I recently came across the top 25 landmarks of the World, as voted for on Trip Advisor. Last week I listed 10 to 6 and here are the top 5 with suggestions about how you can see them on holiday!
5 – The Bayon Temple (Angkor) – Siem Reap, Cambodia
As part of the massive Angkor Temple complex, and central to the inner city of Angkor Thom, the multi-faced Bayon temple is one of the best loved remnants from the great centre of the Khmer civilisation. With approximately 200 enigmatic faces peering out it, like the tree covered Ta Phrom temple, is a must-see in any visit to Angkor. Being flat you can easily visit Angkor by bike an even take an Elephant ride if you would like.
4 – Petra – Jordan
This is one of the great “lost cities” of the world and is such a magnificent site that there is no chance of any disappointment. It is a magical approach through the narrow gorge (siq) and then there are a succession of highlights to enjoy. You should aim to have two full days here and, perhaps, also head down to enjoy Petra by candle night. Your visit here will be central to a 1 week or 10 day stay in Jordan or you could do Petra alone in a long weekend.
The famous Bengali poet, Tagore, described the Taj Mahal as “a teardrop on the face of eternity” and it is not only the high point of Mughal architecture but one of the most instantly recognisable buildings in the world. Try to see it at different times of day, including sunrise or sunset, to enjoy the variations of light and do not rush your time. There will be crowds but you can find space if you give yourself time. Ensure you also visit Agra Fort, perhaps get a view of the Taj across the Yaumna River and definitely visit the nearby deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri. Many visitors will visit the Taj as part of a Golden Triangle tour – 1 week to 10 days – but given its proximity by car or train to Delhi it is easy to add on a couple of days here after any visit to north India.
2 – Angkor Wat – Siem Reap, Cambodia
As the centrepiece and best known temple of the Angkor complex, and perhaps the most famous sight in South-East Asia, Angkor Wat is majestic. The massive towers rising up from the central section are stunning from any direction and then once you get inside you will discover the intricate stone work throughout. You will need a minimum of 2 days just to do justice to the highlights of Angkor, including the Bayon above, while if you add in the additional sights of the area, perhaps also including the fishing villages of Tonle Sap then 4 days would be ideal.
1 – Machu Pichu – Peru
This really is one of the greatest South American sights and a must see if you visit Peru. Constructed on dizzying slopes in the heart of the Andes the exact nature of the city is still not known. Ideally you will visit over two days, again to get a variety of light and to guard against inclement weather – there is plenty of accommodation in nearby Aguas Calientes and it ranges up to the luxurious level. The approach itself can be by a magnificent train ride or on foot along the Inca Trail for which you will need a minimum of 3 days or you could take a longer, less crowded route. Given the altitude and the other highlights of Peru; Cuzco, Lake Titicaca and the Amazon to name a few, a minimum of 10 days should be allowed. For a real extravaganza combine Machu Pichu with the Galapagos Islands!
For the full list see here. Don’t forget to contact us at Putney Travel if you want to visit any of them – we can speak from personal experience having visited 8 of the top 10.
by TMS