the rivers in anger, hence forming the waterfalls. Famous for being the largest waterfall group in the world, the Iguazú falls can be seen on the borders of Argentina and Brazil and they make up for an unforgettable natural site to be visited.
- Andaman And Nicobar Islands, India
An undisputed choice for numerous honeymooners in India is this vacay Islands well known for its romantic beaches, heroic diving and fairy-tale sites amidst almost mythical set up of nature to swear by. Memories that I personally took back from there have widespread opaque emerald water circled by ancient forests and mangrove jungles, snow like shores and crimson sunsets.
- Barcelona, Spain
Many say and believe that Barcelona is the world’s most beautiful city. Well known for its brilliant football team, outstanding architecture, magnificent churches, pretty pedestrian thoroughfare : La Rambla, gorgeous nightlife, authentically rich cuisine, high cultural heritage and vibrant festivals attracting world tourists, Barcelona is surrounded by dense wooded mountains and beautiful sandy beaches that I still remember myself.
- St Petersburg, Russia
My second favourite city in Russia is this historical city of grandeur architectural and performing art marvel which was the imperial capital of Russia over two centuries. My preferred part of St. Pete’s trip is the mid-June sun that never really sets and you get to experience the one of its kind, the white night sight. And yes, don’t miss the State Hermitage museum as well as the famous ballet-Swan Lake at the Mariinsky Theatre.
- Lofoten Islands, Norway
Someone who wants to enjoy the blend of winter and spring should definitely tick mark the Lofoten Islands in Norway. Situated in the Arctic and due to the elevation, it often records some of the warmest temperatures in summers and otherwise it’s also a chosen spot for those planning to watch the Northern Lights in the winter season.
- The Golden Cape (Zlatni Rat), Croatia
Counted amongst the top European beaches, the Golden Cape is situated on the Croatian Island of Brač and is famous for its crystal blue waters, white pebble beach, fresh air, wide sun exposure and its unique placement. What amazes the tourist is its layout which resembles a tongue stretching out about half a kilometre cutting into the sea.
- Nanda Devi, Uttarakhand
Circled by Nanda Devi National Park, Nanda Devi is the second highest peak in the world and is a must-visit for towering marvel or adventure lovers. The mesmerising blend of native flora and wild fauna is an unmissable attribute of this place. Some of the famous species that can be spotted here include the snow leopards, Himalayan black and brown bears, serow, cheer pheasants and Himalayan tahr.
- Antarctica
People like me who enjoy their me time, solo time over the option of socialising, Antarctica is a place which can be a haven for the seekers. The coldest, driest, windiest and most extreme continent on the globe is also largely inhabitable for most living beings. However, it could be an adventure to visit the unadulterated, serene, pristine lands of Antarctica on one of your trips and give some company to the full timers there such as seals, penguins and other marine creatures.
- Paris, France
Two times and yet I am not yet done soaking in the immense beauty that this iconic city has to offer. Starting from the timeless artistic architecture, striking boulevards, halcyon city parks, pre-eminent art collection, high quality fashion stores, alluring patisseries, scrumptious food options, macarons display, world-class, and grand classic places to stay, this sleepless beauty has abundant to offer. My all time favourite in Paris would remain the cafes and bistros settled in the sempiternal old time cobbled streets.
- Blue Lagoon, Iceland
When in the mood to halt the rat race of modern life and switch to a wonder world and harmonise with true nature, go discover the waters of the Blue Lagoon and journey through a spa of the volcanic earth. Who doesn’t know about Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon trademark colour, but seldom people know that it comes from the silica-rich waters that nourish it. Your eyes would feast on ethereal nature and your skin would love the goods done by the geothermal water.
- St. Basil’s Cathedral, Moscow, Russia
I have lost count of how many times I visited this place during my years spent in Moscow. Built from 1555 to 1561 on orders from Ivan the Terrible, commonly known as Saint Basil’s Cathedral, is an Orthodox church in Red Square of Moscow, and is one of the most popular cultural symbols of Russia. A must visit if you love art, history, culture and architectural miracles.
Legend has it that after St. Basil’s Cathedral was constructed; Ivan the Terrible rendered the architect unsighted and blinded to impede him from recreating anything as marvelous again.
- Bagan, Myanmar
Famous for its thousands of Buddhist temples and pagodas, Bagan is an ancient city located in central Myanmar. Cultural, heritage, ancient architecture, history and mesmerising views, this place has it all for enthusiasts to explore. And yes don’t miss the hot air balloon ride at sunrise, it would give an altogether another view of the place from the top.
- Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
For the lovers of nature’s vibrant colours and varied flora, the time to watch Russell Lupins during November-December each year is unmissable. Although numerous fields bloom with Russell Lupins across New Zealand’s South Island, one of the most beautiful spots to go Lupin-spotting is in Fiordland National Park which also homes the equally gorgeous Milford Sound.
- Bayon, Cambodia
Located in the heart of Angkor Thom, a unique architectural endeavour, Bayon is a 12th-century state temple which was built in honour of one of Cambodia’s most famous kings, Jayavarman VII. If looked at minutely, one can observe that the design showcases the shift from Hinduism to Mahayana Buddhism. Fifty-four gothic towers carved with 216 gargantuan smiling faces of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion, fill the temple’s aura.
- The Forbidden City in Beijing, China
The Forbidden City remained as the imperial palace of China’s emperors for five centuries and is one of the most delicately and wonderfully preserved examples of ancient Chinese architecture. Placed in the centre of Beijing, it’s a must-visit tourist stop.
- Lake Baikal, Russia
Home to planet’s only freshwater seals, earth’s oldest and deepest lake takes a depth of upto one mile in some places through its widespread, isn’t that amazing! In summers the place offers lots of water sports and in winter, the lake converts into a living fairyland and world’s largest skating rink with a solidified ice landscape and jagged ice caves. I can never forget the experience of driving on the ice lake for more than 30 kilometres one way and having an early morning breakfast in the middle of nowhere on this marvellous frozen lake. A must visit for sure.
- Mù Cang Chải, Vietnam
A very less discovered tourist place is this rural district that comprises far spread rice paddy-terraced mountains, green pastures, twisting water streams and birds chirping all along, will certainly give you a feel of having been transported to good old unpolluted, pristine era amidst the nature’s own beautiful setup.
- Santorini, Greece
I have been to other Greek islands too, however Santorini undeniably tops the list. The beauty of this island is incomparable to any other in the world. The amazing Caldera formed by the volcanic eruption centuries ago, resulted in the most amazing sea views a human eye can ever see. Santorini is a very popular holiday destination, with its stunning turquoise waters, picturesque villages, great fun activities including wine-tasting, authentic Greek cuisine, boat excursions and island hopping. Don’t miss it if you are in Greece.
- Bali, Indonesia
Most famous from Indonesia’s 17,000 islands, Bali is a world famous tourist destination. It observes an average temperature of about 30°C year round and is always crowded by tourists from across the world. You name it and Bali has it. Beautiful beaches, expanded green rice paddies, lush forests, water streams, vast jungles, artsy surroundings, low-key villages explorable by bicycle, amazing nightlife, vibrant clubs and abundant options for local shopping. I haven’t had enough of Bali during my previous two visits, hence going there soon again.
- Marrakech, Morocco
Plan for a few days before you visit Marrakech and get lost wandering around alleyways that are no less than a web of mazes. Explore the city which is located at the foot of the Atlas Mountains and witness its vibrant souk-bazaar areas, exquisite palaces and lush green gardens.
- Pamukkale, Turkey
Pamukkale is home to the wonderfully preserved remains of the ancient Roman spa-city Hierapolis where you can soak yourself in these natural, snow-white hot springs to rejuvenate and enjoy the view overlooking the city of Denizli. Nothing can beat the luxurious experience of bathing like an emperor/empress among the inundated centuries-old columns at Hierapolis.
- Machu Picchu, Peru
Credited unanimously as the most magnificent urban creation of the Inca Empire, this ancient terraced site sits on top of a mountain, 8,000 feet in the tropical forest and offers a breathtakingly beautiful sight with an endemic biodiversity blend of flora and fauna. One of the most visited World Heritage sites, this city’s mind-boggling architecture and panoramic views of the encircling mountains will leave you spellbound on your visit to Peru.
- Greenland
The world’s biggest non-continental island is ice-bound, mystifying and falls amongst one of the most naturally beguiling and aesthetic places on earth. Greenland has endless stupendously spectacular glaciers, romantically magnificent fjords, vibrant colourful villages, abundant sheep herds and the enchanting midnight sun that would keep your dreamy eyes far from falling asleep.
- Banff National Park, Canada
Canada’s first national park, Banff’s glacial lakes are immensely pristine and have some of the bluest water you would ever see. Either step outdoors and explore the Park’s varied offering or just sit back, relax in one of the luxurious homely lakeside lodges and cherish the natural beauty.
- The Alps
If you are a skiing enthusiast, the Alps is your place for sure. Spreaded and stretched across eight countries – Switzerland, France, Italy, Monaco, Germany, Austria Liechtenstein and Slovenia – the Alps are the most vividly expansive mountain range in Europe. Over and above, you would not be saved from getting enchanted by the surreal beauty of these tall standing guards of nature, I still feel I am under the spell of Alps.
- Venice, Italy
Extensively romantic, an architectural marvel, a canal laden floating city, Venice is the dream of the dreamer.
Choose a gondola ride on waters traversing through the city or take sidewalks and cross the opulently arched bridges, you would never be satiated in this uniquely alive European city. I personally enjoyed some of the exquisite restaurants located immaculately across the canals.
- Zhangye Danxia Geopark, China
Geology enthusiasts and camera obsessed people both would equally and magnetically get drawn to these out of the world nature’’s own vibrant paintings. The colours of this so-called “Rainbow Mountains” came into being by the layers of sedimentary mineral deposits that accumulated over millions of years and the magic that is created upon looking at the flowy, artistry colours all together is something no one would like to miss for any other mundane thing.
- Copenhagen, Denmark
Quite in contrast to what I had preconceived about Copenhagen, I encountered a very forward-thinking and cool young society, design devotees, food fanatics, art lovers and adventure connoisseurs. There is so much of well preserved cobbled stone streets in amalgamation of the very urban and upto date city infrastructure. The countryside is a haven for nature wizards and the night club party scenes are over the top. You would surely fall in love with Copenhagen just as I did.